Are you thinking of taking a vacation with your family to Europe? It’s sure to be an unforgettable adventure!
However, in order to create your dream trip, you’ll need to plan your itinerary. With so many European countries to see, filled with historic landmarks, world-class attractions and breathtaking landscapes, deciding where to go and what to do can take some careful thought. To help whittle down your options, here’s a guide designed to give you some insights into the best places to visit with your family on the continent.
Choosing the right destination
Narrowing down your options
Selecting the ideal destination starts with considering your family’s interests. History buffs might be eager to explore Rome’s Coliseum or take a tour of the Tower of London, while beach lovers might prefer the sun-soaked shores of Greece or Spain. If you’re after an adrenaline-fueled adventure, you might consider hiking vacations in the Swiss Alps or heading to see Iceland’s geysers and waterfalls up close.
Remember to factor in the ages of your children. Checking what’s available for them may help you to make final decisions about the countries you want to visit.
Visa requirements and travel documents
As US citizens, you can travel to most European countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. Be sure to check that your passports are valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Planning your itinerary
Make it work for your family
Strike a balance between sightseeing and downtime. Mix guided tours with free afternoons in parks or at family-friendly attractions. For instance, if you travel to the top of the Eiffel Tower in the morning, plan a leisurely picnic at Champ de Mars afterwards. Involve your children in planning by letting them choose an activity or destination too.
Pace and flexibility
Avoid cramming too much into your schedule. If you limit the number of cities to two or three for a weeklong trip, you’ll reduce travel fatigue.
Stay flexible to accommodate spontaneous discoveries. You might find a charming café or a local festival, so you might want to shuffle your plans around to fit these unexpected additions in.
Finding family-friendly accommodation
Types of accommodation
There are lots of accommodation options available for families and deciding on where you’d like to stay is often guided by convenience. For instance, vacation rentals with kitchens offer flexibility for families, while hotels often provide amenities like babysitting services and play areas.
Wherever you stay, remember to factor in details like proximity to public transport and major attractions.
Amenities and facilities
When booking, prioritize essentials like kitchenettes for preparing meals, laundry facilities for extended stays, and spaces where children can play safely. For added comfort, look for luxury family vacation options that cater specifically to your needs and take care of details like kids clubs and private pools designed with little ones in mind.
Transportation and getting around
Flight options and booking tips
Book flights early for the best deals and consider airlines that accommodate families with priority boarding or in-flight entertainment. Travel insurance offers added peace of mind should things not go to plan while you’re away and monitor flight updates to make sure you know when you’re due to fly.
Navigating European transportation
Europe’s train networks are efficient and scenic. Buses are often budget-friendly, while car rentals offer flexibility, especially in rural areas. For city travel, public transport systems like the London Underground or Paris Metro are reliable and easy to navigate. Take the time to research these transport options before you arrive in the country so that you can familiarize yourself with how they work.
Experiencing Europe like a local
Immerse yourselves in the culture
Soak up the culture by visiting local markets, attending festivals, or participating in workshops. For example, you might want to try learning to make pasta while you’re in Italy or join in with La Tomatina when you’re in Spain.
Language and communication
Take the time to pick up phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the restroom?” in the local language. Apps like Google Translate can bridge communication gaps, but showing respect for local customs is equally important.
Ready to get planning? You’ll be sure to have dreamy vacation with your family – especially if you have an itinerary in place.
