Annecy, Chamonix, Geneva & Copenhagen Travel Notes
I don’t think you ever return home from international travel the same person who left. Something shifts when you step away from routines, surroundings, and familiar thought loops.
There’s so much you can’t control- you have to trust your ability to figure things out. You’re pushed to hold more discomfort, more awe, more confusion and more beauty than usual. Just navigating airports, crowded cities, transit systems, and menus in different languages rewires your tolerance for uncertainty. And how can that not change you?
This adventure was 12 days total, with two major travel days on each end. We started with short, active stays in Annecy, Chamonix and Geneva then ended with five nights in a charming airbnb townhouse in Copenhagen. It was the perfect balance. Front-loading the movement and schlepping gave us momentum—and not much time to overthink jet lag.
Huge shoutout to my sister, who mapped everything out city-by-city and to my dad, who flowed with it all. We had a loose framework: where we’d be when, how we’d get around, and a few anchor experiences in each location. My sister needed to be in Copenhagen for a conference and also wanted to catch a live Women’s Euro soccer game in Geneva—those big highlights helped the rest of the itinerary fall into place.
We loved using Google Maps on the go to fill in the rest—finding cute coffee shops, inspiring museums, unique shopping spots, vintage shops, gluten-free restaurants, and natural wine bars.
Our route:
Annecy, France (2 days) — A peaceful start. We rented a boat and swam in the turquoise lake—crisp, clear, and the perfect reset after 24 hours of travel. I was instantly reminded of why I love France: the slower pace, the old buildings, the park picnics, the wide cobblestone streets. Life here feels spacious and piques your senses. There’s less noise, fewer choices—and somehow, that makes everything feel like enough.
Chamonix, France (2 days) — A total shift into the grandeur of the French Alps. Chamonix had been on my bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. We rode a gondola up to Mont Blanc, took in wild sweeping views, and went on a few awe-inspiring hikes. There’s something about being held by mountains that reorients your footing. I’d love to come back and ski here someday!
Geneva, Switzerland (2 days) — While we were mainly here to catch the Women’s Euro soccer match, I was struck by the city’s depth. It carries a quiet elegance—ornate architecture, lakeside promenades, and a rich artistic history from the 19th century that you can still feel in the details.
The Plainpalais flea market was a treasure trove, especially for old design books and a range of expressive paintings. What stood out most in Geneva was the interplay of old and new. I loved the bold neon accents in the street posters and billboards, like flashes of innovation against a historic backdrop.
Copenhagen, Denmark (5 days) — My first time in a Nordic country—and I felt the shift immediately. Well-being, minimalism, and intentional personalization were woven into everything. Even the city design supports how people live and move. It’s cool without trying, elevated but still grounded.
After France, I especially appreciated the vibrant coffee culture, the abundance of gluten-free and vegan food, and how clean and calm everything felt. Tivoli Gardens was straight out of a fairytale—it’s the second oldest amusement park in the world- whimsical, charming, and pristine. I loved having five full days here to slow down, settle in, and really absorb the rhythm of the city. Now I’m inspired to visit Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden someday!
Most days of the trip we clocked 10,000+ steps, but I made sure to carve out one true chill day in Copenhagen to find some balance. I slept in, enjoyed a hearty brunch at Cadence, flowed through restorative yoga, took a nap, wandered the park, savored a raspberry sorbet, and capped it off with a soak at the Aire Ancient Baths—a total must if you’re near one (they have locations in New York, London, Chicago, and Barcelona too).
This was the most time I’ve spent with my sister and dad in years, and I’m coming home with a deeper appreciation for my family. We honored each other’s rhythms and pace, and I’m especially proud of how I stayed regulated myself. Normally, long travel, crowds, and an overload of stimulation can overwhelm me—but this time, I stayed centered.
Instead of pushing and crashing, I took mini breaks to recalibrate. Like one afternoon at the design museum (which was awesome)—I started fading from the heat, so I exited early, had some water with electrolytes, put a hand on my heart, closed my eyes, and reset while my dad finished the tour. That small moment of true deep rest gave me the energy to keep going. From there, we went antiquing (this place was cool), had lunch (one of our favorites was the salad trio at Smag), strolled the Nyhavn waterfront, and met my sister for happy hour at Broens outdoor food market.
My packing strategy—sticking to a color palette, and a carry-on—worked like a charm. I only skipped wearing two items: an extra pair of shorts and a sparkly Missoni tank I packed for nightlife that didn’t end up happening. Honestly, not drinking much alcohol this trip helped me stay way more grounded too. The trip MVPs were my red sneakers, white linen pants, cat-eye sunnies, and raffia tote. Also I entered my braid era in Europe! I didn’t blow dry my hair at all while I was there and it was such a treat.
5 Simple Things I Will Never Forget To Pack:
Eye mask + ear plugs — You can’t always count on quiet or darkness, especially with 4:30 am sunrises and 10:30 pm sunsets in Copenhagen.
Lavender + peppermint essential oils — Great for digestion, sunburns, or winding down at night.
Electrolyte + magnesium packets — Total game changers for hydration and recovery. Also, note to self to bring decaf instant coffee packs next time as that was a real challenge to find in all cities.
Tiny toolkit for your day tote — Bandaids, nail file, chapstick, mini spf, mini jetlag mask, charging battery. You’ll thank yourself for days on the move.
Noise cancelling headphones– For planes, trains, buses—or whenever you need to tune out and turn inward. Instant nervous system support.
So here’s to making your next trip happen!
Because travel wakes us up. It pulls us into existence. When everything is unfamiliar—signs, sounds, smells—you can’t run on autopilot. You feel more alive because you actually are fully there.
Seeing new architecture, hearing another language, tasting unfamiliar food, experiencing a different pace—all of it reminds us there’s so much more to life than what we’ve known….and what we tend to ruminate over.
And what’s worth bringing home is the reminder that contrast expands us. Stepping outside the familiar isn’t just refreshing—it’s transformative. It stretches our upper limits and takes us to places, both inside and out, we didn’t know we were ready to reach for. It becomes a way to step into a new way of being once we return home. For me, that’s the reminder of my aliveness- every day of the week.
Next up: a little hometown trip—bare feet on warm pavement, crickets at night, s’mores over the fire-pit and some quality family time before summer fades. Something nostalgic to balance out this adventure!
Where are you dreaming of going next?
