Travelling with the younger children in tow always requires that extra bit of planning and preparation. That’s not to say that it isn’t worth it. What could be better than a family holiday to a destination you’ve always dreamed of admiring with the kids? So, whether it’s the winter blues urging you to get summer sorted, a special occasion amongst the gang, or you’re just tired and are in desperate need of some rest and relaxation, get that family holiday booked!
Here are some of the best destinations in Europe for travelling with young children.
Lake Garda, Italy
Let imaginations roam free in the pizza and pasta capital of the world!
The largest of Italy’s lakes, Garda is synonymous with romance, but it’s also an ideal place for travel with young children. With countless child-friendly beaches and the vast azure waters of the lakes, the children can swim and play in plenty of shallow waters. Amble is among the quintessential charms of towns in the area, where children’s imagination can come to life with new historical and cultural knowledge. The majority of flat land of the region, makes it easily accessible for pushchairs and prams. Avoid tired legs and make the most out of your day here!
Surrounding the lakes overlooking the great greenery and beyond, are plenty of family-friendly hotels and accommodations. Many of these are home to playgrounds and kids’ clubs also. It’s a given that local restaurants will be filled with delights for the children too, so why not stay bed and breakfast or self-catering for a more authentic experience?
Ibiza, Spain
Spanish Islands like the Balearics promote their own unique culture and way of life. Ibiza became popular with hippie culture in the twentieth century, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and the natural beauty of sunsets aligned with human spirituality and tight-knit communities. Introduce the children to hippie life! Synonymous with relaxation and serenity, Ibiza is the perfect place to get that summer relaxation in away from the chaos of everyday life.
Accommodation here isn’t just home to the classic party hotels. Why not pick a family villa in Ibiza to rent, to guarantee a comfortable stay of privacy? With a villa, the flexibility of meal times, pool times, and everything in between, means you can really allow the holiday to be yours. So, whether the kids want to explore Ibiza after a five in the morning pool dip, or whether they’re ready to hit the old town until midnight, the choice is all yours with a villa.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Renowned for it’s historic heritage during the medival times, Dubrovnik is a great place to get the curious out of the youngsters! Bordered by the famous well-preserved walls, the Old Town’s traditional Croatian charm filters through the streets. Walking through the city walls is a true adventure for the young intrepid explorers, allowing them to see how history is still apparent in some cultures today.
Once the history lessens are done, take a ride on a cable car up to Mount Srd for awe-striking views across the city. A perfect spot for the family postcard picture! There is also an aquarium, featuring local marinelife and vast beaches when you all get a bit tired and just fancy a lie down. For the most confident tots, there are a range of kayaking and boat tours available for exploring neighboring islands. Lokrum is a nature reserve a short boatride away. Showcase peacocks and botanical gardens to inquisitive minds, for the first time. Find the sea lovers among your family early and delve into exploration across the coastline and the historic mainland of Dubrovnik.
Paris, France
Diseyland, twinkling cityscapes and an abundance of things to do, Paris is a treat for the most adventurous young children. Cater cultural France vacations to exactly what you want for the timespan. Considering a local guide to help plan the process could be a great way to takeaway the stress of parents too!
Such an extensive list of things to do options can be overwhelming, but landing in the city is sure to instantly feel stress free as it’s magic is felt. Head straight to the Eiffel Tower for an ideal central point to start a day of exploration. It’s luckily a mainly flat city, ensuring easy pram and pushchair access again to avoid tired legs! Future artists can be inspired at the world famous Lourve, where they offer special treasure hunts and guided tours designed for families to give the children an interactive experience of fun learning. Treat the hunger with delicious delicacies like pastries and chocolates; shops scatter the streets. For any really adventurous tots, snails are on offer. They say children are the most resilient, so perhaps they’ll enjoy the traditional French cuisine more than the parents!
Just a short journey outside of the city centre, Disneyland Paris is a must. At a young age, many of the rides won’t be accessible so forget the queues and head to the meet and greets with children’s favourite characters. Stay all say and watch the children’s eyes light up as they marvel at a nighttime parade that features illuminated floats and special effects. Guaranteed to be a fun-filled dayout that will make bedtime a doddle with the tiredness that comes with all the excitement for the little ones.
Cornwall, United Kingdom
Attratcing tourism from across the globe for it’s undeniable quintessential British charm, the seaside haven is a winner for families worldwide. Bucket and spade at the ready because, no matter the unpredictable weather of the UK, children are sure to get messy in the sands with you by their side. Fistral Beach in Newquay is known for being the perfect sandcastle spot; they even offer surfing lessens for children too. Head on a coastal walk, where there’s family-friendly sections of scenic trails synonymous with astounding views and wildlife spotting. Various castles within the county can offer education of some historic influences here, alongside more viewpoints across resorts.
Rain, rain won’t go away? Don’t panic because Cornwall is used to catering for the chaotic climate. Most towns are home to indoor swimming pools and soft play areas for an easy win, but there are some more creative options for the youngsters that want to get involved. Why not try a local pottery and craft workshop? The history of Cornwall’s pirate scene comes to life at Pirates Quest in Newquay, which is an interactive walk-through experience sure to hold the imaginations for a few hours.
Pack for all weather and embrace the crazy British summertime in Cornwall.
Summary
Travelling with young children doesn’t need to be stressful. With a world that’s used to catering for young minds, there is sure to be a vacation apt for you and your family. Long haul flights, lengthy car journeys can all be made fun with the right adventurous joy. Take on a family holiday in Europe!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.