Europe with 7 month old and 4 year old?
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Anonymous
| I am thinking of going to France or the UK with my two kids--7 months and 4 years. Trip would be for a week. If France, we would be driving in the countryside, and if UK, we'd stick to London. We will have to take two carseats, a double stroller and all the regular stuff. So the question is: is it doable and still enjoyable for all? Anybody who did a similar trip with similar aged kids, i'd appreciate your insights. |
Anonymous
| sounds awful |
Anonymous
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I went on a Mediterranean cruise with a 4yo and 6yo. It really wasn't enjoyable. We got some good pics but the trip itself was exhausting.
I am now pregnant with a baby. I love to travel and considering both Asia and Europe trips with a 6m old baby and 6yo and 8yo. We probably won't do it. |
Anonymous
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If we had the money and time I would do it!
Although, I think you need longer than a week to make it worth it for the cost and the time change. My 20 month old took a few days to adjust to the time change. Also, city is always easier to me with little kids. There is so much for them to look at that even walking down the street is exciting. If you stick with London you can skip the car seats. Rent an apartment instead of a hotel. |
Anonymous
| I this it sounds exhausting as well. I lived overseas when my kids were those ages so it was relatively easy for us to get around and it was hard. |
Anonymous
| Of the two, I'd pick London. We are actually going thre with a 4-year-old this fall. We're staying in a rental apartment so we can have some space. And we're not going to do everything-- we'll see more playgrounds than museums. I'd say go--but keep expectations low. |
Anonymous
+1 I say this as someone who traveled frequently overseas with my daughter between the ages of 1-4. It only gets fun once they are at least 5. |
Anonymous
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I'm British and travel back regularly with my young kids. Obviously it is a bit easier for me because I know London well and have an apartment and am familiar with how to get around etc but it is very doable and I think it will be fun, as long as you plan well, choose carefully where to stay (I'd get an apartment not a hotel, somewhere very close to playgrounds and nice neighbourhoods to wander around) and don't try to do too much each day.
My parents live in France so we go there too - it is beautiful but lots of driving around is less fun for the kids and if you are choosing I'd choose London. There are plenty of threads on here with info about London with toddlers. |
Anonymous
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London - definitely doable and parts will be enjoyable. Will need an apartment with kitchen & laundry. We stayed in one on the south side, which was quite affordable. Cobblestones are tough on strollers. Pubs serve food that small kids will eat. I'd save France for when you can enjoy it more - i.e. when youngest is over 4YO.
Can't tell, OP. Are you doing this alone or with a spouse? |
Anonymous
| I think it is more than doable but understand for the kids looking at a pigeon in the park will be as much fun (if not more so) than seeing the Louvre, or Buckingham Palace, or Harrods, or any of the other things you want to run around and see while in London. You'll probably be lucky to get a half-day of sightseeing / shopping / exploring per day. |
Anonymous
| PP here, before I get the replies, yes I know the Louvre is not in London. Just changed thoughts in the middle of writing that sentence. |
Anonymous
| Why? There's plenty to do closer by and you would all have a more relaxing time. Just the thought of packing and toting all that stuff is exhausting to me. |
Anonymous
Agree. We did Paris with kids this age. A driving vacation with kids that age does not sound ideal. Pick a city/area. All that unpacking/packing/unloading/loading... Oy! |
Beckygotback
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| Just say no. The kids will not appreciate it. Wait until they are older. I took my kids abroad when he youngest was 10. He has memories of it, and everyone had fun. Plus they are more flexible at that age and get "the adventure" of seeing those things. You can have fun bed time reading with books about where you are going before you leave and then when you SEE IT in person, it "clicks" and they think it's very cool. |
Anonymous
Really? I have found this to be a great age to travel. My kids are 4 and 7, our trip this past summer was the most easy and enjoyable vacation we've had. We have a big international trip coming up and I think they will be great ages. It is so nice ot have kids at ages where you can travel without bring any special gear other than car seats. I think OP is crazy for doing this type of trip with such young kids and while others have suggested "keeping expectations low" I kind of disagree.. why travel all that way with low expectations? |