As Emma Martin’s months-long journey with her family of five came to a close, she learnt travel doesn’t need to be loud, fast, or filled with plans.
Sometimes the best moments are the ones that happen in between, barefoot in the grass, swimming at sunset or sharing a meal made by hand. Traveling with three children through France and Italy brought moments of chaos and calm in equal measure, and somehow in the middle, she found her version of peace.
As she reflects on the final weeks of her journey, Em carries with her not only memories, but a new way of seeing the world, one that feels lighter and closer to home.
Nice, France – A Surprise Favourite
Of all the destinations on her European itinerary, Nice was the one that surprised her the most. What began as a casual stop along the coast quickly became one of her favourite places. “I didn’t expect to love it,” says Em, “but it felt easy and somehow grounding.”
The city’s simple rhythm suited her family perfectly. From mornings at the local market, swimming in the ocean before the crowds arrived and exploring neighbouring towns, the warmth of July and August gave Nice a glow that left an impression on the family. “It is somewhere we would go in a heartbeat.” Em adds.
Em Recommends:
Saint-Tropez for its golden evenings and sunlit freedom. Those sunset swims off the pier, the warmth of the water, and the magic of being exactly where you’re meant to be made it an unforgettable moment in time.
Letting Go
In our earlier edition of her travel journal, Em spoke about the pressure of “doing it all.” The urge to see every landmark and to share every experience, is one that’s hard to ignore in an age of constant connection.
“The pressure is always there,” she admits. “Especially when you’re online.” Em shares. But over the course of her travels, that urgency softened. Meeting like-minded travellers who embraced the philosophy of slow travels reminded her to sink into the everyday and to let a day unfold without expectation.
For Em, this became one of the most valuable lessons of the trip. Simply being in a new country with three children is enough. “You don’t need to chase ten recommendations,” she reflects. “Just being there is the real achievement.”
Em Recommends:
La Grande Crèmerie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. A cosy and convivial wine bar and restaurant offering fresh seasonal fare and a fine selection of organic and biodynamic wines.
Moments that Stay
When asked which memories linger most vividly, Em reflects on their time staying in Trulli, Monopoli. Surrounded by olive trees, soft grass and sun-warmed stone, for the family it felt like stepping into another world. “It was grounding and the kids thrived there.” Says Em.
There were evenings spent jumping off piers as the sun went down, the sound of laughter echoing across the water and afternoons wandering through the whitewashed streets of Ostuni with her two eldest sons while her youngest daughter rested. “Travelling with little ones isn’t always easy,” she smiles, “but those smaller moments became the biggest ones.”
And then there was their boat day in Polignano a Mare, a memory she describes simply as “pure joy.”
Em Recommends:
Trulli Rosalinda in Monopoli. A serene escape tucked among olive trees, where slow mornings and stillness offer the perfect place to rest, reset, and reconnect after time on the road.
Family, Food & Connection
Italy offered more than beautiful views, it offered a sense of connection. One of Em’s favourite experiences was a pasta-making evening in Puglia with a local nonna, Imma, who arrived armed with flour, eggs and endless patience. Watching her boys learn to make traditional pasta by hand was a tender, grounding moment. “Imma wanted to take Walter home with her!” She laughs.
There was also the warmth of the Italian women who adored her children. In Polignano a Mare, strangers would call her daughter Agnes “bella,” touch her hair and kiss her cheeks. “It’s such a cultural expression of love,” em says. “They made us feel like family.”
Em Recommends:
Elevating your everyday style with effortlessly chic Australian labels like Viktoria & Woods, Zimmermann, and Bondi Born. These brands create timeless pieces that blend modern sophistication with laid-back coastal elegance.
European Style
Fashion often weaves naturally into Em’s creative world and her time in Europe reignited her love of colour and print. “Europe made me bolder,” she reflects. “It gave me confidence to experiment.”
While she found herself drawn to vibrant hues and mismatched patterns, the experience also deepened her appreciation for Australian design. “We’re so lucky, our designers really understand light, heat and ease,” she says.
Among her favourite pieces this summer were a white lace dress by Viktoria + Woods and a blue dress by Bondi Born, both Australian labels that captured the effortless beauty of Mediterranean living. Though she didn’t have much time for shopping, a stop in Paris led her to a Zimmermann outfit she “couldn’t leave behind.”
Her takeaway on European fashion is refreshingly simple: “The best trend here is summer itself, sun-kissed skin, ocean hair and the kind of confidence that comes from feeling alive.”
Em Recommends:
Polignano a Mare for its slow, sunlit mornings. Espresso in hand, seaside walks, and the simple joy of sharing unhurried moments with the people you love most.
Simple Lessons
Perhaps the most profound influence came not from places, but from people. “Our Italian friends showed us how to live simply,” Martin recalls. “A good olive oil, fresh pasta, long dinners are all you really need.”
The family learned to lean into slower days, swapping itineraries for long walks and shared meals. “Three months of travel with children isn’t easy,” she admits, “but it taught us so much about balance.”
Now, back on Australian soil, Em says she’s ready for the quiet of home, fresh food, routine and the hum of her studio. “This trip gave me so much inspiration, she says. “The colours, the warmth, the feeling of being fully present, I want to bring that into my work.”
Her next art release is set for January 2026, a collection she says will capture the spirit of travel, family, and the simple beauty of slowing down.
And if her time in Europe has shown anything, it’s that sometimes, doing less reveals so much more.
Sign up to Emma’s Europe waitlist to be the first to access her upcoming release.
