Too often families are hesitant to travel to Europe with their young ones. This is simply because people are not aware of how many options there are that cater to families. So, set aside all of your worries and wondering of whether or not traveling Europe with children is possible and start packing your bags to get ready to head out on one of the following fantastic family-friendly options…
FAMILY LAND TOURS
Why not take your children to some of the countries they are studying in school. These trips not only build wonderful family memories, they learn while having fun and have a wonderful trip to write about when asked to write “What I did on my summer vacation”.
TAUCK BRIDGES
An award-winning company known for its friendly and knowledgeable service guaranteed to make certain your time spent as a family in Europe is nothing short of memorable and fun. With their several available European family vacations you can start planning trips like the Grand European Family Holiday that takes you through London, Paris, and Rome with thrilling activities catered to all ages, or possibly the Alpine Adventure where mountain biking, rock climbing, and cable cars up the world’s steepest cog railway await!
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY
The single most impressive company in the world that knows exactly how to cater to anything and everything family related, get ready to experience the real wonders and magic that Disney has to offer you and your children. With over 20 different Adventures to choose from including a charming Italy and Amalfi Coast Adventure, a 7-Night Magic of the Baltic Cruise Adventure, and a 7-Night Magic of the Fjords Cruise Adventure along with so many more, the options are far from few. With all the little details taken care of, all your family has to worry about is how on earth you are going to be ready to head back home after it’s all done!
FAMILY MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
For years families have discovered that cruising is a stress free way to travel with children. Most cruise lines have children’s programs. Go beyond the Caribbean and take a cruise in Europe. Unpack once and get to see many different cities along the way. It’s also a very cost effective way to travel and you don’t have to worry about picky eaters with strange foreign foods.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
This is an extremely well-known and established cruise line that makes your journey across the sea exciting, memorable, and thrilling every step of the way. Your kids will be catered to from start to finish of the cruise with its excellent supervised children’s programs, from Fisher-Price programs for the youngest members, to Adventure Ocean for the older ones. While in port, check out Explorations! Shore excursions that turn every destination into a family-friendly adventure. Different ships have different onboard activities including H2O Zone waterpark, rock walls, FlowRider surf simulators, zip lines and ice skating rinks. Check specific ships to see what is available. If you want a cabin that accommodates 4 or more, be sure to book early.
NORWEGIAN
A bit unlike the other two above-mentioned cruise lines, Norwegian has gone on to perfect the “free-style” cruising where you don’t need to show up anywhere or join in on anything if you don’t want to. Norwegian recently revamped its family programs; Splash Academy is for ages 6 months to 12 years. Splash Academy is broken down in small groups of similar aged children so the younger ones are not mixing with the older ones. This includes a program that teaches them circus skills like ball juggling, plate spinning clowning and acrobatics. The new teen program for ages 13-17 is called Entourage and offers an array of programs from soccer, theater and fashion workshops, and interactive pool parties. There is even a Kid’s Café that is open all day and features only kid-friendly food.
FAMILY RIVER CRUISES
Until recently the river cruise craze has been reserved for older adults- but no longer. Several lines are capitalizing on the popularity of river cruising and adding sailings geared to families. This is an excellent option for squeamish sailors, as river ships simply float along calm waters allowing passengers to view scenery on both sides of the river. The added advantage of river cruises is that daily excursions are included in the price of the fare. Many of these voyages are only offered in limited sailings, so be sure to book early.
UNIWORLD
Specializing in multigenerational experiences that serve as the perfect way to introduce your young ones to a whole new world, Uniworld will prove to be one of the best river cruise options available for you and your 4-18-year-old kids. Voted in 2015 as the “World’s Best River Cruises for Families” by Travel & Leisure, you’ll dive right into all the fun with arts and crafts in places like Prague or Italy, explore the Christmas Markets of Paris or Switzerland, and marvel at the enchanting castles along the Seine River!
AMAWATERWAYS & DISNEY
Beginning summer of 2016, get ready to enjoy the perfect joining of two companies offering the ultimate active-adventure river cruise for families. Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways will feature a total of five different times of the year to head out on one of these unforgettable journeys where you and your kids can make memories unlike any other! This ship is being designed specifically to accommodate families and will feature connecting cabins.
TAUCK BRIDGES
As mentioned before, Tauck certainly has done its fair share of allowing families to experience Europe in a whole new light and with its family river cruises, you’ll get to experience Europe from all its best angles. Snake your way down the Seine and Danube as you taste cuisines of various countries, explore historical sites, and simply soak up every moment with each other.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
Although there are some definite perks to joining in on a scheduled journey with several other families, there are times when a breath of fresh independent air is necessary. Independent travel allows you to design a trip specifically geared to the needs and interests of your family. Here are a few examples the kids will love.
HARRY POTTER TOUR – LONDON
If you or your kids are at all fans of Harry Potter, this is undoubtedly a MUST if and when you visit London. Explore the magical world as you sip on butterbeer, pick out a wand of your own, and wander your way down Diagon Alley.
While in lovely Paris, make sure you stop by this incredibly fun and interactive children’s museum where temporary and permanent exhibits of astronomy, biology, and physics await. You and your kids will not only have a blast but also learn plenty of new interesting facts to take along with you after you leave.
TIVOLI GARDENS – COPENHAGEN
Located in central Copenhagen, Denmark this is sure to be among one of the favorites during your European family vacation. Packed with thrilling rides, games, contests, and concerts throughout the spring and summer season, you’ll absolutely love exploring and enjoying all the fun to be had here!
GLADIATOR SCHOOL – ROME
This two-hour long session will allow your kids to learn an introduction to the history of Rome and what it was like to be a gladiator just before they throw on the outfits and learn the sword skills themselves. This is fun for kids of all ages and provides them a great learning experience and a chance to use up some of that playful energy they’ve been storing up.
To plan your family vacation in Europe, call Kingsbridge Travel at 813 972-3400. Ask for Diane Ross who has a wealth of knowledge on how to satisfy every member of the family.