A trip to Europe with the kids becomes an even better experience with the right planning, helping you avoid quite a few unexpected hiccups.
The trip to Europe with the children may seem like a big challenge, but with the right preparation it can turn into an unforgettable family experience. From the picturesque towns of Italy to the capitals of Scandinavia, Europe offers destinations for all tastes and all ages. However, traveling with children requires a little extra planning and organization to avoid stress and savor every moment with your family.
Below, we share seven helpful tips to ensure your trip to Europe is enjoyable and safe, whether its your first getaway abroad with the children or your next family adventure.
Choose child-friendly destinations
The best way for your first family trip to be a success is to choose the right destination. In practical terms, that means picking a city that is child-friendly, depending on their age. Especially if you are traveling with small children or with a stroller, you should consider whether there are wide sidewalks that will make things easier for you, or hills and lots of stairs that will make things more challenging.
Additionally, consider the activities available there, such as childrens museums or parks and playgrounds, as well as restaurants ideal for the whole family, so you can be sure they will have a great time too. Some European cities friendly for children of every age are London, Milan, Copenhagen, Madrid, Vienna, Stockholm and Sofia. In all of the above destinations youll find either good infrastructure and short distances, pedestrian streets for strolling, or activities and museums for children as well as theme parks-amusement parks.
Make fewer stops
A big road trip or day trips by train in Europe may sound like a great idea to discover more cities and villages in a single journey, however children often cant keep up with such an itinerary. Depending on their age, they tire much more easily with lots of moving around and end up complaining. In addition, children usually need more time to get to know and absorb a destination. So, its often better to make fewer stops and spend more time, rather than make more and be rushing.
Pack with care
Packing a suitcase for a short or long trip is challenging in itself, given the airlines restrictions on dimensions and weight. In addition, smart packing helps in every case to keep the trip smooth and easy, so you wont be worn out lugging baggage through the airport or on the train. If you add children to this equation, things become immediately more complicated.
Ideally, pack light and take as few items with you as possible. That way, you and the children will be able to get around much more easily and without stress, or walk and climb stairs without getting more tired than necessary. Definitely take the essentials, mix-and-match clothing, a jacket and shoes, as well as any medicines you and the children might need. Dont forget to leave a little space for the souvenirs youll buy.
Choose accommodation with space and amenities
A small room may be more economical, but it certainly isnt suitable for a family. Depending on how many of you there are, and on the childrens ages, make sure to book a large room in a hotel or two connecting ones, or a house that fits you comfortably. This way youll have more space to relax, and to place your suitcases without constantly bumping into them.
There are other factors to consider when booking accommodation, such as the presence of some basic amenities. For example, you may need a kitchen to prepare meals for the children. In addition, you should check whether the property has an elevator, so you dont have to go up and down stairs constantly, whether there is heating and air conditioning, or ask if a baby cot is available in case you need it.
Let the children help with the itinerary
One way to organize a trip successfully is to involve the children in the planning process. A family trip can be fun for everyone, especially if you all begin the planning together from the early stages. Ask your children what theyd like to see at the destination, show them photos and brief them on any activities, so they can choose and feel part of the journey. That way, theyll know in advance what youll do there and will look forward to the trip with excitement, while feeling that you take them into account in the decisions.
Especially if its their first time traveling in Europe, explain a few things about the countrys culture, the language, and the rules they must follow on a trip by plane. Talk about the unexpected that can happen and what they should watch out for, so they dont feel fear and surprise as much as possible.
Balance museums with activities
Europes cities are famous for their many historic landmarks, for museums with rich collections, and for impressive churches. Its important for children who travel from a young age to get to know a places culture and historic buildings; however, they may end up getting bored. Thats why its ideal to keep a fine balance between your museum visits and activities that are child-friendly.
You can choose to combine historical touring with a stroll in the park or at a playground, check whether theres an activity for children at the museum, or opt for more places that will impress them, such as an aquarium or a natural history museum.
Book in advance
If you plan to visit popular European attractions, planning and booking in advance will save you, especially if you travel in a peak season such as summer or Christmas. Go online early to book tickets for the museums, so you avoid waiting in queues with the children, who will get tired before they even go in.
Moreover, if you dont book early the tickets may be sold out and you might not manage to enter an attraction at all. An important tip for booking tickets is to purchase directly from the official site. This way theyll cost you less and youll be sure theyre authentic and not a scam.
