18 Family Vacations- Europe Edition

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

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.

Iceland

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.

London for the Teenager in Your Family

       London is a great city to visit with your family.  From the history, culture, attractions, and the energy; London has something for everyone.  But beyond the major attractions like the Tower of London that everyone seems to enjoy; if your like my family, the hardest members of your family to please when you travel together are the teens.  On their best days teens always seem jaded and hard to please.  Factor in traveling together to another country and the stress levels can rise quickly.  Traveling with two teens of my own, I have found that finding finding features or activities geared toward their interests will keep them more involved in the trip which intern will reduce your stress level, and in the end allow the entire family to enjoy and have a great vacation.  When it comes to finding those activities focused on the interest of your teens, there is no better place to look than London.  Here is just a sample of the activities that will make even the most hard to please teenager have a great time.

1. The London Dungeon
       Teenagers love to be scared.  Horror movies would not be so popular if this wasn't true.  When the kids were younger they would probably have been to frightened to go in this place, but now they are the perfect age.  I love the London Dungeon because of it's good giggly-scary fun and you will have a real adrenalin rush.  Plus the actors are there to real entertain, so bring it on!

2. Jack the Ripper Tour
       Keeping with the "they like to be scared" theme, a walking touring the evening hearing about the gruesome tales of Jack the Ripper in Victorian London is another option for older kids.  The walk follows the streets around the east end where the murders took place and the tour guides don't hold back with their honesty, but are also entertaining.

3. Clothes Shopping
       Almost all teenage girls, ( and even many teenage boys), like to shop for clothes.  When you come to London they will want to be able to choose something their friends don't have back home.  Tour first stop should be to the "mother of all" department stores, Harrods.  Then head to Top Shop at Oxford Circus for some great High Street fashion.  Its flagship store is big enough to demand a few hours of your shopping time.  Further along Oxford Street, is the enormous Primark store which has very cheap fashion clothes in all the latest styles.

4. Afternoon Tea
       Teenagers love being treated like an adult; and in London the ultimate in adult activities for many visitors is enjoying afternoon tea.  When you treat your teenage daughter to the tradition that is the afternoon tea, the service along with the nice tea and cakes will make them feel real special.

5.  Madame Tussauds
       Like it or not, celebrities play a big part in teenager's lives and getting up close to some big names can be fun for all.  It's all about having fun here so there's music playing when you arrive and you can hug your idols and get some great photo opportunities.  There are pop stars and actors, as well as sports legends and historic figures.  Try sitting in the US President's chair and pretend your the commander-in-chief.

6.  Celebrity Character Tours
       Speaking of celebrities, teens love so many celebrity characters, that they read about see in a movie, that are based in London.  From Harry Potter, to James Bond, to Dr. Who; the will love taking tours around London seeing the real life locations for where their favorite characters lived out their fantasies.  The story telling is fun and interesting, and this is a great way to see areas of London outside of the normal tourist areas.