The One Where The Smiths Celebrated 25 Years of Togetherness in Scandinavia
I have never seen a couple more handsome than my parents. Especially in this generation.
In an era where love feels fleeting, our parents stand as a pillar of commitment and romance. They’ve shown us what it means to love through thick and thin, and to celebrate this incredible milestone, we knew we had to do something just as remarkable.
So, with a dash of surprise, and a whole lot of joy, my sister and I sat our parents down and announced: “Pack your bags; you’re off to Scandinavia!”
We booked the entire trip through Thrillophilia, the travel company that made us a bit nervous at first since it's based out of America.
But after reading their reviews and taking suggestions from my contacts in India, I coordinated with them about our plans, and all that hesitation melted away. And as the journey unfolded, Thrillophilia truly became a hero of my story, creating an experience that felt like a grand, cinematic romance set against the Scandinavian backdrop.
The Surprise of a Lifetime
We had talked with Thrillophilia to make it a special package as it was our parents’ 25th anniversary and oh boy - they did not disappoint us.
And the moment we arrived at our first stop in Stockholm, we saw something that made the months of planning worth it: pure joy. Thrillophilia had arranged for a romantic surprise in their hotel room — a scene that would make anyone’s heart flutter.
The bed was adorned with love swans, a bottle of champagne was waiting in an ice bucket, and delicate rose petals whispered a warm welcome. Our parents entered the room, half-bashful, stealing glances at each other, as if they were back to being newlyweds. It was adorable watching them blush in front of us.
And the surprises didn’t end there! Thrillophilia had arranged a date night just for them in the heart of Stockholm.
When they returned, our mom couldn’t stop smiling as she recounted their candlelit dinner, how Dad had stumbled over his words while proposing a toast, making her laugh in a way that we always thought was reserved for younger couples.
The Land Where Romance Echoes
Our next stop was the fjords of Norway, a destination that felt like nature’s own anniversary gift. We’ve heard stories of majestic landscapes, but nothing quite prepared us for the fjords’ sheer grandeur. Towering cliffs embraced by mist, cascading waterfalls, and a serenity that felt almost holy — it was as if the world paused just for them.
As we cruised through the deep fjord waters, our dad whispered to us, “I’ve always wanted to take your mom somewhere special, somewhere that could match her beauty.”
And with the fjords stretching around us, he gazed into her eyes, and said, “This... this is it, but still not compared to you, my love” The whole scene felt like a movie, and I think we were all a little teary-eyed.
In moments like these, we felt deeply thankful for Thrillophilia’s impeccable planning. Not only had they arranged the entire cruise, but they also managed the finer details — a surprise bouquet on the boat, a photographer who captured candid moments, and even an evening toast with Norwegian akvavit.
A Fairytale Experience
Our final leg of the journey was in Copenhagen, a city that has romance embedded in its very soul. Our parents were taken on a private tour of the city, arranged meticulously by Thrillophilia.
They strolled through the Tivoli Gardens, walked by the Nyhavn canal lined with colourful houses, and explored the Rosenborg Castle with all its opulent grandeur.
Mom kept saying that Copenhagen felt like stepping into a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. “I half expect the Little Mermaid to appear around the corner,” she joked.
At one point, she even attempted to mimic the fairy tales Andersen might have written, narrating their love story as if it were a legend of old. “Once upon a time,” she began, and we laughed, charmed by her whimsy.
In the evening, Thrillophilia had arranged a sunset cruise for just the two of them, with live violin music and champagne. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we watched them clink their glasses, silhouettes against the soft, glowing waters.
A Dance of Love
But there was one more chapter to this Nordic adventure, a chapter that truly felt like a blessing from the universe itself: the Northern Lights. Thrillophilia had organised an overnight excursion to Norway’s remote northern regions, where we had a chance to witness the aurora borealis. It was cold, it was late, and we were all huddled together in blankets, waiting with bated breath.
And then, the sky danced. Vibrant green and violet hues illuminated the heavens, swirling and flickering like an ethereal ballet. We stood in awe, but it was our parents’ reaction that made this experience unforgettable.
They stood there in silence, gazing up at the Northern Lights, two souls perfectly aligned in the vast cosmos. It was as if the lights had arrived just for them, as if they too were celebrating this love that had endured through years, storms, and sunshine alike.
Reflections of a Journey Well-Loved
Looking back, this trip felt like a storybook that Thrillophilia had so thoughtfully planned for us, each page brimming with love, laughter, and memories. Every part of Scandinavia seemed to tell a story that resonated with our parents’ own journey.
We returned home with a camera roll full of stunning landscapes, moments of pure joy, and stories that we will tell for years to come. To Thrillophilia, we owe a world of gratitude for understanding that this journey was more than just an itinerary.
It was a love story celebrated, a family moment shared, and an experience that we will cherish forever.
Read more: Thrillophilia Scandinavia Reviews