Planning a trip to the grocery store with kids can be stressful, so the concept of organizing an international adventure with your entire family in tow? Talk about overwhelming (and perhaps slightly terrifying!). I won’t lie—it is a large endeavor to take on, but the blessings that come from travel far out way the work you put in it. Here are some practical tips and things to consider as you plan.
Consider Your Family’s Priorities
Sit down and talk with your spouse and your kids about where they want to go and what they want to do. Travel advisor Ashley Homan puts it this way: “If you have kids with different interests, give kids choices… so each member feels like they have a say in what they do.” Make sure there’s something in the itinerary that interests everyone. Not only will it make the trip more fun, it will help clarify how you should allocate your time and planning.
Pack Light
One of the most ideal aspects of European travel is the walkability of cities… but luggage wheels and cobblestone roads don’t go well together. Not to mention trying to pull your heavy suitcase up hills and/or stairs to your accommodations or attempting to place it in the overhead compartment on the train. Homan explains it this way: “Don’t overpack: Less is more in this situation, especially if you have younger kids. You need to take into consideration getting on and off trains with the kids and your luggage.” Not to mention, you save time and money when booking flights!
Though it may not be realistic to pack in a carry-on bag if you have to pack a stroller and diapers, the lighter your bag is, the easier it will be to lug around. If you have kids over age seven, allow them to bring their own backpacks and encourage them to only pack toys and electronics that they can carry on their own when they’re walking in the train station or airport. (Otherwise, you may end up with three backpacks!) Homan also recommends bringing laundry detergent pods so you can wash kids’ clothes in the sink and use the line in the bathroom to dry them. Lots of hotels and Airbnbs also have washers and dryers, and on cruises, you can pay them to do a load of laundry.
Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible
It can be tempting to stress if you don’t have every minute of every day planned out, but I’ve found that it honestly works better when you leave part of your schedule open. I hate to break it to you, but something will go wrong, no matter how diligently you plan. And you know what? That’s okay. Some of my favorite moments have been unplanned, whether it be stumbling upon a parade or a festival, discovering a really yummy gelato shop on my way home from dinner, or simply having fun talking with a friend while sitting on a bench by the water. Nevertheless, it is important to include some structure and plan ahead for attractions that typically sell out of tickets, restaurants that you want to eat at, and transportation like train tickets.
Flexibility is even more essential when you add kids into the picture. As Homan points out, “Don’t overschedule yourself. With younger kids and naptime, you’ve got to be flexible. Having a driver or a private guide can also be really helpful.” Her biggest tip when it comes to planning? “Pick one morning activity and leave the afternoon open or vice versa.” It’s not realistic to pretend your entire family will be happy to explore from sunrise to sunset. The “one-plan-per-day” rule will help you determine your “must-dos,” so you won’t miss out. Make sure to plan something the first afternoon you arrive so everyone stays awake—it will help make the time change transition smoother. (But give yourself and the kids grace, because it will take their bodies a few days to adjust to the new time zone.)
Do Your Research
When you’re trip planning, Pinterest, blogs, and travel forums will become your best friends. I typically look up the name of the country or city with a phrase like “best things to do in” or “best places to visit in.” Make a list of all of the things you are interested in, and if something is repeated multiple times, look into it further. I try to keep all of my trip information (flight and train times, attraction names and links, traditional cuisine to try, lodging addresses, and more) in a Google doc that I can refer to throughout the planning process and during the trip itself. (It is easy to access and share on a mobile device on-the-go. There are also websites that help you track everything if you prefer.)
Another great resource is sites like Viator and Airbnb Experiences that offer cooking classes, food tours, day trips, and other experiences like sailing on a local’s private boat. One of my favorite tools is the Rick Steves Europe free audioguide app, which has excellent walking guides. Research the weather in the time of year you’re going so you’ll be prepared. If you have flexibility and littles not yet in school, it is much cheaper, less crowded, and overall easier to travel in the “off-season.”
Ask the Locals
Reach out to your host or hotel and ask if they have any local restaurant or activity recommendations. They know what they’re talking about, I promise. Most of my favorite foods and restaurants have been suggested to me. This tip extends to restaurant servers. I always ask for their favorite entreé, and almost without fail, it is the best thing I’ve ever tasted and I never would’ve ordered it without asking. When you’re there, learn a few basic phrases so the locals know you are trying. A little goes a long way.
Make It Kid-Friendly
Remember: The more fun your kids have, the more fun you will have. Homan suggests hiring tour guides that specialize in kids, particularly in Europe. “They tell stories of ancient history in a way that makes your kids excited, which will make their experience that much better,” she promises. Her other biggest recommendation is to bring new travel-friendly activities with you, like travel puzzles, games, or a fidget toy. “When we did Europe with the kids this past summer, I bought several city-specific travel scavenger hunts online for places we visited, like Rome. When we were at iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain, [my kids] had to look for certain things, and it was a great way to keep them engaged while we traveled,” she shares.
Stop Stressing and Have Fun
Remember, at the end of the day, the point of a trip is ultimately to create lasting memories with the people you love. Moreover, bringing your kids on an international adventure is important because it expands their horizons and grows them into better people. Forbes even wrote an article titled “Kids Who Travel Do Better In School.” The Family Travel Association’s 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey confirmed that travel helps kids become more confident, more interested in other cultures, and helps them see the world from a broader perspective. So what are you waiting for? Traveling with your family is an investment you will never regret.
