You went to Europe on your honeymoon and had a truly wonderful experience. Fast forward ten years later and you are planning to return to Europe for a big vacation.
Except now you have kids and you don’t know what to do and where to go with them in tow. Kids change the whole equation. The places you went to on your previous trip might not be suitable or enjoyable for your young ones.
You might be tempted to just leave them with Grandma and Grandpa for a few days. It’s easy to make the case against bringing the kids with you. But don’t worry, we’ll show you how to plan a European vacation your whole family can enjoy.
Prepare Your Documents
The first order of business is to make sure that everyone has their passports. Then check the expiry dates and renew if necessary.
Once you have a valid tourist passport, you can travel within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days without needing visas. For countries not on the list, such as Russia or the UK, you’re gonna have to apply for visas.
Driving through Europe can be fun so be sure to have a valid driver’s license. Some car rental companies will also require an international driving permit.
Save and Scrimp as Much as You Can
The biggest difference between traveling alone or as a couple and traveling with kids is the expense. A vacation with children can cost twice as much. During times when you are exhausted or irritated, you might settle for extravagant conveniences such as taxis, snacks, and toys to make them calm down.
This is why you want to meticulously plan your budget. Look for ways to cut costs as much as possible.
Your airfare is probably the single most expensive part of your Europe tour. Be on the lookout for airfare deals that appear at times.
And instead of staying at a hotel, renting an apartment or a house is cheaper since you also have the option of cooking your meals instead of eating out.
Don’t Just Check off Places to Visit, Have Fun
Guides on how to plan a European vacation usually just focus on the locations that you can’t miss. While a list of the famous tourist spots is helpful, especially while preparing your budget, it shouldn’t dictate the amount of fun you and your kids should be having.
When making your itinerary, include places that your little ones can play to their hearts’ content. Go on adventures and make lifelong memories with your children.
How to Plan a European Vacation the Safe Way
Nothing is more important than our kids’ safety. And the biggest danger when traveling is getting separated from each other.
Make sure that each child has a business card from the place you’re staying at.
It’s also important to have a backup plan when using public transportation in case something happens. Walkie-talkies, prepaid cell phones, and other means of communication like a whistle are very useful, especially in crowded places.
Did you like this post? You can also check out this article on the activities that will get the kids out of the house.