Ten Tips for Traveling to Europe with Kids

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By reassessing what worked and what didn’t work during last summer’s trip, we aim to ensure a smoother journey this time.  Here, are my top 10 tips for navigating Europe with kids:

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is the key to dealing with any unexpected situations, particularly sickness.

During our first trip, we learned the hard way. Our initial unpreparedness led to a ripple effect of sickness throughout our entire family. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent in pharmacies with my translation app trying to decipher which medications were equivalent to ones from back home.

This time around, I plan to bring medications from home.  Furthermore, we hope to keep healthy by bringing Lysol wipes and hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of germs.

2. Fewer Destinations

Learning from our previous trip, one key takeaway was not to fit too many locations into one trip. In an attempt to see everything, one can compromise on quality time spent at each place. This tip comes directly from our kids – they would have preferred fewer stops and more time at each destination, hence less travel time.

3. Pack Light

4. Book Minimum Three-Night Stays

5. Pre-book Activities

Saving time means skipping the long queues during the peak season. It’s essential to book well-known attractions like the Colosseum, Arc De Triumph, Westminster Abbey, and the Vatican far in advance. It relieves stress and allows more time to enjoy these famous sites.

6. Book Transportation Early

Pre-booking transportation not only secures seats together but can also ensure cheaper fares. Early bookings, particularly for train travel, offer peace of mind and savings.

Train tickets only get more expensive the closer you get to your travel date.  We booked a lot of our transfers and train trips as soon as the schedules opened months in advance.

7. Book Places with Extra Space

Nothing beats the comfort of sprawling out in spacious rentals, especially when you are traveling with kids.  Using platforms like AirBnB or Booking.com can be more economical for a family of four than traditional hotel accommodations. With the added benefit of a kitchen, rentals offer a homier feel and the option for cost-saving home-cooked meals.

8. Seek Restaurant Recommendations from Locals

A drool-worthy picture on social media doesn’t always equate to the same delight on your tongue. We learned to rely on recommendations from locals rather than chasing Instagram-worthy spots that often turned out to be mediocre, overpriced, and overcrowded.

9. Plan, But Don’t Over-Plan

Balance is key when creating your itinerary. Planning too many activities can lead to exhaustion and reduced enthusiasm during your trip. Aim for one to two key activities per day, ensuring plenty of downtime for relaxation or spontaneous adventures.

10. Be Flexible

Traveling, especially with kids, doesn’t always go as planned. Despite best planning efforts, always be prepared for unexpected bumps and hitches.

We had more than our fair share of things going wrong, especially in Paris. So much so, that I devoted an entire blog post to our mishaps in Paris. In just a few days, we dealt with illness, a transportation strike, the Louvre spontaneously closing on the day we had tickets, and the Eiffel Tower being sold out and gated off.  It was so much all at once that it was almost comical. But then again,  it’s these moments that often make for the most memorable (and hilarious) travel stories!

11. Finding the Perfect Balance Between Doing and Seeing

I learned this bonus tip after our most recent trip to Greece and Ireland; I realized the importance of balancing activities with sightseeing when traveling with kids. Last summer, we focused primarily on seeing the sights, but this year, we made a conscious effort to mix in more hands-on activities, which made all the difference. We still explored plenty of landmarks but balanced those days with engaging experiences and downtime.

Some activities that made our trip so memorable included beach days, hiking, falconry, cooking classes, and fishing. These enriching, hands-on experiences provided the perfect counterbalance to the long sightseeing days. By blending both, we created a more enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience for the whole family.

In conclusion, traveling to Europe with kids can become a pleasant experience with the right planning and a flexible mindset. So pack your bags, follow these tips, and treat your family to a well-deserved European adventure! Happy traveling!

If you want to read more about our Europe itinerary check out my post Europe with Kids: An Ultimate Three Week Itinerary.