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We get it: The long flight, the jet lag, different languages, and unfamiliar cities and transportation systems seems like too much to handle with kids. But here’s the thing – millions of families travel to Europe every year, and come home raving about their trips. We want that for you.
With the right approach – and with a travel advisor who knows how to plan a family trip to Europe that feels both satisfying and easy – you can book that trip with confidence.
The biggest myth about family travel to Europe is that it’s complicated. Sure, a trip overseas requires a bit more logistics and some finagling, but there are so many ways to plan Europe that feel seamless, easy, and still totally worth it.
There are walkable cities, gorgeous outdoor adventures in the countryside and coast, and perhaps our favorite secret that many families don’t know: incredible hotels that truly prioritize kids and families. We’ve been researching and scouting those hotels to help you find the perfect match. (Learn more here about Mango Tree and our vision for family travel).
We also hear it constantly: Europe will be better when the kids are older and can appreciate lots of museums. But who says you have to plan a family trip to Europe packed with museums and long days? Not us. A well-planned family trip to Europe with younger kids can be just as relaxed, immersive, and low-key as a Caribbean beach trip.
Why Traveling to Europe with Kids Can Be Easier Than You Think
1. Slow Travel Makes Family Trip to Europe Easier and More Relaxing for Everyone
Rushing through five cities in 10 days? No thanks. A slow approach is the best way to experience Europe family travel with kids.
What do we mean by that? We believe the best approach to planning a vacation in Europe with kids that’s about 7 days is to spend time in a major European city and then transition to a more laid-back countryside or coastal retreat. With 10 days, perhaps it makes sense to add a third stop along the way.
While certainly the major historical sites are worth seeing – they don’t need to make up your entire European itinerary. Choose a few that pique your interest most, maybe integrate them into a child-friendly tour, and then plan a return trip to see the others.
We’ve seen clients who have overplanned their vacations return more exhausted than ever, hesitant to book another vacation. We totally understand that deep-rooted desire to see and do all the things. I mean the world is insanely amazing, it’s natural to want to see it all.
But, we’ve also seen the desire to check off bucket list sites impede the entire essence of a travel experience. And have heard enough client feedback to know that the best planned family vacations are ones that have a balance.
Think London and the English countryside, Lisbon and the Algarve beach region, Athens, and then one of the Greek islands. This approach gives kids time to adjust, helps with jet lag, and allows the family to really delve into the culture of the country. Plus, we all know kids love being outside, and the coast and countryside will match and refresh their energy.
Slow travel means fewer transitions, which makes things easier with kids. Unpacking once or twice instead of every other day saves time and stress. Plus, kids get to settle into a routine – finding their favorite bakery, park, or corner cafe – which makes the trip feel more like home.
For parents, slow travel means you don’t have to get all worked up if your kids are having a bad day, because you don’t have to get through a marathon of museums with them. It gets you exploring beyond the main tourist zones, discovering authentic experiences and taking in views (and wine, and beach) that make the trip even more special.
2. Getting to Europe: Long Flights and Jet Leg Aren’t Deal Breakers
We know that the long trans-Atlantic flights and the resulting unknown jet lag are definitely cause for concern. But trust us when we say that they don’t have to be deal breakers – and slow travel helps with this.
Overnight flights are not as treacherous as they seem. Board in the evening, let the kids sleep (with the help of some must-purchase airplane gear), and wake up in Europe ready to explore. If you’re nervous, start with a city that has a direct flight from a major United States city – New York, Atlanta, D.C., or Miami.
Pro tip: If you need to do a connecting flight, make the connection in the US before the long haul flight, not after overseas travel with your baby and toddler, when everyone is tired.
As for jet lag? There are some pre-trip actions you can try to take to prepare the kids, but if they don’t work, slow travel helps.
Arrive in a city, adjust at a family-friendly hotel, and ease into your trip. When our clients first arrive in Lisbon with kids, we are mindful of how jet lag might impact them. We often suggest that parents with little kids in particular who are anxious about those first few days stay at a family hotel like Martinhal Lisbon Chiado where they can use the amazing Kids’ Club to let them wind down when the tiredness hits.
We never plan a packed first-day itinerary, which is hard when you are so excited to explore. But instead, we suggest our clients opt for fresh air, playgrounds, and a short walking tour (or tuk-tuk or golf car tour with smaller kids) to let everyone adjust.
Stay hydrated and encourage movement on the plane to help your kids with those overnight flights. Pack small activities, familiar snacks, and a cozy travel pillow (or bed!). Once you arrive, embrace the local schedule – getting outside in the sunlight helps reset everyone’s internal clock faster.
3. Getting Around: Walkable Cities & Stress-Free Transportation
European cities are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do… just kidding. But for real, walkable cities are perfect for families. Unlike South America or Central America, where public transportation can be trickier, most European cities have efficient metros, trams, and trains. No need to rent a car – just hop on public transit and go!
If you can, build public transportation into your itinerary, especially if you have transportation lovers. Kids will get a kick out of all the ways to move around European cities!
Public transportation is easy and reliable, and super fun for kids. Many cities have colorfully-designed metro systems, double-decker buses (looking at you, London), or scenic tram rides. Plus, if your kids are like mine, you’ll hear “Please mind the gap!” on repeat after you return from England.
When it comes to the countryside, splurge on things that will ease your stress. High-speed trains make exploring multiple destinations easy – but if the town on your radar isn’t reachable by train, we can arrange a driver for a seamless transition. If it’s your jam, a river cruise can allow you to see multiple cities without constantly packing and unpacking.
4. Family-Friendly Accommodations: The Right Hotels Make All the Difference
If Mango Tree Travel had an anthem song, our love for the right hotels would surely be part of the chorus. And frankly, more parents need to know: certain countries in Europe have mastered the art of the family hotel.
Our favorite family resorts and boutique hotels in Europe – especially in a few of our favorite locations like Portugal and throughout the Alps – have the basics: suites, cribs, food options, kids’ clubs or activities, etc., and a complete focus on families that puts them a step above the rest.
They provide all of the equipment you need when traveling with a child, and are designed to elevate the experience for the kids and the parents. Although each one does this a bit differently, the results are the same: delightful and easy family holidays in Europe.
Finding the right family hotel can completely change your experience. Prioritizing the right family hotel selection is how we plan family trips to Europe that our clients come home raving about.
Staying in the heart of the city means you can walk to attractions easily instead of worrying about long commutes. Hotels that offer kids’ clubs or babysitting mean you can experience your European city solo for a bit. A countryside retreat with kids programming but also stunning mountain views is almost too good to be true – but they exist!
5. Food and Dining: No Chicken Nuggets Needed
One of our clients biggest pain points or worries when traveling with kids is food. I mean, “hanger” is a real thing. But we’re here to tell you that our client plan European vacations because the food is incredibly family-friendly and there are grocery stores all over.
In Italy, you know it’ll be easy with pasta and pizza at every corner. In France, simple dishes like croissants and crepes are easy wins. Even in London, pub food offers comforting options like fish and chips (or maybe even just the chips).
Restaurants are generally welcoming to kids, and many, especially when traveling during warmer months, have outdoor seating or play areas where little ones can roam and parents enjoy a meal. The real trick is just the time it takes to find those restaurants – but we can help with that.
Many restaurants across Europe also have set menus or kid-friendly options, even if they don’t explicitly call them “kids’ menus.” In Spain, tapas-style dining lets kids try smaller portions of food without committing to a big plate. In Germany, hearty meals like schnitzel and pretzels are easy favorites. In Austria, wieners (a.k.a. hot dogs) are common street foods, and absolutely delicious.
We hope this inspires you to think creatively about what counts as kid-friendly food on the road. Encouraging kids to try local dishes can turn meals into a fun adventure instead of a struggle.
Try to build in snack stops to keep any hunger at bay. Most snack options are a bit more on the kid-friendly side. We also firmly believe in gelato every day no matter what country you’re in.
One thing to note: dining in Europe moves at a slower pace, and often begins at a later time. Depending on your kids stomach clock and bedtime schedule, this can be okay, but we like to plan your meal times accordingly.
If your kids like to eat and head to bed a little earlier, consider using a babysitting service to accommodate their schedule so you can enjoy a lingering, relaxing meal or two. The time change in Europe can also help with later dining times.
Keep Exploring: Take a spin through our Europe destination page to find the best restaurants, activities, and travel tips for your adventure. Click here to explore.
Our Top Tips for Europe Family Vacations with Kids
1. The Best European Family Vacations Avoid Tourist Traps
Everyone wants to see the “top” sights, but long lines and overcrowded spots can quickly turn a family vacation into a stress fest. We want to empower families to skip the touristy hotspots and instead explore the lesser-known gems. You’ll get to enjoy a more authentic experience and avoid the chaos. And that’s key to planning a trip to Europe with kids that actually feels easy.
One of the Mango Tree crew thinks constantly about her family’s crazy experience battling 102 Instagram influencers at the Trevi fountain for a spot to toss in their coin. Days later, they loved their day trip to Orvieto, a charming lesser-traveled spot a short train ride from Rome. This day was her family’s favorite day – even the kids said it felt more authentically Italy.
2. Opt for Unique Travel Experiences for Your Family Trip to Europe Itinerary
Europe is full of surprises! Rather than adding traditional sightseeing to your travel itinerary, look for unique, immersive activities your family will love.
Teach boat lovers to row a Venetian gondola, indulge in a local cooking class in Greece, try archery in a medieval castle in France, or learn the traditional art of basket weaving in the Portuguese countryside. These experiences are not only fun for kids, but they create lasting memories for everyone. These are the kinds of experiences we like to sprinkle into our custom itineraries for clients.
3. Pack Smart for Easy Europe Travel
It’s easy for parents to feel like they need to bring everything – especially for a trek across the Atlantic. But, traveling light makes everything easier, especially navigating airports and train stations. Even if you opt for a private car, there’s usually restrictions on how many pieces of luggage can fit.
A capsule wardrobe is key. This means a few mix-and-match, versatile pieces for everyone that can be paired for different activities.
Limit luggage to essentials and plan to have laundry done at your hotel. Don’t skimp on comfort items for kids as these can make the overseas transition smoother. And always, always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of spills, delays, or lost luggage.
Make sure to double check the measurements of your luggage to make sure it aligns with the airline’s requirements. No need for a last minute scramble because your bag weighs too much or is 1 inch too wide. And, bring a backpack. It’ll be helpful to carry drinks, snacks, a portable charger or anything else you might need while exploring for the day.
Remember, Europe has tons of shops and stores where you can pick up most items you may have forgotten at home. And, many of our recommended hotels have items on hand, so you don’t need to worry about packing them.
4. Keep Europe with Kids Simple
The best Europe travel itinerary doesn’t have too many reservations or back-to-back tours. Build in flexibility and down time so you can follow your kids’ energy levels and embrace spontaneous moments.
One of a Mango Tree team member’s favorite memories was taking her kids, 2 & 4, to a park in Krakow, Poland each day where they played with other local children before grabbing a zapiekanka for them to share for lunch.
Stick to one or two must-do activities per day and leave room for wandering. Let kids help choose an activity or meal so they feel like part of the adventure. Don’t stress about seeing everything – focus on fewer, but more meaningful experiences for a vacation that actually feels like a vacation.
5. Use a Travel Advisor
Planning a European vacation takes time. First you have to choose a destination for your family. Booking your hotel and activities comes next, and then all of the preparation to actually set off. Using a travel advisor like us can totally relieve that burden. We have the knowledge to help match you with the right destination in Europe, to recommend family-friendly hotels, and to create a custom itinerary for an easy trip to Europe.
Plus, we have access to perks like room upgrades, and a whole rolodex of tour providers that specialize in activities for the whole family.
How to Plan a European Vacation: The Logistics
Along with our tips for making family trips to Europe easy, we’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you of a few key logistics before planning your European vacation. Here’s a few things to think about before traveling overseas with your family.
Passports & Visas
Every family member (yes, even infants) needs a valid passport. For first time applicants or renewals, make sure to apply at least 4-6 months before your trip to allow time for processing and potential delays.
For current passport holders – check your expiration dates early. Many European countries require your passport to still be valid for at least three months beyond the date you leave Europe. You don’t want to get stuck in an airline or border security pickle.
Most U.S. passport holders can travel to the Schengen Zone countries visa-free for up to 90-days. For a trip to the UK, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is necessary. It’s key to stay up to date on requirements for traveling to Europe. Europe is in the process of requiring an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for visa-free travelers entering EU countries for a short stay. Check the status of this requirement before your trip for stress-free travel.
Make digital and printed copies of your passports and other travel documents in case they get lost.
Compare Flights
Flights to Europe are often the biggest expense (and headache). To make this a bit easier, take some time to compare different flight options. We already talked about trying to find direct flights from some major U.S. airport hubs, and some optimal times to fly out to avoid jet lag. Another tip? Be flexible with airports and compare flights from different ones to see if there’s a better option for your family.
If you know you’re starting in one area of a country, and ending in another, compare round trip flights from the major city with a one way flight into the starting city and a one way flight from the ending city. One of our team members recently found that it was actually cheaper for her to fly into Budapest and out of Vienna than to do a roundtrip flight to either location.
Honestly, we sometimes let flights dictate where we visit. If we compare flights to two places we are eager to get to, the better flight (ideal timing, direct, etc.) will win out 9 out of 10 times.
Book Activities in Advance
While it can be tempting to go with the flow (and we totally recommend leaving space in your itinerary to do so), many popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Acropolis can get crowded and even sell out during peak seasons. If you’re skiing, you’ll want to reserve ski schools and winter activities early because they can sometimes fill up months ahead. Booking activities in advance will save you time, hassle, and stress. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your European vacation with kids.
Travel Insurance
It’s easy to overlook travel insurance, but trust us – it’s worth it. Families especially benefit from coverage that protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. If you’re booking nonrefundable flights or planning on skiing, hiking, or other adventures, having insurance can save you from major headaches.
For family-friendly insurance coverage, check out IMG’s International Health & Travel Medical Insurance plans. These offer trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage tailored to families.
Many travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum already include some level of travel protection, so look into what coverage you may already have before buying any extra.
Say “Yes!” to Europe
If you’ve been putting off Europe because it feels too complicated, consider this your sign to go for it. The long flight? Easier than you think. The logistics? Totally manageable. The memories? Absolutely worth it.
Don’t let a fear of jet lag or navigating a new country hold you back. A few well-timed naps and extra croissants or gelato should fix that. European cities are built for travelers. Just keep it simple, focus on experiences your family will love, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost – that’s part of the adventure.
Family vacations are so important and the best European family vacations are not just manageable, but memorable. At least that’s how they feel when we plan them, so if you’re still second-guessing and want an assist from parents who get it, that’s your sign to plan your trip to Europe with kids with Mango Tree.
The hardest part is saying yes. But once you do, you’ll be asking, “Where next?”
