When Expedia.ca asked me to write about travel, I knew I wanted to write about what I knew best: Traveling with Kids. More specifically, traveling with kids in Europe is where my expertise lies. After all, it was something I did almost monthly for 4 years with my kids while we lived in France. The memories I have from our days walking the cobblestone are irreplaceable treasures.
Here’s a few reasons why this year is the perfect time to make your own European memories with your kids!
You’ll Make New Friends
Sometimes I wish I was as carefree as a child. Children have no problem making fast friends wherever they go. A few years ago I was sitting on a beach, with my back-side firmly planted on a warm patch of Greek sand, as I watched my daughter playing with a little girl nearby. Just like at the school gate, you always end up chatting with the parents of your child’s playmate. The little girl we met that day was from London, on vacation with her parents: an English/Scottish couple that we had the pleasure of chatting with for the better part of the afternoon. Our kids have been at the centre of many of our new found friendships while traveling, and we’ve met some amazing people because of the ability kids have to make friends with anyone, anywhere. You never know who might end up sharing a Greek salad with.
You’ll All Love the Food
So much of the food we know and loves come from Europe. Why not go yourself and taste the real deal! Visit Belguim for the waffles, chocolate and beer. Stop by Italy and have pizza, pasta, and wine. Then go to France for more wine, the cheese, and fresh bread. Have chocolate for dessert in Switzerland and a sausage for a late night snack in Germany. Go on a culinary adventure with your family. It will be a welcome treat from the daily ‘What’s for dinner?’
You’ll Skip The Lines
Did you know that if you are pregnant, or if you are pushing a stroller you won’t wait in any line-ups in France. Traveling with a stroller in France means you will be quickly escorted right to the front of the line at airport check in and security no matter how long they are. It’s as if you’ve got a VIP pass to the country. Sporting a pregnant belly has even more perks; getting you rushed to the front of the line in grocery stores, fitting rooms, and even busy tourist attractions like the 3 hour wait to go up the Eiffel Tower. And you will most definitely be given a seat on the Metro every time you ride. It almost makes it worth adding one more to the family.
Your Kids Will Love The Attention
The first time we brought our oldest daughter to Italy I was worried she was going to get bruises on her little cheeks from getting them pinched so many times. Italians LOVE babies, and they’re all about family. So not only will you never need to worry about your kids being too noisy in a restaurant, they’ll be encouraged to enjoy themselves because even the nicest restaurants are often full of families with kids. My children have been brought back to the kitchen of more than one Italian restaurant and they love the special attention that is showered upon them in Italy, my favourite country in the world!
Your Whole Family Will Learn Something
Without even trying, your family will leave your European vacation with more worldly knowledge than they arrived with. Whether it be having seen famous sites, tasted new food, or learning a few words of the local language. You may have spent money on taking the trip, but when you’re back home, you’ll all be richer than when you set out.
This post was written in partnership with Expedia.ca.