5 Suggestions for Making Your European Family Trip a Success

In my recent post, Why Your Family’s European Dream Trip Is More Doable Than You Think and Landing in Europe with Kids: Your First 24 Hour Survival Guide I shared how that seemingly impossible European adventure with kids is actually within reach as well as how to survive those first 24 hours in Europe with kids. Today, I want to dive deeper into the practical side of making it happen with some suggestions on how to approach your European vacation.

You’ve decided to take the plunge – now what? Here are five essential tips that will transform your European family vacation from overwhelming to completely memorable.

1. Pack Smart for Easy Europe Travel

European travel with kids requires a completely different packing strategy than your typical beach vacation. The key is mobility and versatility.

The Golden Rule: Less is More You’ll be walking on cobblestones, navigating train stations, and possibly climbing stairs to apartment rentals. Every extra pound matters when you’re also carrying snacks, water bottles, and the inevitable souvenir purchases.

Essential Packing Strategies:

• Choose one color family for your clothing so everything mixes and matches

• Pack layers instead of bulky items – European weather can be unpredictable

• Bring comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken in

• Pack a small day bag for each family member for daily excursions

• Include a portable phone charger and universal adapter

• Don’t forget any prescription medications plus a few extra days’ worth

The Parent Lifesaver Kit: Create a small bag with wet wipes, hand sanitizer, basic first aid supplies, and a few favorite snacks from home. Trust me, finding familiar snacks when you have a hangry toddler in a foreign country is not the adventure you want right off the plane.

Pro Tip: Pack one complete outfit change in your carry-on for each family member. Lost luggage happens, but it doesn’t have to ruin your first day in Europe.

2. The Best European Family Vacations Avoid Tourist Traps

Here’s the truth about those famous European attractions: they’re famous for a reason, but they’re also crowded, expensive, and often not designed with families in mind.

Smart Alternatives to Consider: Instead of fighting crowds at the Eiffel Tower, visit Montmartre and let kids explore the artistic streets. Rather than the packed Colosseum, explore Villa Borghese gardens in Rome where kids can run and play. Skip the overwhelming Louvre and head to smaller, interactive museums designed for families. Obviously, you will want to do some of the well-known spots, let’s work together to do this by way of a private family-friendly guide to avoid crowds and customize the experience.

The Local Experience Advantage: Some of my families’ best European memories come from wandering local markets, riding public transportation, and eating at neighborhood cafes. These experiences cost less, create more authentic memories, and are naturally more engaging for children.

Timing is Everything: When you do visit major attractions, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Most tour groups hit the highlights mid-day, so you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience outside those peak hours.

Hidden Gems to Seek Out:

• Local playgrounds (European playgrounds are incredible)

• Neighborhood bakeries where kids can point to pastries

• Public parks with space to run and play

• Family-friendly festivals and events

• Interactive museums designed for children

3. Keep Europe with Kids Simple

The biggest mistake families make is trying to see everything. Europe will still be there next time – focus on creating positive memories rather than checking off a list.

The Two-Location Rule: For a first European trip with kids, stick to two main locations maximum. This gives you time to actually experience each place without the stress of constant packing and traveling.

Build in Downtime: European cities are stimulating – the architecture, languages, sounds, and crowds can be overwhelming for little ones. Plan for afternoon rest time, whether that’s back at your accommodation or in a peaceful park.

Embrace Slow Travel: Instead of rushing from monument to monument, spend time people-watching or reading at cafes, exploring one neighborhood thoroughly, or letting kids play in local parks. These slower moments often become the most treasured memories.

Realistic Daily Planning: Plan one major activity per day, then leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Maybe that’s stumbling upon a street performer, finding an amazing gelato shop, or discovering a playground hidden behind a church.

Transportation Made Easy:

• Use public transportation as an adventure, not just a means to get somewhere

• Book accommodations within walking distance of major attractions when possible

• Consider staying in family-friendly neighborhoods rather than tourist-heavy areas

• Pack snacks and entertainment for longer travel days

4. Craft a Unique European Adventure the Whole Family Will Love

This is where European family travel really shines – the opportunities for experiences you simply can’t have anywhere else.

Culinary Adventures:

• Take a family cooking class in Tuscany

• Visit a working farm in the French countryside

• Learn to make chocolate in Belgium

• Explore local markets and try new foods together

Cultural Immersion:

• Stay in a castle in Ireland or Scotland

• Take a family bike tour through Amsterdam

• Attend a local festival or celebration

• Learn basic phrases in the local language together

Historical Connections:

• Explore medieval towns where kids can imagine life as knights and princesses

• Visit living history museums where the past comes alive

• Take guided tours designed specifically for families

• Create scavenger hunts around historical sites

Natural Wonders:

• Hike in the Swiss Alps (there are family-friendly trails)

• Explore caves in Germany or Slovenia

• Take boat trips to see coastlines from the water

• Visit national parks and nature reserves

Unique Accommodations: Consider staying in family-friendly options that become part of the experience – farm stays, historic properties, or apartments in residential neighborhoods where you can live like locals.

5. Master European Transportation with Kids

Getting around Europe with children requires different strategies than domestic travel. Here’s what you need to know to navigate European transportation systems smoothly.

Train Travel with Kids European trains are fantastic for families, but there are key considerations:

• Book seats together in advance – don’t assume you can sit together if you buy tickets last minute

• Pack entertainment strategically – downloads, coloring books, snacks, and small toys for longer journeys

• Understand luggage limitations – you’ll need to manage your bags yourself, so pack light and consider luggage with wheels and measure your bags and check the airlines parameters

• Choose the right train type – high-speed trains require reservations, regional trains often don’t

Rental Car Considerations If you’re planning to drive:

• Car seat requirements vary by country – research specific laws for each country you’ll visit

• European cities aren’t designed for cars – narrow streets, limited parking, and pedestrian zones are common

• Parking challenges are real – budget extra time and money for parking, especially in city centers

• Consider size carefully – European cars and parking spaces are typically smaller than what Americans are used to

Airport Connections European airports can be massive and complex:

• Allow extra connection time – what seems like plenty of time on paper can be tight with kids and luggage

• Research airport layouts in advance – some airports require long walks or train rides between terminals

• Pack essentials in carry-on – delays and missed connections happen, be prepared

• Consider direct flights when possible – sometimes worth the extra cost to avoid connections with children

Your European Adventure Awaits

Europe with kids isn’t just doable – it can be absolutely magical when planned thoughtfully. The continent offers incredible opportunities for families to learn, explore, and create memories together.

Remember, the goal isn’t to see everything Europe has to offer in one trip. It’s to create positive travel experiences that your children will remember fondly and that might inspire a lifelong love of exploration and cultural learning.

Whether you’re dreaming of gondola rides in Venice, exploring castles in Scotland, or sharing pastries in a Parisian cafe, your European family adventure is closer than you think.

Ready to start planning your European family adventure? Let’s chat about creating an itinerary that works perfectly for your family’s interests, ages, and travel style. Every family is unique, and your European trip should be too. Email me!