How To Plan A Trip To Europe For Your Family

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I am busy ironing out the details for our trip to Europe this summer, and it has inspired me to write a detailed post for you about how to plan a trip to Europe for your family! 

I know that when we share our family adventures in Europe and around the world, people are often inspired to plan their own trips. But everyone tells me that they have no idea where to start.

Today, I am here to help you plan a trip to Europe!

Planning A Trip To Europe

Taking on a family adventure to Europe should be exciting, not overwhelming. Imagine days filled with cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and unforgettable memories. 

However, the truth is that planning such a trip requires mindful consideration and organization, especially when you are traveling to Europe with kids.  

In this family travel guide, I will take you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable family vacation wherever you choose to visit in Europe.  And in reality, most of these tips can also be used for other destinations. But a trip to Europe is a good jumping-off point for big, international travel! 

How To Plan A Trip To Europe

I am going to walk you through my exact European travel planning process in order. It may be a little different than others, but it has worked really well for my family.

However, there is one major item that I want to discuss first, and that is passports! 

Many European countries require your passport to have 3 or 6 months of validity left on it. The general rule of thumb is that your passport expiration date must be at LEAST 6 months after your departure date. 

When writing this, in early 2024, passport turnaround times are at record speeds. Several months ago, people were waiting 12+ weeks, but now I see people getting them back as quickly as 2-3 weeks. Your mileage may vary, but now is the perfect time to renew if your passport expires this year or your children don’t have passports! 

Also, you want to make sure you have some form of travel insurance. You can buy a plan from companies like Travelex, Faye, or Allianz.

Also, many premium credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card or Chase Sapphire Cards, include trip protection when you use them. Read the terms in your account, but often, this can cover everything from delays to lost baggage. 

#1 Define Your Destination in Europe

Dreaming up trips to Europe is my specialty! I have to confess that I do it weekly, if not daily. Many of them never come to fruition, but when they do, I never have a single regret. Take the trip. Life is short!  

So, this is inevitably where the travel planning process starts for me. I am always keeping my eye out for great deals and running searches on Google Flights. Most never get booked, but I find something I can’t pass up once or twice a year. I reserve the flights, and that’s usually how our trips start.

The only way you can visit Europe is by booking flights there! Unless you take a transatlantic cruise. And don’t tempt me because I almost booked one the other day! 

Booking Flights To Europe

Every big trip that I plan starts with airfare. When it comes to travel, I like to get the best value possible. So, how do I do it?

Knowing Your Airport

First, know what main airlines (domestic and international) service your nearby airports and the routes. For example, Delta reigns supreme in Atlanta along with SkyTeam partners like Air France and KLM. Therefore, there are the most nonstops each day, heading to Paris and Amsterdam for me.  

Head to your airport’s website and look at the flight departures. Where are they heading to? What airlines are operating them? This will help you narrow things down if you are looking for nonstop options or minimal connections. This is key when planning a trip to Europe from USA destinations as particular cities service particular routes. 

Finding Flight Deals With Thrifty Traveler Premium

I am obsessed with Thrifty Traveler Premium. I have had their annual subscriptions for a few years and have found so many deals! Because I subscribe to all cities, I get emails almost daily with incredible domestic and international flight deals.  

One of my favorite features is that it includes smaller airports, including where I live in Dothan, Alabama. Most similar services don’t. It lists deals by departure city, allowing me to quickly scan and see if any of my nearby airports (Dothan, Panama City Beach, Tallahassee, Destin, Atlanta) are included.

They share so many great flight deals to Europe that you’ll have a hard time passing up. I am sitting on my hands so as not to book a trip to Scotland they just sent out.

Click here to learn more about Thrifty Traveler Premium! 

Tips For Your Flight To Europe

When booking, be mindful of times. Most trips from the US to Europe will be overnight. This allows me to leave Atlanta around 8:50 pm and arrive in France at 12 pm the next day. Generally, I can get a decent night’s sleep, rally through that very first day, and start the next full day of my trip with minimal jet lag. 

The route home is often during the day, leaving Europe in the morning and arriving in the US mid-day, on the “same day” due to the time change. So, jet lag tends to be worse for us in that direction, as sleeping on the plane during the day is more challenging. It will usually make for an unavoidable long travel day.

I have one last flight tip before we move on to cities. Generally, a round-trip ticket will be cheaper than two one-way tickets when paying cash/credit (as opposed to points/miles). On your first short European trip, you should resist the urge to do a multi-city trip where you start and end in different places. 

Adding onto that, you will also want to compare prices on partner airlines. For example, using the Sky Team alliance that I mentioned above. You may find the exact flight (same plane and everything) sold from Delta for one price. If you check Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic, you may find a cheaper flight as they codeshare these routes! 

When we went to Greece in November 2022, I almost booked flights for $1300 per person on Delta but ended up booking with Air France for $875 per person round trip. It’s the same exact plane! 

Choosing Which City Or Cities To Visit In Europe

So, you have some flight options and are ready to pull the trigger. But is that city right for you? Where should I go on my first trip to Europe?

When deciding on a destination city for your first trip to Europe, consider factors such as kid-friendly activities, safety, and accessibility.  

Destinations like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona are known for their family-oriented attractions. They are great options for your first trip to Europe! 

For your first trip to Europe, I recommend focusing on one city. Our favorite thing to do is watch YouTube videos about that city. Sometimes I do this before I book my flights, sometimes after. But it is a great way to learn more about a city and get excited about your trip! 

I browse though the TripAdvisor page for that city. I scroll through photos, read user comments, and see the available tours and activities. When you have found the right trip, you know. You feel the urge to lock it in! 

Also, please consider the weather and what you want from that trip. It may be tempting to grab those rock-bottom flights to Paris. But do you want to be there when it’s only 20 degrees? Maybe you do. Or perhaps you were imagining warm lunches on sidewalk cafes.  

Europe is very crowded in summer, but there are some sweet spots. For the past two years, we have headed to Europe immediately after school gets out on the weekend of Memorial Day. Most European schools go into late June, so this is a little sweet spot. Also, Fall and Spring breaks can be excellent shoulder seasons. Winter travel to Europe can be magical with all of the Christmas markets. You have to be mindful of what type of trip you are planning. 

#2 Set a European Travel Budget

Ok, so maybe this should have been number one. But if I know I found some great flights, I can figure everything else out from there. If the total cost of the flights is too high, it’s a deal breaker. Airfare is where I like to save money. 

For many, determining a realistic budget is crucial for a successful first trip to Europe. Many people don’t know what to factor in transportation, accommodation, meals, and attractions. Researching your destination and creating a rough budget will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

And it is possible to plan a trip to Europe on a budget! We find food and drink much cheaper than in the United States, and dining out is always a big part of our spending.

In my case, I don’t create an actual budget, but I know how much I think is reasonable to spend on that trip. Sometimes, that means splurging for high-end hotel accommodations in one area for the first part of the trip and using an Airbnb for the other half. This also allows us to explore two areas.  

For example, we are heading to Mexico for Spring break. While it’s not Europe, I took a similar mindset. The Royalton Splash All-Inclusive Resort we are staying at for the first few days of our week-long trip is over $700 per night. We want to do other things and explore the Riviera Maya. So, we are spending 3 nights there for $2200 and staying put, followed by 4 nights at a great Airbnb in Playa del Carmen for only $600 total to help offset the total cost.

#3 Choose the Right Accommodations 

So, let’s get back to Europe and step 3 in my European travel planning process! 

Here lies one topic that comes as a surprise to many first-time European travelers. In the United States and North America, double Queen hotel rooms that accommodate four are a dime a dozen and often have sleeper sofas, too. However, in Europe, most hotel rooms only sleep two guests. And these occupancy rules are very strict!  

Therefore, you must be open-minded when determining where you want to sleep in Europe.  

Before breaking down the types of accommodations, I want to reiterate my advice to stay in one city or two nearby cities for your first trip, especially if it’s a week or less. It’s easy to think you’ll spend 1-2 nights here and then move on to another town and so forth. You will end up with many travel days spent packing, unpacking, and waiting to check-in. It will feel rushed, and you’ll likely be exhausted and regret it. I do not recommend this for your first trip to Europe with kids. Save that type of busy itinerary for future trips! 

However, splitting a stay between two areas in a large city or even between two nearby towns such as Bruges and Brussels is often a good idea. In fact, we almost always do this when our trip is 6+ days.

If you want to plan a trip to Europe for 2 weeks or more, by all means, travel to more places. We all know that airfare tends to be the most significant upfront expense. I just don’t want you to spread yourself too thin on your first short trip if you are planning a trip to Europe for 1 week or less! 

READ: Airbnbs vs Hotels: Which one is better?

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Europe

So, back to finding a space that will actually fit your family. This is actually easier than it first seems!  

Looking back at our past international travels, we always book in one of three ways, split relatively evenly! We either book directly with hotels, rent an Airbnb, or use Booking.com,

Regardless of which site you use, you need to make sure you understand the city you are visiting. Walkability is the #1 most important factor for our family when traveling. So, we always ensure we are in the most ideal location.  

Hotels in Europe

As mentioned above, finding hotel rooms accommodating more than two people can be tricky and costly. We often end up booking 2 adjoining rooms when staying at hotels internationally.  

I always check my favorite hotel chains first, including IHG and Hyatt. If I find something perfect, I book directly on their website to use my loyalty benefits and use/earn points for my stay. However, this often doesn’t work out or is too costly. So, let’s move on! 

Airbnb and VRBO in Europe

As you know, I am an Airbnb host myself with several vacation rentals on 30A. We frequently stay at Airbnbs when traveling internationally, while less often here in the United States. Hotels are the better route for short domestic trips.

However, internationally, Airbnbs are a great option! Typically, they are less expensive than hotels and offer much more space to spread out. We appreciate this after a long day of travel.  Make sure to check both Airbnb and VRBO!

It’s not unusual for me to find a great 3 bedroom, 2 bath option for $150-$300 per night total after all taxes and fees. Yesterday, while planning our summer trip, I booked 3 nights in Antibes, a small community in the south of France, for only $512 total. It’s in the heart of Old Town and walkable to everything, too! 

There always has to be a downside, though, right? I have noticed that international Airbnbs are not always up to the standards they are here. In the US, many are on par with hotels regarding cleanliness, amenities, and cozy beds. Internationally, they usually lack a bit. The expectations and standards are just different. So, read through all of the reviews before booking! 

Using Booking.com To Book Stays In Europe

But there is a third option, which I use frequently, and it’s a blend of the two above – Booking.com! 

I love using Booking.com when traveling in Europe. Their site has hotels, including smaller independent hotels, and many short-term rental-style apartments. Booking.com is based in Amsterdam and is a popular and reputable way to book European accommodations. I have booked numerous stays through them, including that incredible cave house in Santorini!  

For example, the apartment we rented in Amsterdam has the feel of an Airbnb and is similarly independently owned and managed by an individual. That owner simply uses the Booking.com platform.  

If a hotel isn’t part of a big chain where I value loyalty, I book through Booking.com. They often have the best prices and usually very flexible cancellation policies.  

In the below map, which shows Amsterdam, you can see the various types of accommodations that you can find on Booking.com. The more you zoom in, the more apartments you’ll see. I really value the ratings that you see because they come from actual reviews! 

Booking.com

#4 Plan Your European Itinerary

Flights are booked. Accommodations are booked. Now what?

This is the fun part! You get to figure out what you will do while visiting Europe. If you haven’t already done so, watch YouTube video travel guides to see what other people are doing in that city. They often share great tips and first-hand insight that will come in handy. We almost always have the kids watch, too. It’s fun when they have a say in the planning process. Abby is my sidekick Europe trip planner these days! 

You should craft a tentative itinerary of things to do in Europe that includes a mix of sightseeing and downtime. Be flexible, considering the needs and interests of every family member. Include iconic landmarks, museums, parks, and leisure activities suitable for all ages.

As soon as I start planning, I like to keep my ideas and plans organized in one place, usually a Google Doc dedicated to my Europe travel plans. I continually build on it, and I like accessing it on my phone as well as my computer. As we get closer, I organize it by days, adding links to activities I have prebooked and bulleted notes with other potential ideas.  

I only book things in advance that are 100% necessary, such as Anne Frank House tickets that sell out months in advance and lift tickets for the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes museums sell out of specific entry time tickets, so take that into consideration. For example, when we visited the Louvre in Paris, I booked in advance to get the first slot of the day. 

Don’t overschedule your trip or bite off more than you can chew. Europe is known for its quaint cafes and charming streets. Allow time to explore and let the day unfold naturally. You want a mix of downtime and activities. Be cognizant of the time you have. A 3 week Europe Itinerary and a 1 week Europe Itinerary are going to be very different.  You can even consider getting a CityPass!

Get Your Guide Tours and Activities in Europe 

One of my favorite ways to book activities in Europe, including tours, is through Get Your Guide. Again, this is a top-rated European company and will be helpful for your Europe itinerary. We have used them for canal cruises in Amsterdam, museum tickets in London, Seine river cruises in Paris, and more! 

The Get Your Guide app is straightforward to use. Most activities have very flexible cancellation schedules. I use it for last-minute bookings fairly often. Last month, while in New Orleans, we had an open evening. I checked the Get Your Guide app to see what was available. I quickly found a ghost tour, booked it, and we got started within an hour! 

One more perk is that the Get Your Guide website and app translate everything to English instead of individual websites where it may be in the local language. This allows me to make sure I have all of the important information and it’s outlined really well. You don’t need paper tickets either. They just scan your app when you arrive! 

#5 Book Transportation As Needed

Most of the hard work is done! We know where and when you’re going to Europe, including where you will stay and what you will do. So, let’s tie up a few loose ends. 

Before your trip, familiarize yourself with local transportation options. Does this city have public transportation? Can you use Apple Pay, or do you need to buy a cash ticket? Are Ubers readily available? How will you get from the airport to your rental?

One of the most overwhelming moments when I arrive in a new city is when I am trying to exit the airport. I often can’t read the signage, and I am unsure where the Uber pickup is or if I need a taxi. In many places, there is a pain point for scams. You may encounter people trying to direct you to their taxi. So, research this in detail in advance and have a plan. 

Many rentals and hotels will offer you airport transportation for an extra fee that is generally very reasonable. Walking out of baggage claim and seeing a friendly face with your name on a sign is priceless!  

Using Apple Maps Transit Feature

This needs its own section because it is my favorite hack! I love to open Apple Maps and change the map to transit, as shown in my screenshots below. This allows you to see all of the public transportation routes! 

Furthermore, I often use the directions option (set to transit) before and during a trip. Apple Maps does such an excellent job with precise directions here. It usually will also tell you how to pay.  

The example below shows how to get from London Heathrow to the Hotel Indigo Kensington, where Abby and I stayed in June. It gives us exact directions, including stops in between and time spent walking, and tells me that I can use Apple Pay! The public transportation in London is VERY EASY to use!

#6 Familiarize Yourself with Local Customs

Unless you booked a last-minute trip to Europe, you probably have some waiting to do now. In the days and weeks leading up to your trip, take some time to research the customs and etiquette of the countries you’ll be visiting. 

Teaching your family about local customs enhances the travel experience and fosters respect for different cultures. Research the traditional foods that the city is known for, too!  You can even visit your local grocery store and look for the section for that country. Grab some snacks!

It’s also important to understand the tipping culture. Generally, you don’t need to tip as you do in the US. Most of the time, you leave the change or round up the bill. Some upscale establishments may have a service charge, usually 10% or well less. PS: In most European countries, you must ask for the bill when ready to pay! 

READ: Finding a Local Photographer When Traveling

#7 Packing Smart For Your Trip To Europe

We made it to the end, and now it’s time for your trip! And I have one more bombshell to drop. 

Luggage: Carry On Bags 

Our family only uses carryon bags when traveling. I don’t know the last time we checked a bag except for when I had to gate-check due to space. I like having my stuff with me at all times. If you stay in vacation rental-style apartments, most have laundry. Sometimes, I do one load in the middle of the trip. 

Using carry-ons gives you so much more mobility! It allows you to utilize public transportation and navigate tight (sometimes cobblestone) streets. In the photo below, you can see Matt and the kids standing outside the Hotel Indigo Brussels. This is what we use. Each person has a Calpak carryon and a personal item.  

Luggage: Your Personal Item 

An under-seater or weekender bag makes great personal items and stores a lot! Don’t miss this opportunity for space by simply carrying a big purse full of items you don’t need. 

My personal item is always my black backpack, where I keep my tech and our travel wallet with our passports/travel documents. Abby and I also use cross-body bags. These can easily be put into your personal item when you board, ensuring you don’t exceed the limit. They are a great way to keep your phone and cards/cash safe. The Lululemon Belt bag is a great option, or you can choose from many great cross bodies on Amazon!  

For Matt’s personal item, we have this Weekender Bag from Target. It opens up wide and is large. We often put all of the toiletries in there. That way, we only have to unpack one bag while going through security. 

We use a lightweight Fjallraven backpack as Jake’s personal item and then use it daily on the trip. 

How To Pack For Europe

Resist the urge to overpack! Remember that you are visiting a city. You can buy toiletries, food/drink, and most other things there!

Pack efficiently by considering the needs of each family member. Include essentials such as travel documents, medications, snacks, and entertainment for the kids. Check the weather forecast for your destination to pack appropriate clothing.

Make sure to check out my Must Have Europe Travel Essentials blog post for a list of what you need. This includes the necessary European plus and electrical converters. 

Use Packing Cubes

I highly recommend you use packing cubes. Each member of our family has a different color of these packing cubes. I roll our clothes when I pack. Here is an Instagram reel showing how I do it! 

As I mentioned above, we often switch accommodations halfway through our stay. At this point, I combine the cubes of clean clothes into two or three of our carryons and put our laundry bag of dirty clothes into another suitcase.

Usually, by the end of the trip, half of our suitcases are filled with one large bag of dirty clothes! Grab these travel laundry bags! 

Ordering Currency For Your Trip To Europe

There is one final thing I like to do before our trip. I always order currency from Bank of America. I am not 100% sure how other banks do it, but we get a good exchange rate, and it’s delivered right to my door. Most places take credit cards, so make sure to use a card without foreign transaction fees like the Capital One Venture X.  

You can always use an ATM at your destination, but it will incur a moderate fee. Best practices are generally used to avoid currency exchange places, especially at the airport! 

Now YOU Know How To Plan A Trip To Europe For Your Family 

We did it! We planned a trip to Europe! And it wasn’t that overwhelming, right? For me, the key is booking flights. Everything else falls into place for me after that. 

If you have a dream of traveling to Europe with your family, I want it to happen for you! 

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to plan an unforgettable family trip to Europe. And I am confident you will be ready to plan the next one shortly after you get home.  

That’s how it goes! The first trip always feels monumental. However, once you cross the pond and realize how easy and enjoyable a trip to Europe can be, you’ll want to explore as many countries as possible! 

Once you get the first one under your belt, the next one is easy! And you can take a few more risks with your itinerary. 

So, let’s go!  

If you have any questions or additional tips that you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment on this blog post! 

Follow Along On Our Europe Travels

I can’t wait to share our Summer 2024 Europe trip with you! I am still working out our travel itinerary for this European vacation, but we are heading to the French Riviera and Italian Riviera, including Cinque Terre! We are using train travel in Italy and France for most of it. It’s our first time in Italy, too! 

Also, if you want to follow along on our next trip to Europe, hop over to Instagram and give @ourlittlelifestyleblog a follow. All of our past trips to European destinations, including travel tips, are saved in my story highlights there, including our 4 Days in Paris, Athens travel guide, canal tours in Bruges and Amsterdam, and more! 

Click here to browse the European Travel section of my blog!

PIN: How To Plan A Trip To Europe