When our kids are little, it can seem like we have all the
time in the world with them, but in reality, we only get 18 summers.
Ask any parent of a child in their late teens and they will
tell you those years fly by. The older they get, the more you find yourself
wishing you could slow down time and keep them young and at home with family
for just a little bit longer.
Traveling with your children is one of the greatest gifts
you can give them. Getting them out into the world to explore different
countries and culture will teach them lessons for more lasting and valuable
than what they will learn in the average classroom.
This article continues our series on 18 of our favorite
destinations to visit before your kids fly the nest. In the first article we listed six options in, or
departing from, the US. Top US Favorites Here are
our top recommendations for European vacations you won’t want to miss…
London, United Kingdom
London is one of those destinations that is perfect for
older kids and teens. It has a “cool factor” that they just can’t resist.
The London Eye looking down at the tourists, following in
Harry Potter’s footsteps with a visit to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station or
the Harry Potter Studio tour, exploring the Tower of London as you learn about
its grizzly history, and taking a selfie from the top level of a double decker
bus as you pass over the iconic Tower Bridge… all things your teen is sure to
be posting all about on Instagram and Snapchat!
If countryside attractions are more your style, you will
also find nearby cities with idyllic farms and countrysides dotted with castles
right out of a Disney. Since there is no language barrier in the U.K., it can
be one of the easiest European cities to visit with your family.
Paris, France
Paris is for couples, right? Not necessarily! There are a
lot of child-friendly places to visit in the City of Lights. Centre Pompidou,
the Luxembourg Gardens, the palace and gardens of Versailles and several other
important landmarks offer a fun and enriched cultural experience.
Speaking of landmarks, who can forget the Eiffel Tower! It
may be a romantic spot on the books, but it is sure to delight your children
when it lights up at sundown. Disneyland Paris, on the other hand, is designed
especially for families with little ones in tow. The best part most of the
city's best spots are located within a mile of each other, Paris is a city for walkers.
Want to plan an extended European vacation? Combine London
and Paris into one exciting trip your kids are sure to love.
Zurich, Switzerland
Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is not the only thing
Zurich has to offer. The Swiss city has some of the best family attractions -
and the best food - you can imagine. Zurich’s loction nestled between the banks
of a dreamy lake and the foothills of the mighty Swiss Alps is tough to beat.
The views in this area are nothing short of astounding. You’ll definitely want
to plan some time to take family photos… you’re likely to leave with one that
will become your next holiday card!
There are plenty of cultural experiences that await you in
Zurich. Spend your days exploring one of the massive museums or its historic
Old Town neighborhood. After taking in the views, do remember to try the cheese
fondue and authentic German fare at a local restaurant!
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is
one of Europe’s most kid-friendly cities with attractions such as Casa de
Campo, where families will find the Madrid Zoo Aquarium and the Parque de
Atracciones Madrid amusement park.
When
the kids need to burn off some energy, the playgrounds of Retiro Park are the
perfect place to visit to let the kids run around a bit while the adults can
lounge in the park's formal garden.
Two
activities not to be missed are taking in a soccer game at Santiago Bernabéu
Stadium and touring the Royal Palace.
Italy has been a well-loved travel destination for ages and
for good reason: you can visit every year but still not have enough of it.
Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and Naples… Every city has its own distinct
local color and culture to discover. A plus: there is amazing gelato to be
found all over the country! We especially love the off the usual tourist spots of Umbria, Lake Garda and the beautiful beaches of Puglia.
From beaches and meadows to piazzas and cathedrals, there is
something for every taste.
If you are more interested in a family vacation full of
adventure and exploration, Iceland is the place to go. Waterfalls, glaciers,
black-sand beaches, and enjoyable wintry weather make for an incredible time
with your loved ones. You can ride along beautiful green fields on ponies’
backs one afternoon and then take a thrilling off-road buggy tour on the next.
For older kids, dog-sledding and floating in the famed Blue
Lagoon can prove to be extremely enjoyable activities. So many families visit
Iceland that it has claimed one of the top spots in the tourism industry.
We’ve got 1 more week of suggestions to fill out your 18
summers of travel with your family.
Be sure to check back next week to find out
our top recommendations
for exotic vacations with the family.
The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your
complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat . We’ll discuss the details and
what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we
can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.
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