Plan Your Trip
Family Travel

Getting Around

In general, Europe is an incredibly family-friendly place to travel, but distances can be long, so it’s a good idea to break up the trip with things to see and do en route.

Traffic is at its worst during holiday seasons, especially between June and August, and journey times are likely to be much longer during this period.

Trains can be a great option for family travel – kids will have more space to move around, and you can pack books, puzzles and computer games to keep them entertained.

Children and young people qualify for cheap travel on most public transport in Europe (usually around 50% of the adult fare). Look out for railcards and passes that open up extra discounts – many cities offer passes that combine entry to sights and attractions with travel on public transport.

Children in a lavender field in Provence | MIHASTOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Sights & Attractions

Most attractions offer discounted entry for children (generally for 12 years and under, although this varies). If you can, try to mix up educational activities with fun excursions they’re guaranteed to enjoy – balance that visit to the Tate Modern or the Louvre with a trip to the London Aquarium or a day at Disneyland Paris, for example. The number-one rule is to avoid packing too much in – you’ll get tired, the kids will get irritable and tantrums are sure to follow. Plan carefully and you’ll enjoy your time much more.

Hotels & Restaurants

It’s always worth asking in advance whether hotels are happy to accept kids. Many are fully geared for family travel, with children’s activities, child-minding services and the like, but others may impose a minimum age limit to deter guests with kids. Family-friendly hotels will usually be able to offer a large room with two or three beds to accommodate families, or at least neighbouring rooms with an adjoining door. Dining out en famille is generally great fun, but again, it’s always worth checking to see whether kids are welcome – generally the posher or more prestigious the establishment, the less kid friendly they’re likely to be. Many restaurants offer cheaper children’s menus, usually based around simple staples such as steak, pasta, burgers and chicken. Most will also offer smaller portions of adult meals. If your kids are fussy, buying your own ingredients at a local market can encourage them to experiment – they can choose their own food while simultaneously practising the local lingo.