I just want to say that one of my kids is an extremely picky eater and we have been all over Europe and Asia with her. Just pack Lara Bars (or equivalent) and don’t bother caring if they exist on croissants or ice cream or whatever for an entire week. My picky DD always finds at least one thing she’ll eat during the course of a day.

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I and DH have only travelled internationally to a few Asian countries & Toronto before we have kids together. We have not been to south or Europe yet. Kids are 6 and 10, and they are picky eaters. They just love french fries, hamburger, chicken nuggets/tenders, and pizza. They are okay with some grilled meat and white rice. They don't eat noodles, mac & cheese, salad or seafood. We are not taking them to Asia because I am not going to eat at mcdonald multiple times while we travel there.

You need to work on that with your kids.

Once you pick a country, have fun exploring regional foods before you go. Like crepes or quiche for France. Fondue for Switzerland.

Get them overseas early, so they do not grow up to be nervous travelers too.

You sound anxious. Just plan, knowing some things will go wrong’s (just like they do when you are not on vacation), but you will be surrounded by beauty, good food, interesting sights. Teach your kids to pack patience when traveling internationally.

I agree that Toronto does not sound very exciting. I would go to France or Switzerland or Italy. You have 8 months to plan, so…plenty of time. Get excited!

Anonymous wrote:You don’t sound like you really have the desire to travel internationally. There’s no obligation to do so.

This. It’s not supposed to be hard to think of leisure travel destinations.

But no I wouldn’t pick Toronto.

OP why not visit your country of origin?

Vancouver + Vancouver Island

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I and DH have only travelled internationally to a few Asian countries & Toronto before we have kids together. We have not been to south or Europe yet. Kids are 6 and 10, and they are picky eaters. They just love french fries, hamburger, chicken nuggets/tenders, and pizza. They are okay with some grilled meat and white rice. They don't eat noodles, mac & cheese, salad or seafood. We are not taking them to Asia because I am not going to eat at mcdonald multiple times while we travel there.

You keep saying "South." In America, this means like Mississippi or Louisiana. If you mean South and/or Central America, please use the correct terminology.

Anonymous wrote:Copenhagen. Not sure what you think the Europeans will steal from you.

There are pickpockets in DC and NYC too. The trick with pickpockets is they generally want to be quick and unnoticed. If you're careful about your stuff, you're unlikely to be targeted.

OP--nothing says you HAVE to travel, have a passport etc. Honestly, you don't seem to want to do so. If Disney and Legoland (or an all
Inclusive in Florida or whatever) are more your vibe, do that. Save Europe, Canada etc for when you want to and the kids are older.

Anonymous wrote:Copenhagen. Not sure what you think the Europeans will steal from you.

OP seems a little sheltered.

Anonymous wrote:No one has mentioned Asia OP except you.

You all seem perfect for a quick trip Canada. Bland food and nice people.

+1

You don't need a week in any Canadian city. Fly to any Canadian city and enjoy it for a bit and then rent a car.

Do you like nature?

Copenhagen. Not sure what you think the Europeans will steal from you.

Montreal, London, and a cruise all seem like options that would easily fit what you're looking for.

A cruise might suit your family well. There are many food options and it won’t be as scary for you.

Going to Asia for a week would be insanity.

If you are anti-Canada then do a Caribbean cruise. Or just travel to other states. It sounds more like you are travelling because you feel you should rather than wanting to.

Dublin is super easy, people are nice. It's a smaller city than London and not overwhelming at all. Theft absolutely IS an issue in a lot of Europe (I am from there and go back to my home country + a random other for fun every summer). I have a money belt and wear anything important at all times UNDER my clothes so it's not an issue but pickpockets are absolutely everywhere in most large Euro towns. In Canada, I'd do Quebec city and rent a car and go to Montmorency falls, l'ile d'Orleans and further up to Tadoussac. I personally don't care for Montreal, it's a little more interesting than Toronto but still just a large city. Quebec City is beautiful.