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EN
A self-guided trip to Europe with my small family was planned two years in advance.
As a photographer, Mac Ky Nhu (Hanoi) has captured moments from his 30-day self-guided trip to Europe through gentle and charming photographs. He and his wife, Thu Trang, are both passionate travelers and photographers. Before getting married, they took their own wedding photos at 20 locations across Asia. Currently, Ky Nhu, Thu Trang, and their 5-year-old son, Khoi Nguyen, are exploring many famous places in Europe after planning their trip nearly two years ago.
As a photographer, Mac Ky Nhu documented the entire journey of her small family's self-guided European trip through gentle and charming photographs.
Not only are the photos captivating because of the sweet moments the small family shares, but the color scheme, setting, and individual styling of each member make everyone who sees them swoon over the super adorable and lively family photos of Ky Nhu.
“Previously, my husband and I both loved traveling. After getting married, we’ve had many short trips of 3-7 days, or 7-15 days. Longer trips include a 30-day trip to Japan, a 30-day trip across Vietnam, and now a 30-day trip to Europe. Our child has traveled since a young age, so she also loves to travel and experience many things, which has made her confident in communication and eager to explore with her parents,” Mac Ky Nhu shared.
Passionate about traveling, Mac Ky Nhu, along with his wife and son, explores many different destinations each year. Besides short trips, the couple also plans and arranges their own round-the-world journey.
Mac Ky Nhu and his wife are currently traveling in many European countries, having visited France, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, and more. Upon arriving in each region, Mac Ky Nhu is impressed by the unique culture, scenery, weather, and overall atmosphere, making each destination a fascinating and memorable experience.
“My impressions are definitely still of Switzerland, with its picturesque views from every angle and impeccable service. Or Italy, the southern region of the Dolomites offers incredibly majestic scenery. Or Rome, where you can admire all the colossal architectural structures; it feels like stepping back into ancient Rome,” Ky Nhu recounted.
Ky Nhu was impressed with Switzerland because every corner of it looked like a painting.
Before each trip, Ky Nhu said that because she has a young child, she has to carefully consider the route, travel schedule, meals, and shopping, making everything more thorough and complete. However, her son is already used to traveling with his parents, so everything isn't too unfamiliar. "There are many difficulties on each trip, because everything is a first-time experience, and we have to learn everything one by one. Sometimes we travel by public transport, other times we rent a car and drive ourselves, so we have to ask questions and learn as we go. But the biggest barrier is still the language," Mac Ky Nhu said.
A mesmerizing sunset scene in a lavender field, southern France.
Things to note when traveling independently in Europe.
The entire 30-day travel plan was researched by Ky Nhu using Google Maps, and both transportation and hotels were booked online in advance. At each stop, the small family made sure to take photos to mark and preserve memories. But what's special is that to ensure all three family members are in the photos, Ky Nhu mainly used a tripod, adjusted the shooting angle, and set the camera to automatic mode.
A heartwarming photo collection of the little family.
“Mostly, families take photos of each other themselves, using a tripod and remote control to take pictures of the whole family. They can also ask for help from friends they meet on the trip. Because I work as a photographer, it's easier for me to create each photo set. For other families, you should prepare a compact but sturdy camera and tripod, a remote control, or a camera that connects to a phone so you can view and adjust the shooting angle on it. Choose sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful shots,” Ky Nhu added.
Before each photoshoot, the couple Ky Nhu and Thu Trang prepare outfits for the whole family, ensuring they are coordinated "ton sur ton" (matching colors) to suit the scenery at each location. They also capture the most genuine expressions and gestures, thanks to the cooperation of their young son, in every frame under the camera lens. Not only do they capture many cute and memorable moments, but the trip also leaves the family with many cherished memories. With their passion and love for their family, these photos taken in a new place will further strengthen the bond between family members.
Many people, after seeing Ky Nhu's photos, immediately want to pack their bags and go with their family.
In addition, independent travel requires clear planning in advance, perhaps by reading travel experiences from those who have already traveled. Thorough research is essential for preparation, such as having a SIM card, booking flights, and reserving accommodation.
According to Ky Nhu, road trips in Europe are quite similar to those in Vietnam, so they aren't too difficult. However, tourists are required to exchange their driver's license in Vietnam beforehand and bring the original license with them. Some driving laws should be carefully read to avoid violations. Driving yourself is also a fun experience, allowing you to move around freely and stop anywhere to admire the scenery or take photos. Additionally, in some countries with high theft rates like France or Italy, documents must be kept very carefully, especially if traveling with young children. For added peace of mind, Ky Nhu's family purchased airtags (tracking devices) to attach to all luggage and backpacks.
At each stop along the way, the small family never forgot to take photos to mark and preserve the memories.
