Top Tips for Taking Your Kids to Europe

So … you’ve decided to take the family to Europe for a vacation. “Are you crazy?” your friends ask. Traveling with kids can be a challenge anytime, but when you add in the stress and expense of going overseas, you’ll want to really prepare to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. Follow these top tips for taking your kids to Europe to help make your family trip across the pond be the best it can be.

Choosing Your Accommodations

1. Book Your Hotel as Soon as Your Dates are Firm.

This may be as soon as nine months before you depart! And sooner than your plane tickets, if the hotel allows cancellations with no or little fees. The problem is that most European hotels are very small, and the typical room is only meant for two people. Either a twin or double bed. (and usually, the double beds are simply two twins pushed together) Rooms for four or five are harder to find. Book early to get those larger rooms. And adjoining rooms can also be an excellent solution-especially for older kids/teens. The two bathrooms are amazing!

2. Consider Renting an Apartment or VRBO

This can be a great option, especially if you have three or more kids. It also gives you the opportunity to eat meals in, either breakfast or dinner, as well as easily do laundry. I’m all for packing light and washing on the road, but with kids, you can’t wash in the sink as a couple can. There’s not enough room to dry your clothes in the typical European bathroom. (If you stay in a hotel you will have to visit a laundromat on a longer trip.) Search for your perfect apartment on Airbnb.

3. Location, Location, Location

Your room should also be in prime territory. With kids, limit the commute time as much as possible. They will already be tired from a day of activities. Try not to add 30 minutes of car/metro ride on top of that.

Packing

1. Pack One Bag per Person

When deciding what to pack, just bring one bag per person, and each person should be carrying their own bag. Any child 8 years old and older can pull a small suitcase with wheels. Or a backpack with clothes and their favorite stuffed animal that had to make the trip. You’ll want the freedom to move around easily from place to place. Limiting the bags you take greatly helps this!

2. Bathroom Helpers

Remember that European bathrooms are tiny compared to many U.S. hotels. A great trick we learned was to purchase toothbrush holders with suction cups that we stuck to the tile or mirror above the bathroom sink. There will most likely not be enough counter space to spread everyone’s toiletries out. This keeps your toothbrush clean and dry and in a spot the kids can easily find. Hanging toiletry bags for adults can also greatly help keep clutter off of the counter (if you even have counter space).

Safety

1. Communication When Things Go Wrong

We worry about our children’s safety already when we’re close to home-how nervous will we be when we’re a continent away from home and surrounded by a different language and culture? Grab a business card with your hotel name on it, and put it in each child’s pocket that day. If they are older, consider bringing their phone in case your family gets separated. You can either buy them a local sim card if it’s an unlocked device, purchase extended cell coverage through your home network or use free WIFI in cafes or museums.

2. Transportation Help

Most likely you will find yourself taking public transportation more than at home. Be careful to stay together when entering and exiting the Metro/tube car. Some doors close at short intervals and cannot be held open. You don’t want little hands to be caught in the way, or someone to get left behind on the platform. Gauge the time and if you are rushing to all get on then simply wait for the next train. Also, tell your kids to just wait where they are if you happen to get separated. It’s not hard for a parent to ride to the next stop, switch directions, and come right back to pick up their child. It’s scary for them, but so much better if they wait for you in the same spot rather than leaving the area to find help.

And for essential information on preparing for your flight to Europe, be sure to read my tips on 10 Things You NEED to Do Before Flying with Kids.

Scheduling

1. Keep Your Schedule Light

It’s tempting to pack in the sights when you’ve traveled so far for vacation. Bu just like going to Disney back home, you know you’ll pay for it if you try to cram too much in one day. Try to limit your outings to one item in the morning and one in the afternoon. Then you can have an early dinner and be back in the room by 7 p.m. to rest up and ensure the next day will be fun. If you have kids who nap, try to get out early and come back to the hotel from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. If they don’t sleep at least they can rest in comfort and get ready for a late afternoon adventure.

Saving Money

1. Fill up on an Inexpensive Breakfast

A quick way to save money when traveling with kids is on food. Choose a hotel with breakfast or, if you have an apartment, purchase staples at a local grocery store to start the day out economically, and with a full belly. Breakfast in Europe is generally lighter than what we eat across the pond, so you may find your kids starving by 10 a.m. if you simply have croissants for breakfast. (although a quiche can quickly add some protein at the café)

2. Picnic at Lunch

For lunch, try to picnic each day. Either pick up sandwiches at a local shop to share or visit a grocery store for essentials. A baguette, package of ham, bananas and a few yummy cookies make a delicious and interesting lunch, which will also allow you to see what the locals buy for their kitchen, and at a great price.

Miscellaneous Tips

1. Kids Can Help Plan Activities

Involve your kids in the planning process and help them understand what they will see before they arrive. It’s always empowering for older kids to help determine the schedule and take ownership of their vacation. But kids likely won’t know enough about the destination to make an informed choice. So…..

2. YouTube Gives Kids a Preview

Watch YouTube videos as a family, to give them a visual of popular tourist sites that you may see. Then they can tell you what interests them most, and therefore they can easily contribute to the schedule. And when you get to your destination, it will help that they already understand what they are viewing and can absorb information in greater detail at that moment.

3. An Afternoon Break Saves the Day

When crankiness rears its ugly head—and it will, sometimes even with parents—remember that a stop for gelato can be a godsend. I know families who promise that refreshing treat each afternoon if the kids can walk a little farther, or stop bugging their siblings. And it’s a great way to sample the local flavors. Pistachio? Nutella? So delicious! If you’re traveling in wintertime, the same effect can be achieved with a quick stop in a café for tea or hot chocolate. Warm-up and have a pastry, if necessary.

Follow these top tips for taking your kids to Europe, and best of luck! You will create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, for all of your family.