When Bella was six months old, we took her on her first trip to Rotterdam, a special journey not just for her but for my mom and sister as well. It was their third month in Germany and their second time visiting the Netherlands, but this time, instead of Amsterdam, we chose Rotterdam—a beautiful city that was perfect for a day trip.
We had originally wanted to tour my mom and sister around Europe, but with Bella still so young, long trips weren’t ideal. Instead, we decided on a destination that was not too far to drive, making it easier for her. Rotterdam was a great choice—it had plenty to see and do, yet it wasn’t overwhelming or exhausting. As always, Bella was a wonderful little traveler. The drive was smooth, and she remained content in her car seat, watching the world pass by as we made our way to the city.
Once we arrived, we set off on foot, enjoying walking from one tourist spot to another. Rotterdam’s modern skyline, unique architecture, and spacious streets made exploring effortless, especially with a stroller. Unlike other major European cities, it wasn’t overcrowded, so we could take our time, stop when needed, and truly soak in the beauty around us. My mom and sister loved it—they had fun taking photos, admiring the sights, and experiencing a different side of the Netherlands.
One of the highlights was crossing the bridge to see the other side of the city. The view was stunning, and it felt refreshing to be in a place that was both vibrant and relaxing at the same time. Bella, as usual, was quietly taking everything in, her big curious eyes darting around as she observed her surroundings. Even at just six months old, she seemed to enjoy the change of scenery, the fresh air, and the movement of being outdoors.
For my husband and me, Rotterdam wasn’t new—we had visited before. But this trip felt different. Seeing the city through my mom and sister’s eyes, and most importantly, through Bella’s, made everything feel fresh and exciting again. It was special to be the ones showing them around, introducing them to new places, and making new memories together as a family.
Though we didn’t travel far, this trip reminded us that sometimes, it’s not about how many miles you cover but about the moments you create along the way. Rotterdam was a wonderful choice for Bella’s early travel experiences—manageable, beautiful, and full of discoveries for all of us.
