A great thing about travelling with kids is not only are they tons of fun, but the vacation can be an invaluable cultural education experience.
But before you embark on your cherished journey you should consider travel locations which play on your child’s mind in order to make the trip a great success.
That said, there are so many fun European cities to choose from that it makes it hard to find just one. This is where a cruise can come in handy, especially if you are travelling with younger children.
Considering that on a cruise you need to unpack only once, and taking the hassle out of hotel rentals and moving from place to place, this mode of travel is an extremely comfortable and convenient way to explore several European cities in a single trip.
Cruise ships also offer a spate of onboard activities, designed to keep all age groups engaged, which goes further into enhancing the overall holiday experience.
Below are some tried and tested destinations that are sure to make your European sojourn a fun learning experience for the whole family.
But before you travel, take time out to prepare a family game plan and give all members a rundown of your vacation getaway, aligning with their interests.
Consider European pop culture as a source of inspiration
For a fun educational idea with kids, look for pop culture by highlighting some European locations that got inspiration from books or movies that were filmed there as kids and young adults will love to be reminded of their favourite shows.
For example, the two Croatian cities of Split and Dubrovnik were key filming locations for the “Game of Thrones”. If your kids are too young, Croatia is still a wonderful destination to explore, and even more so if you are cruising around the Dalmatian Coast.
These ancient historical cities are not only architectural gems, but also offer an excellent way to admire their natural beauty by the sea.
London, England also has a plethora of Harry Potter locations, which kids and adults can visit to relive the scenes they have read in the books and see at the movies.
Some must-see locations are Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross station and the Reptile House of the London Zoo, where Harry initially realised that he could communicate with reptiles. With over 650 species housed here, this spot is ideal for nature lovers.
Next, consider taking the kids to Dragon Alley on Charing Cross Road, an area known for several antique outlets and book shops to allow the children to experience its picture-perfect insta worthy charm.
More travel ideas for your educational family vacation
Assuming you are cruising, there will be several European cities on your itinerary, which allow you to cover up more ground than a traditional land-based trip.
Shore excursions can be customised for all ages, with older teens interested in good food are learning culinary arts, like making a pizza in Naples with the help of a local instructor.
Consider going on a walking tour of Brussels and visit the Belgian Frietmuseum, the only one of its kind in the world dedicated to the legendary French Fry.
Just off the coast of the island of Madeira in Portugal is the highly impressive replica of Christopher Columbus’ 15th century ship, the Santa Maria.
Explore Funchal, the capital of Madeira, by cable car to enjoy the panoramic views or hop on to the legendary Funchal toboggan for a thrill-a-minute downhill ride to Livramento.
If your child is older and an adrenaline lover, consider going on a volcanic trek on the picturesque island of Santorini in Greece, followed by a sailing trip Palea Kameni for a thermal swim to soothe the mind and body.
For a one-of-a-kind thrilling experience in the Mediterranean, head to the coast of Palma de Mallorca, in Spain, to ride the underwater scooter Bond Rider, below the ocean surface in total comfort.
Younger children will love to visit the Duomo in Milan and walk the rooftops for sweeping views of the surroundings. Savour local specialties like zabaglione in Turin or doughnuts full of fresh cream or bicerin, a local beverage laced with hot chocolate, milk and cream and espresso.
Visit the Egyptian Museum in Turin, second oldest in Europe after the museum in London, considered the most important institution in Europe.
Venice will give you an opportunity to throw in a jaunt to the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, both which are truly stunning.
Whether by land or sea, there is an endless list of fun and educational European cities you can visit with children in order to give them memories that will last a lifetime.
Viewing such destinations in person, hearing people communicate in their language and tasting the local delicacies will give the kids a chance to appreciate the world they live in, more vividly than any other experience will.
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