Escaping to the French Riviera: When Family Connection Falls Short

I recently found myself on an unplanned trip to Nice, France, a decision driven by an overwhelming need to escape the emotional storm that hit me during a family wedding in Israel. It wasn’t the wedding itself, but the stark realization that, while surrounded by family, I was still deeply alone.

There’s a special kind of loneliness that comes from being with people who are supposed to love you, yet who don't seem to care. My own nuclear family—parents, siblings—have long made me feel invisible, but this time, it wasn’t just them. It was the extended family, the aunts, uncles, and cousins who said they were excited to spend time together, but whose actions told a different story. They focused on their own lives, and their own children, while I stood on the periphery, watching as everyone else naturally fell into place. It hurt more than I expected. They probably do love me and probably have no idea how starved I am for family love and connection and how much exhaustion I feel for having to constantly make that bid instead of simply receiving it.

So, when the emotional weight became too much to bear, I left. I packed my essentials and flew to Nice. I sought solitude in places that gave me peace: the cobblestone streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the historic Cannes, and the quiet refuge of Saint Marguerite Island. Special shoutout to my aunts and cousins for chiming in with places to check out based on their own visits.

There, I found the space to breathe again. I walked for hours, the weight of family hurt still heavy but slowly easing with each step by the sea. I felt the warmth of the sun on my face, not the odd distance of family indifference. And in those moments, I started to remind myself that my worth isn’t determined by who chooses to prioritize me. It’s something I carry within myself, even if others can’t see it.

This trip was more than an escape—it was a reminder that, while I can’t always control the actions of others, I can control where I place my energy. And for now, I’m choosing to place it in the beauty of my surroundings, in the little joys of travel, and in the quiet, yet powerful act of self-care. This trip was also an opportunity for me to do something that terrified me, travel to a new country where I dont speak the language.

While I don't love the circumstances under which this trip came about, I am grateful that I got to expand my world and tolerance for things that scare me. Next time I hope that I am able to navigate these difficult family moments with more self-assurance and less timidness, because I deserve a family that includes me in their unit, and not one where I am an afterthought.

On the last day of my trip, I realized that 5 things had been my absolute must-haves while traveling around, and all of them were in the green color family. that made me laugh out loud.

Here are my 8 must-haves when traveling or doing day-to-night trips.

1. A pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes.

2. A warm yet light windbreaker with pockets and a hood.

3. A pair of sunglasses.

4. A pair of earbuds.

5. A plug adapter (in case your phone needs a full charge midway through the day)

6. A small crossbody bag or fanny pack.

7. A small wireless charger in case your phone needs a charge towards the end of the day/night.

8. And a shoulder tote bag for the days that you want to carry more with you like a book or a sketchpad or a picnic cloth.

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