Tips for Travelling in Europe with Children
Family holidays are a great way to create lasting memories and strengthen ties. Travel with family in Europe promises an enriching and memorable experience for all ages. But you still need to choose the right destination! Here, we reveal the best places to travel in Europe for a great holiday and give you a few tips to prepare for your trip.
Travel with Family in Europe
When deciding where to travel in Europe, you should take all family members’ interests and preferences into account. You have options such as interactive museums, theme parks, zoos, botanical gardens, and more. You should balance fun for children with cultural attractions for adults.
Need help? Here are some recommendations!
- Paris (France)
The rich culture and timeless beauty of Paris will leave the whole family with unforgettable, enriching memories. Both young and old will marvel at the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower and the magic of Disneyland Paris. Your family can play or relax in the many parks and public gardens, learn about art history at the Louvre Museum and enjoy a delicious meal in the city's countless bakeries and bistros, before ending the day with a cruise on the Seine. There's something for everyone!
- Barcelona (Spain)
Barcelona effortlessly combines culture, relaxation and family fun. For children, the sculptures and colorful mosaics of Güell Park become a playground, and Las Ramblas becomes a show. Barceloneta Beach is a refreshing oasis for the whole family, where you can build sandcastles and enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine. And don't forget PortAventura Theme Park, a must for teenagers!
- Lisbon (Portugal)
Lisbon's relaxed atmosphere and many cobblestone streets make it a family-friendly destination. At the Park of Nations, all ages can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities, including a visit to Oceanário Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. In the city streets, they can admire the streetcars and picturesque views while enjoying pastéis de nata. At São Jorge Castle, they can travel back in time and then take a well-deserved break on the beaches of the Atlantic.
- Tenerife (Spain)
The largest of the Canary Islands is sure to be a family favorite. With great weather year-round and kilometers of golden sand beaches, this little slice of paradise guarantees hours of fun and relaxation. But that's not all. Families can enjoy the unique Siam Park water park, a tropical paradise of slides and wave pools, the Teide Astronomical Observatory or Loro Park Zoological Garden, a one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary.
- London (United Kingdom)
The British capital is a place where history meets magic for curious young minds. The Museum of Natural History is a must-see with an impressive dinosaur skeleton, as are the Harry Potter studios! Finally, the family can take in the sights from the top of the London Eye or a boat on the Thames, and relax in Hyde Park after a busy day.
How to Prepare for a Trip to Europe with Children
1. Plan Ahead
Once you get there, there's no time to make decisions or do research - the important thing is to enjoy this precious time with your family. Be sure to book essentials such as transport, travel itineraries, accommodation and activities in advance, but allow yourself some flexibility. Whether it's a picnic in the park or a stroll along the beach, make sure you leave plenty of free time for everyone to relax and enjoy being spontaneous.
Bonus: get your children involved in the planning by showing them photos and videos of the places you plan to visit. This will get them excited and invested in the trip.
2. Prepare Your Travel Documents
- Identity Documents
Are you a citizen of the European Union or Schengen Area (or Associated States)? You can travel in the Schengen Area countries and the European Union with a national identity card or passport valid for the duration of your stay. Don't forget to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) so you have proof of health insurance and access to healthcare professionals and hospitals during your family trip to Europe. You can travel to the United Kingdom with a passport valid for the duration of your stay.
Are you a citizen of a country outside the EU and Schengen Area? To enter the Schengen Area, you must have a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a Schengen visa. To enter the UK, you will also need a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a tourist visa.
Please note: just like adults, children of all ages must have a valid national identity card or passport to leave the country, no matter their destination.
- Schengen Visa
See which countries need a Schengen visa here.
Do you need a Schengen visa? Go to the Spanish embassy's website for your country to find the information you will need and start your Schengen visa application. Once you have obtained your visa, be sure to keep your supporting documents with you, including your proof of insurance that covers medical and hospital expenses for a minimum of €30,000 because Spanish border control may ask for them.
You don't need a Schengen visa? You can travel within the Schengen Area and Spain with a passport issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 90 days from your expected return date. When you pass through border control to enter the Schengen Area, you may also be asked for a supporting documents and your proof of insurance, even if you don't need a Schengen visa to travel. Please note: as of 2024, citizens of visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter Schengen countries.
Travel Insurance
Choose peace of mind for your Schengen visa application or when crossing the border with Schengen travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance. Apply online and get your proof of insurance immediately, recognized and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide.
Starting at 3 euros, Europ Assistance's Schengen visa travel insurance covers you for medical expenses of up to €60,000 in the event of illness or accident, as well as additional coverage in all Member States of the Schengen Area and European Union (as well as the United Kingdom).