My 84-year-old grandpa invited himself on my trip abroad. We had an incredible time, and he had more energy than I did.

• When I told my grandpa I'd booked a solo trip to Malta, I didn't expect him to want to join me.
• We revisited moments from his past and chatted for hours, making unforgettable memories.
• Now, I realize just how valuable it is to have the opportunity to travel with a grandparent.

To me, Malta had always seemed like a special place.

I'd grown up hearing stories from my dad about the joys of his childhood on the island, from after-school swims to days spent cliff-jumping.

Although I'd been there as a kid, I wanted to go back as an adult to see what magic I'd missed on past visits and learn more about some of my family's roots.

So, last year, I booked a two-week solo trip to Malta. When I told my paternal grandpa about my plans, though, I had no idea he'd take it as an invitation to join me for a week.

Before I knew it, he'd bought his plane tickets, dug up his 50-year-old translation book, and had a map of Malta unfolded on the table.

I was nervous about us traveling together, but I soon felt guilty for ever doubting him

My grandpa and I have always had a close bond thanks to years of weekly FaceTimes with him and my nana, plus our annual trips together.

Still, I couldn't help feeling a little cautious, wondering if we'd drive each other mad (correction, if he'd drive me mad) after spending seven days straight together.

Would we run out of things to talk about? At 84 years old, would he slow me down?

Upon reflection, I feel a bit guilty for ever doubting him. I mean, exploring the streets of Valletta hardly compares to skydiving on his 80th birthday or climbing a mountain on his 83rd.

He carries an adventurous spirit into everything he does, and visiting Malta together was no exception. From jumping out of boats into crystal clear waters to walking almost 13,000 steps a day in the sun, I was the one who needed power naps — not him.

Throughout our trip, we thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, often ending our busy days by sharing a few glasses of wine.

I'll remember and cherish these moments forever, not because I may have let a few too many secrets about my smoking and drinking habits at university slip, but because at 25 and 84 years old, we never ran out of things to talk about. Our conversations were truly special.

One of my favorite moments, though, was when we visited his old home in Mtarfa, where the well-known kindness of the Maltese people truly shone.

The current owners welcomed us inside and allowed us to wander the halls where my dad once ran around as a boy.

Having lost my nana a few years ago, this experience felt all the more emotional and touching. Seeing her old bedroom and the garden where she used to sunbathe (with her pet duck sitting on her back), it's no surprise that my papa and I found ourselves a little emotional.

Sharing this experience with my grandpa was incredibly special

Although our trip wasn't all smooth sailing — grandparents, please stop zooming in so much when you take photos — I found it to be a gentle reminder that spending time with your loved ones is the most important thing in life.

My grandpa painted a picture of what Malta was like 50 years ago — a time when life felt simpler, more stripped-back, and fully lived — and sharing this experience gave me a deeper understanding of why it was so special to my dad.

After ordering my grandpa an Uber to the airport (his disbelief that you could hire a car through your phone still fresh in my mind), I admittedly felt a little sad.

Maybe it was because I'd now be on my own for another week, but more than anything, it was the overwhelming gratitude for the special week we'd just shared.

It's a trip we both say we'll always hold close to our hearts, and one we look forward to taking again.

If you ever needed a sign to visit loved ones, let this be it — life's too short not to spend time with family.