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Make it easy: Travelling Europe with the kids

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Going on vacation for with your partner and kids can be great fun. Yet, those Mums who have travelled with kids know that this can also turn into a fraught and stressful experience. By taking a trip to Europe it is possible to experience new cultures and amazing sights in a short period of time, though this will necessitate time on the road. Your kids may not be so positive about visiting multiple destinations, taking long journeys in a rental car or frequent trips by euro train, but this can easily be made into a enjoyable part of your vacation.

Start by getting the kids involved and engaged in their journey. Plan routes together by looking at maps and atlases, and keep these handy in the car or train so you can track your progress. Research landmarks and scenic spots en route which your kids can look out for. If travelling by car, these can also provide ways to break up your journey and let the kids stretch their legs! Give each of your children a new notebook and set of coloured pens or pencils at the beginning of the trip and encourage them to keep notes and draw pictures on your journey. This could be anything from unusual sights from the car window or imagining what your next destination will look like.

Europe has many great cities: Rome, Paris, Berlin, London – the list is endless! Whilst the art galleries, museums and historic sites may be of interest to you and your partner they may not be on the top of your kids’ to-do list. Many museums are, in fact, ideal for families provided you make your visit as child-friendly as possible. Rather than trying to cover the whole area of a larger museum, choose sections as a family and decide which areas you would most like to visit. Science or natural history museums are always a fun option as they often involve hands-on exhibits aimed specifically at children.

The climate in Europe can vary hugely, so picking an appropriate time to travel is important. In the height of summer a sightseeing vacation in a busy city can be difficult. Instead, focus on beach or lakeside destinations where kids can quickly cool down. Countries like Hungary are less-visited and have family-oriented lakeside accommodation and parks. The bitter cold of winter can also be a tricky time for travelling with kids, making travel in countries in northern and eastern Europe more difficult. For a milder climate in the winter months head instead to places like southern Spain. Taking a vacation to Europe over Christmas can also make for an unforgettable trip and destinations like Germany and Austria really up the festive factor which will delight any child. Christmas markets in larger German cities like Berlin and Hamburg can be packed during the holiday season, so kids will likely enjoy an event in a smaller city. Try Goslar, which hosts its annual event in a beautiful medieval square.

As well as fun activities en route and whilst at your destination, when travelling with kids you should always remember some basic practicalities. When planning your vacation allow extra time at the beginning and end of all journeys. Keep a bag of essentials handy: healthy snacks, water, a favourite toy or comforter. Stock up on medication beforehand, as some over-the-counter US products may be harder to find in Europe. And finally – kids are influenced by the mood and attitude of their parents, so even in trying situations, stay positive and stay smiling!

By on October 29th, 2012

About Powered by Mom

I’m Michelle aka Powered by Mom. I’m married with one daughter, my hubby was my high school sweetheart, our two dogs Nyx and Cleo and our cat Oliver. As you can see we’re a family of animal lovers. We love to travel when we can, try different food and activities all over the world and enjoy being together. My passions are writing, travelling, creating new recipes, encouraging people to adopt not shop and just to enjoy life while we can.

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10 thoughts on “Make it easy: Travelling Europe with the kids”

  1. Thanks, now that my nephew is old enough, I will be able to use these tips. The one real problem I had was with the adults lol, I had told them do not bring so many clothes because you're not going to even wear them all and you're going to want to buy some stuff over here. Of course they didn't listen and when they went to visit while I was abroad, it was a hassle carrying all those baggages on the train.

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  2. I have always wanted to go to Paris. That is still one of my dreams. I dont know if I want to go with kids though. I think it would be a better romantic trip

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  3. Europe is an amazing place to visit for anyone, any age, any time! I really want to save up some money and go next summer.

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  4. I would just love to visit another country to see how they live and maybe someday I can. Thanks for the information to make it easier with kids. By the time I go all my kids will be grown but they could still come if they wanted too!

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  5. We went to Finland a few years ago where my husband has family . Our daughter was almost 4. It was MY first time on a plane and we were traveling with my mother in law. It was an amazing trip mixed in with a lot of stress. Not sure if I could pull it off again. But very glad to have done it at least once!

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  6. Make it easy: Travelling Europe with the kids
    had some great idea's to keep kids engaged and make the trip fun for them but also a learning experience, good review.......... thanks

    Reply

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