The HowTo NetworkTravel

Planning your first family trip to Europe

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Limit your itinerary to two cities maximum to avoid burnout and always book accommodation with kitchen access. Plan for one major activity per day, leaving afternoons free for downtime in local parks.

Budget
250-350 dollars per day
Duration
10 days recommended
Best Time
May, June, or September
Visa Required
Depends; check current Schengen requirements and upcoming ETIAS mandates.

Step by step

  1. Pick a kid-friendly hub

    Choose cities with excellent public transit and pedestrianized centers. London, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen are ideal for beginners because they are safe, stroller-friendly, and offer plenty of green space.

  2. Book flights with sleep in mind

    Opt for overnight flights for long-haul travel. Even if the kids don't sleep well, the cabin lights will be dimmed, which helps maintain a semblance of a nighttime routine.

  3. Use the 'One Big Thing' rule

    Schedule only one major museum or monument per day. Spend the rest of the time visiting local playgrounds or walking through neighborhoods so kids can burn off energy.

  4. Ship your gear

    Don't haul strollers or high chairs across the Atlantic. Rent baby gear locally or buy a cheap, lightweight 'umbrella' stroller upon arrival that you can leave behind if necessary.

Questions people ask

Should I bring a car seat?

If you plan on using taxis or rideshares, yes. However, if you are sticking to trains and subways, skip it to save yourself the hassle of carrying it.

How do we handle the jet lag?

Keep the kids awake until 7:00 PM local time on the first day. Natural sunlight and movement are the best cures for early wake-ups.

Breakdown
Expect to spend 100 dollars on food (cooking some meals in), 100 dollars on transit/activities, and 100-150 dollars on family-sized accommodation.
Daily Estimate
250-350 dollars per day for a family of four, excluding flights.

Packing

  • Universal power adapter with multiple USB ports
  • Lightweight, compact travel stroller
  • Tablet with pre-downloaded offline content
  • Ziploc bags for snacks and spills

Itinerary

  • 1 — Early dinner at a local bistro; bed by 7:00 PM to combat jet lag. — Arrive and check into your apartment; drop bags. — Walk to the nearest large public park to let kids run; avoid napping. — Use Google Maps to find the nearest playground (Speeltuin in Dutch, Spielplatz in German).
  • 2 — Quiet evening in; eat dinner at the apartment. — Visit one major landmark early to beat crowds. — Visit a local supermarket to stock up on snacks and breakfast items. — Grocery stores in Europe often close earlier than in the US; check hours.