Europe/International Spring Break trip with young kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow! I am shocked at so many posters thinking travel to Europe with younger children is a waste. To each their own and you do you and all of that but we have traveled overseas at least once a year since my son was 6 months old. We travel for us because its important to us and even if he doesn't remember, we have the memories. Traveling with kids and seeing things through their eyes is magical. They pick up on nuanced differences that my spouse and I don't even notice. The time change is very easy to manage- sleep in/go to bed late. Its only a 6 hour time difference to most major European cities. Europe is much more kid friendly than anywhere in the US. You should not limit your child's diet to what you think they will like, you might be surprised at what they will eat if you don't just order off the kids menu, which by the way, European restaurants either won't have or they will be much better than the options in the US.

I'll add to my PP, travel also teaches kids so many life skills, flexibility, navigating uncertainty. trying new things, understanding the world isn't all the same and not everyone does things the same, getting out of their comfort zones, patience...I could go on and on. It isn't just about if they will remember or not, there is so much more.

No 4 year old is going to return from Europe having learned these lessons. They are going to be miserable -- why do that to your kid or yourself?

My kids grew up going to EU countries usually 6 times a year due to our jobs. Sure they learned those lessons but later. If you ask them (now all teens and travel by themselves to see me and/or DH in EU countries all the time) what their favorite vacation was when they were little it was the damn Disney cruise and Hawaii. Middle school ages they loved Russia and Scandinavia car trips. Now they just like taking the train around to different countries without us. And plenty of European restaurants have kid menus along with terrible food and mean servers. It isn't like Europe is some utopia of people who love children.

OP if you want a true vacation then pick something easy for the kids.

My 4 year old has been to Europe twice and had an amazing time. He was not miserable. He LOVED IT. His favorite parts? The airplane, train rides, trams, subway, boat rides, cable car ride, carousels/other rides, beaches, playgrounds, castles, dancing to local music-- PURE JOY, eating all the pastries, eating soo much food. He tried fresh sardines, shoveled foie gras (though he didn't know what it was really), ate tons of different breads, cheeses, meats, special types of noodles, essentially grilled cheese, all types of hot drinks: mulled juice, hot chocolate, fresh juices....His biggest questions were when were going on our next trip! Did he whine and have tantrums at times?? 100% but that literally would have happened anywhere.

If you plan a trip to Europe with little kids and all you are doing is going on the hop on/hop off bus and walking 8-10 miles a day in big cities and spending all your time in big museums/churches and fancy restaurants...you are doing it totally wrong.

Can my 4 year old vocalize all he has learned from his trips? No, he can't put it all into words but I see how he has become flexible and gone with the flow with changes and how he is so open to trying new things including different languages and making connections!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the oldest is 6? I am with your husband on this. Beach resort with a kids club in the Caribbean. Wait on the European get away for when they are older.

Agree. Not worth it for now.

[Anonymous]

OP here! Looks like most people say shelve the idea for a few years. But also some good advice and encouragement.

A couple of responses to some points and questions:

-re. award travel...we are not depending on using points but it would be nice and I know we will be overpaying for flights. The procastinator penalty.
-Re setting expectations....I totally get that this trip is going to look different and to set my expectations accordingly.
-the kids not remembering it....eh, I don't really care about that.
-Easter and scheduling...we were just scratching our heads about what to do for childcare with school being closed for a week so. Hadnt yet thought about just choosing another time to go.

And I have long accepted that any trip, whether its Europe or a Caribbran trip, are not true vacations with kids...

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here! Looks like most people say shelve the idea for a few years. But also some good advice and encouragement.

A couple of responses to some points and questions:

-re. award travel...we are not depending on using points but it would be nice and I know we will be overpaying for flights. The procastinator penalty.
-Re setting expectations....I totally get that this trip is going to look different and to set my expectations accordingly.
-the kids not remembering it....eh, I don't really care about that.
-Easter and scheduling...we were just scratching our heads about what to do for childcare with school being closed for a week so. Hadnt yet thought about just choosing another time to go.

And I have long accepted that any trip, whether its Europe or a Caribbran trip, are not true vacations with kids...

Thank you!

Seriously: Just go to an easy, developed country in Europe with a playground and children’s museum tour rather than a night club-/art museum focus. Aim for destinations with nice indoor playspaces or other rainy day activities.

If you have fun with your kids here, you’ll have fun with them on vacation.

And I personally remember some zoos and playgrounds we visited when I was 3, so it’s possible your children will remember parts of their trips.

[Anonymous]

I am surprised there are so many people who say not to go! Have all of you naysayers actually tried a trip to Europe with kids? Maybe it sounds intimidating, but it’s really not much harder than traveling within the US. The time change was no big deal for my kids. I found European cities MUCH more kid friendly. On the Paris metro, people were falling all over themselves to get my 7yo and I seats, they called him ‘baby’ and were so happy to see kids in general. I rode the metro in DC 9 months pregnant with a toddler dozens of times and hardly anyone ever gave up their seat for me.

I certainly wouldn’t suggest people take their kids to Europe for the kids sake, but if that’s what the parents want to do, it is totally fun and worthwhile!

[Anonymous]

If you can only afford international travel with your kids once or twice, wait until they are older. Otherwise, go ahead! We took a 3 yo to Turkey & then a 6 yo & 1.5 yo to Italy. It’s not just about what they explicitly remember… it’s about enjoying time as a family, trying new things, learning that travel is interesting & worthwhile. My kids (including my teenager) definitely remember trips when they were 6 & even tidbits from trips when they were 3. But that’s really not the point— they had fun at the time (& so did their parents).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am surprised there are so many people who say not to go! Have all of you naysayers actually tried a trip to Europe with kids? Maybe it sounds intimidating, but it’s really not much harder than traveling within the US. The time change was no big deal for my kids. I found European cities MUCH more kid friendly. On the Paris metro, people were falling all over themselves to get my 7yo and I seats, they called him ‘baby’ and were so happy to see kids in general. I rode the metro in DC 9 months pregnant with a toddler dozens of times and hardly anyone ever gave up their seat for me.

I certainly wouldn’t suggest people take their kids to Europe for the kids sake, but if that’s what the parents want to do, it is totally fun and worthwhile!

I think if both parents are fully on board, sure. But a lot can be stressful about this and one parent here is really not into the idea, so it’s not worth it to me to push it in this scenario.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The jet lag is too intense for youngest. Set yourselves up for success and stay within an hour or two of your home time zone until they are both six or older.

Kids get over jet lag really quickly. There are many of Europeans living in DC, and we travel to and from Europe regularly with our kids. My kids' first transatlantic flight was when they were about 9 months old, and they've been back a few times a year ever since (barring a year during the worst of the pandemic).

[Anonymous]

It so depends on the kids themselves, whether a trip to Europe is doable or hell on earth. You know your kids best, OP.

[Anonymous]

Just don't count on your kids remembering anything, OP.

I traveled extensively with my parents all my life and only have solid memories starting at around 10. Same for my kids.

Our families live in Europe and Asia so we go anyway regardless of our kids' ages, but don't expect your kids do get much out of it when they're young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Just don't count on your kids remembering anything, OP.

I traveled extensively with my parents all my life and only have solid memories starting at around 10. Same for my kids.

Our families live in Europe and Asia so we go anyway regardless of our kids' ages, but don't expect your kids do get much out of it when they're young.

A lot of parents (myself included) think it’s good to expose your kids to travel and take them places as it does help with adaptability and whatnot. But yes, you can’t delude yourself that they’ll remember it much unless they’re 8 or older and they don’t necessarily become like, better people because their parents had them on a plane or in a French park at age 2. I traveled a lot as a kid and I barely remember anything about the Disney trip we took when I was 10. Solid memories about trips for me don’t really start until I think to when I was around 11/12. Doesn’t mean it isn’t still worthwhile to do it, just be realistic about what the kids actually get out of it (not much) compared to you (still enjoying travel when kids come along, so quite a bit).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow! I am shocked at so many posters thinking travel to Europe with younger children is a waste. To each their own and you do you and all of that but we have traveled overseas at least once a year since my son was 6 months old. We travel for us because its important to us and even if he doesn't remember, we have the memories. Traveling with kids and seeing things through their eyes is magical. They pick up on nuanced differences that my spouse and I don't even notice. The time change is very easy to manage- sleep in/go to bed late. Its only a 6 hour time difference to most major European cities. Europe is much more kid friendly than anywhere in the US. You should not limit your child's diet to what you think they will like, you might be surprised at what they will eat if you don't just order off the kids menu, which by the way, European restaurants either won't have or they will be much better than the options in the US.

I'll add to my PP, travel also teaches kids so many life skills, flexibility, navigating uncertainty. trying new things, understanding the world isn't all the same and not everyone does things the same, getting out of their comfort zones, patience...I could go on and on. It isn't just about if they will remember or not, there is so much more.

No 4 year old is going to return from Europe having learned these lessons. They are going to be miserable -- why do that to your kid or yourself?

My kids grew up going to EU countries usually 6 times a year due to our jobs. Sure they learned those lessons but later. If you ask them (now all teens and travel by themselves to see me and/or DH in EU countries all the time) what their favorite vacation was when they were little it was the damn Disney cruise and Hawaii. Middle school ages they loved Russia and Scandinavia car trips. Now they just like taking the train around to different countries without us. And plenty of European restaurants have kid menus along with terrible food and mean servers. It isn't like Europe is some utopia of people who love children.

OP if you want a true vacation then pick something easy for the kids.

My 4 year old has been to Europe twice and had an amazing time. He was not miserable. He LOVED IT. His favorite parts? The airplane, train rides, trams, subway, boat rides, cable car ride, carousels/other rides, beaches, playgrounds, castles, dancing to local music-- PURE JOY, eating all the pastries, eating soo much food. He tried fresh sardines, shoveled foie gras (though he didn't know what it was really), ate tons of different breads, cheeses, meats, special types of noodles, essentially grilled cheese, all types of hot drinks: mulled juice, hot chocolate, fresh juices....His biggest questions were when were going on our next trip! Did he whine and have tantrums at times?? 100% but that literally would have happened anywhere.

If you plan a trip to Europe with little kids and all you are doing is going on the hop on/hop off bus and walking 8-10 miles a day in big cities and spending all your time in big museums/churches and fancy restaurants...you are doing it totally wrong.

Can my 4 year old vocalize all he has learned from his trips? No, he can't put it all into words but I see how he has become flexible and gone with the flow with changes and how he is so open to trying new things including different languages and making connections!

Agree...my kid by age four had been to Europe a number of times, as well as to Asia and South America. They were most certainly not miserable. Were they still a kid, sure. Was every moment of the trip a breeze, absolutely not but would have every moment of of our time at home been a breeze? Would they have still been a kid at home? Maybe your kid was miserable because you set unrealistic expectations? Maybe you fed them lots of crap versus real food because you didn't think they would want to try local foods? I have no idea but to say you shouldn't travel with kids because they will be miserable is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. If you don't want to do it, that isn't your family's priority- all perfectly acceptable answers. We all prioritise where our money and time goes based on what we think is important. Did my child after one trip become more resilient? No. But absolutely they have over time and with each new experience you can see these subtle changes. Life lessons don't come instantaneously, they are built upon and if you prefer to have your kids start learning those later- by all means. I prefer to start early and reenforce often.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow! I am shocked at so many posters thinking travel to Europe with younger children is a waste. To each their own and you do you and all of that but we have traveled overseas at least once a year since my son was 6 months old. We travel for us because its important to us and even if he doesn't remember, we have the memories. Traveling with kids and seeing things through their eyes is magical. They pick up on nuanced differences that my spouse and I don't even notice. The time change is very easy to manage- sleep in/go to bed late. Its only a 6 hour time difference to most major European cities. Europe is much more kid friendly than anywhere in the US. You should not limit your child's diet to what you think they will like, you might be surprised at what they will eat if you don't just order off the kids menu, which by the way, European restaurants either won't have or they will be much better than the options in the US.

I'll add to my PP, travel also teaches kids so many life skills, flexibility, navigating uncertainty. trying new things, understanding the world isn't all the same and not everyone does things the same, getting out of their comfort zones, patience...I could go on and on. It isn't just about if they will remember or not, there is so much more.

No 4 year old is going to return from Europe having learned these lessons. They are going to be miserable -- why do that to your kid or yourself?

My kids grew up going to EU countries usually 6 times a year due to our jobs. Sure they learned those lessons but later. If you ask them (now all teens and travel by themselves to see me and/or DH in EU countries all the time) what their favorite vacation was when they were little it was the damn Disney cruise and Hawaii. Middle school ages they loved Russia and Scandinavia car trips. Now they just like taking the train around to different countries without us. And plenty of European restaurants have kid menus along with terrible food and mean servers. It isn't like Europe is some utopia of people who love children.

OP if you want a true vacation then pick something easy for the kids.

My 4 year old has been to Europe twice and had an amazing time. He was not miserable. He LOVED IT. His favorite parts? The airplane, train rides, trams, subway, boat rides, cable car ride, carousels/other rides, beaches, playgrounds, castles, dancing to local music-- PURE JOY, eating all the pastries, eating soo much food. He tried fresh sardines, shoveled foie gras (though he didn't know what it was really), ate tons of different breads, cheeses, meats, special types of noodles, essentially grilled cheese, all types of hot drinks: mulled juice, hot chocolate, fresh juices....His biggest questions were when were going on our next trip! Did he whine and have tantrums at times?? 100% but that literally would have happened anywhere.

If you plan a trip to Europe with little kids and all you are doing is going on the hop on/hop off bus and walking 8-10 miles a day in big cities and spending all your time in big museums/churches and fancy restaurants...you are doing it totally wrong.

Can my 4 year old vocalize all he has learned from his trips? No, he can't put it all into words but I see how he has become flexible and gone with the flow with changes and how he is so open to trying new things including different languages and making connections!

Agree...my kid by age four had been to Europe a number of times, as well as to Asia and South America. They were most certainly not miserable. Were they still a kid, sure. Was every moment of the trip a breeze, absolutely not but would have every moment of of our time at home been a breeze? Would they have still been a kid at home? Maybe your kid was miserable because you set unrealistic expectations? Maybe you fed them lots of crap versus real food because you didn't think they would want to try local foods? I have no idea but to say you shouldn't travel with kids because they will be miserable is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. If you don't want to do it, that isn't your family's priority- all perfectly acceptable answers. We all prioritise where our money and time goes based on what we think is important. Did my child after one trip become more resilient? No. But absolutely they have over time and with each new experience you can see these subtle changes. Life lessons don't come instantaneously, they are built upon and if you prefer to have your kids start learning those later- by all means. I prefer to start early and reenforce often.

We lived overseas with our kids as they grew from babies to elementary school age. Traveled everywhere, ate all the food, had all the experiences. They loved it and so did we!

Now they are surly teenagers with major attitude and they no longer want to go anywhere, especially on a long overseas trip with their parents. You never know how things will turn out!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can only afford international travel with your kids once or twice, wait until they are older. Otherwise, go ahead! We took a 3 yo to Turkey & then a 6 yo & 1.5 yo to Italy. It’s not just about what they explicitly remember… it’s about enjoying time as a family, trying new things, learning that travel is interesting & worthwhile. My kids (including my teenager) definitely remember trips when they were 6 & even tidbits from trips when they were 3. But that’s really not the point— they had fun at the time (& so did their parents).

Agree with this. And if you can get good deals on airfare or use miles, a trip to Europe is not necessarily more expensive than in the U.S. I find there tends to be a better variety of budget accommodation options, for instance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can only afford international travel with your kids once or twice, wait until they are older. Otherwise, go ahead! We took a 3 yo to Turkey & then a 6 yo & 1.5 yo to Italy. It’s not just about what they explicitly remember… it’s about enjoying time as a family, trying new things, learning that travel is interesting & worthwhile. My kids (including my teenager) definitely remember trips when they were 6 & even tidbits from trips when they were 3. But that’s really not the point— they had fun at the time (& so did their parents).

Agree with this. And if you can get good deals on airfare or use miles, a trip to Europe is not necessarily more expensive than in the U.S. I find there tends to be a better variety of budget accommodation options, for instance.

Yes, absolutely! It's a misconception that a trip to Europe MUST be this huge, luxurious, ultra expensive, once-in-a-lifetime experience. There really are reasonable tickets available from DC to many cities in Europe, especially if you plan well in advance and are okay with carry-on's! You find the deals. Once you get there, I find that if you are needing budget accommodation, it's MUCH, MUCH easier. I find traveling around the US to be much more expensive and challenging due to the cost of lodging, food, car rentals, and attitudes towards families.