Hi guys! We are a family of four from Poland. Our family consists of me, Asia (mom/wife), Lukasz (dad/husband), and Liliana and Adam (our two children). We work for a big international corporation during the week, from Monday to Friday, and utilize our free time to take breaks and relax. For us, traveling in Europe helps us achieve some much-needed recovery.
It’s also wonderful that we can show our kids other parts of the world aside from Poland and share our experiences on Instagram, as it’s a good platform to record memories plus answer questions from other parents on how to organize family trips. Our family travels in Europe have taken us to a variety of incredible places including Greece, Spain, Italy, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Sometimes, the kids stay with their grandparents while my husband and I set off on city breaks, and other times we all go together.
What is the Best Country in Europe for Family Travels?
In our opinion, one of the best countries in Europe to take children is Spain. Mallorca in particular is lovely – filled with beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and perfect weather (not too hot for kids as we visited before summer). The most important thing to consider for family travels is that both the kids and parents have their expectations met and that everyone is happy, and it’s easy to achieve that in Spain. Another destination on our Spanish bucket list is Barcelona and we hope to visit soon.
A Cherished Memory from Our Travels: Running for Trains in Italy
By no means is Spain the only place where we have created special memories. On our last trip to Italy we were blown away – not by seeing something amazing, but by the smiles and happiness shown on our kid’s faces. We were traveling from Venice to Lake Garda and were waiting for our train at the station. Five minutes before the departure, it got canceled and the next train was in three hours – not an ideal situation with children.
I asked the service staff what we should do in such a scenario. They told us there would be another train leaving for the next station in three minutes and that we could change trains there to reach our destination. So we started running like Forrest Gump with all our luggage – 2x cabin cases and four backpacks – and with food and drinks for the kids. We made it in the end! During this moment, I saw the pure happiness radiating from our kids. They even recall that moment from time to time, looking back on it fondly.
How to Choose a Destination for Your Family Travels in Europe
Choosing the right European destination for your family travels depends on the family’s interests and the age of the children. If you have any doubts, you can book with a local travel agency who can ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. Greece is a fantastic choice in this regard, as the agents can organize your ferry rides between the islands (for example).
For a self-arranged trip, I would recommend Spain – especially Mallorca and the Canary Islands. European cities are perfect for short escapes such as to Rome, Lisbon and Prague. Obviously, being Polish, I would recommend you visit my home country – Wroclaw, Krakow and Gdansk are the top options.
Final Tips & Tricks for a Successful Family Getaway
Firstly, you need to be prepared. Read about the country you are visiting through websites, reviews and first-hand experiences. Book the accommodation from secured sources with a number of positive reviews. Regarding transfers, it all depends on where you are going. If there is an easy way to use public transport, then go for it (especially if it’s lower cost than private transfers). Additionally, insurance is a must for family travel.
Wherever possible, it’s a great idea to travel with friends who have children of a similar age. This way the kids will be more eager to go sightseeing as a group, can play games together and give the parents a break. Keep in mind too that while planning is important, being flexible is also crucial as your children might get tired and might not want to stick to a strict schedule.
Ask each family member, no matter their age, what they would like to do – for instance, when we were in Las Palmas and Palma de Mallorca we had to spend some time at local playgrounds. Apart from those things, just savor the moment. These family travels in Europe will be remembered forever!
