Make the Most of Taking Your Kids to Europe
Many people avoid traveling internationally with their families, especially if it includes kids. But, taking your kids on an international trip could be your best investment.
If you are planning a trip to Europe? And wants to make it the best for your kids. Then you have landed the right place. This article is going to share with you some tips on how to make the most of taking your kids to Europe for a trip.
Let’s know how to make the most of taking your kids to Europe
Keep them involved in the planning process
If you are serious about making the most of taking your kids to Europe then the first thing you should avoid is self-planning. Instead of making your kids feel that they are just tagging along make them feel like an eternal part of the trip. Let them know about Europe through books, movies, and tv shows. And then ask them for their recommendations. What are the places they surely want to pay a visit to? And then try to include these places in your travel plans.
If you are visiting a specific part of Europe, like Italy, France then enroll them into a French-speaking class. Lets them read books regarding the history of France, the fictional stories and also the non-fiction ones. Make them comfortable and excited about the trip. Ask them to pack their luggage. Also, take direct flights to Italy from US as they are less time-consuming and will make you reach your destination faster.
Alter your expectations
A trip with kids and without them is never the same. I am not saying that anyone is better than the other. But they are both different. You will have fresh adventures with your kids and a great time as a family. But don’t compare or expect it to be like some previous holiday that you had without the kids. Certain things will not be going to make to the to-do list like long walks, log dinner dates, or spending a day at a museum.
But many great things will also tag along like long car rides, building sandcastles, playing games at the shores, and much more. Also, this trip will allow you to have leisure time with your family. And to build a strong bond with your kids. You will allow them to know you better as a person and relate to you on a personal level. The kids will allow you to see the world from a new perspective. And probably will make traveling with kids your favorite way of traveling.
Limit the number of travel destinations
Visiting 7 different cities in 7 days must be your thing in college. But don’t attempt it with kids by on your side. There are restrictions you must adhere to while traveling with your kids. Doing activities that will exhaust them will not let them enjoy the trip at all. Take a few destinations like 2 or 3 for a 10-day trip. More than that will not work in your favor. Kids enjoy more relaxing trips and avoiding the hustle of traveling continuously could be the better choice for you.
If you are traveling to Barcelona from the US, then take direct flights to Barcelona from US instead of the connecting ones. Otherwise, there are high chances that your kids are going to reach exhausted at the traveling location. And you might have to alter your traveling schedule.
Book spacious places to stay
Kids require a lot more space than adults. And European hotels tend to have small rooms making them unfit for children. So, instead of booking hotel rooms, go for Airbnb and rental apartments. Although you may have to pay a few more bucks, nothing’s worth more than your children’s happiness.
If you are keen to book hotel rooms, then booking 2 rooms would be the best option. If you can get a kitchen along with your rooms, you won’t have to worry about the kids’ midnight hunger pangs.
Do limited stuff
Trying to do much will not allow your kids to enjoy anything. So, avoid trying to do so much and instead go for limited stuff. Also, keep your kids’ interests in consideration while choosing the to-do activities. For example, you would like to visit the King’s Cross Railway Station, London to take a train from this amazingly built station, to enjoy the traffic here, and to embrace the architectural beauty of this place.
But your kids will probably love to visit it as the home of 9 ¾ stations from where world-renowned author JK Rowling’s story’s main character Harry Potter used to take the train. The train that led him to the school of Magic and Spells, Hogwarts. To make this experience more fun for your kids you all can dress in house colors and take a train from there.
Don’t eat out daily
Eating at a European restaurant can be the most romantic experience for a couple, but the kids will not surely enjoy it. The main reason behind this is that a leisure meal in Europe can be long. And most of the children don’t hold the patience of waiting too long for the food. So avoid eating out daily could be the best choice.
Make simple snacks for your kids to enjoy on your trips. You can keep dry fruits, apples, vegetable and fruit salads, and green sandwiches along with you. These snacks are not only quick to fix but are also healthy for your kids to munch upon.
Book tickets online
Standing in queues to buy tickets for activities can be the hardest thing while traveling with kids. So whenever possible, try to book online tickets before visiting any destination. This will save you from the hustle of standing in queues and will allow you and your kids to enjoy leisure time at its best.
Also, many popular places in Europe have to be pre-booked to be visited. Checking the booking requirements online before visiting the place can be beneficial.
Give them treats
No kid in the world doesn’t love treats. Award your kids with treats whenever they represent exemplary behavior. For treats, ice-creams could be the best option.
