12 Best Tips for a Multigenerational Trip to Europe That Everyone Will Look Forward To
The idea of planning for a trip to Europe with grandparents and kids in tow might seem daunting and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Multigenerational trips can be incredible bonding experiences between family members, especially for those families who may not be able to see each other regularly. You can create memories that will last a lifetime in a unique setting.
Here are some tips to consider when you’re planning your next multigenerational family trip to Europe:
Plan the trip together.
You might raise your eyebrows at this one, but getting everyone involved in the planning process can help make sure that the trip is something everyone is excited about. You can be the one to make the final decisions and put together the itinerary, but you can ask everyone what their ideal vacation looks like. Does one of the kids want to ride on trains, but your great-aunt wants to see the Eiffel Tower? It’s best to find out now, rather than when you’re actually there. Asking everyone for their input in advance can help ensure that the trip goes smoothly.
Pace yourself.
If you’re traveling with children or senior citizens, you should anticipate slower travel times, especially when traveling by foot. Adding extra time to arrive at scheduled events such as tours or dinner reservations can help prevent a stressful situation.
Consider accessibility.
When picking which excursions you’re going to add to your itinerary, it’s important to consider the physical abilities of each member of your group. Older family members may not be able to climb steep stairs at historic sites, for example, and while kids tend to have more than enough energy, they may get tired from strenuous activity. You can still include these excursions in your schedule, but do your research to see what their accessible alternatives are.
Some bathrooms cost money in Europe.
If you’ve never been to Europe before, you may be surprised by the fact that many public restrooms cost money to use. It’s usually a small fee that’s equivalent to whatever 50 cents is in the local currency, and usually you’ll need coins to access them. Make sure everyone has a few coins with them at all times so that you won’t be caught off guard.
Remember everyone has different tastes and preferences.
When traveling with a large group, it’s inevitable that someone will have a strong preference about something. Whether it’s the type of food they want to eat or the transportation they’d like to take, everyone’s preferences are valid and should be acknowledged by the group. In addition to being a nice thing to do, this can help avoid any unnecessary tension or arguments. You can pick activities and restaurants that allow everyone to enjoy themselves. If a child is a picky eater, for example, help them read the menu to see if there’s a simple option that might suit them.
Pack any necessary medications and bring extras.
While you probably know exactly how many days your trip to Europe is going to last, it’s important to bring medication for an even longer period of time. There’s the worst case scenario of missing your flight and having to stay for a few days extra, but other less dramatic situations, such as dropping a pill onto the ground, can occur as well. Bringing a few extra pills can help you avoid any panic if this happens.
Bring good shoes.
In general, good shoes are important, and when you’re traveling that importance increases significantly. Usually, you’re traveling with only one or two pairs, and you’ll want to make sure that the shoes you bring are shoes you know will be comfortable for you. That means you should have worn them before and have broken them in already. The discomfort of blisters that are caused by the stiff leather of a brand new pair of shoes is something you’ll want to avoid.
Hire tour guides.
If you’re an experienced traveler, it may seem unnecessary to hire a tour guide for your trip. But you can also choose to hire a guide for a specific museum trip or an excursion to a historic castle. There are many great tour guides out there who are experienced at making the tours fun for all ages, and it can be a relief to have someone else making sure everyone is entertained and sticking together.
Bring a variety of snacks.
Make sure you have a few snacks in your travel backpack at the ready at all times. Some members of the family may get hungry at seemingly random times – this can be a side effect of dealing with jet lag. Some family members may also need snacks if their blood sugar is low. Either way, it’s best to have a few small things to eat on hand to save yourself time and money.
Give everyone space
It’s okay if some members of the group want to stay at the hotel or go for a walk by themselves. Traveling with a group can be exhausting, and some people need time alone to recharge. Make sure you communicate with your group, and try not to take it personally if someone wants to spend a few hours by themselves. Alternatively, if you’re the person who wants to spend time by yourself, make sure you communicate a rough idea of where you’re going and when you plan on being back with the group. Communication is important not only for group dynamics, but for safety as well.
Make sure you’re aware of any allergies, dietary specifications, or health conditions.
When you’re traveling with a large group, there’s a high chance that someone you’re with will have a specific need with their diet or lifestyle. Whether someone is allergic to nuts or prefers a vegetarian diet, it’s a good idea to know how to communicate these requirements in the language of the country you’re visiting.
Document your trip.
One of the most valuable parts of a multigenerational family trip is the experience of being together in one place with your loved ones. Make sure you take pictures, or even videos, so you can look back on the trip later. For a unique photo album, give everyone in your group disposable cameras so everyone, young or old, can document the adventure from their unique perspective. The imperfection of film photography can capture the candid moments of your trip and preserve those memories for years to come.
Planning a multigenerational trip to Europe?
Want to plan a multigenerational family trip to Europe but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of multi-city Europe trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and a multigenerational family trip to Europe are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city European trip and craft the best vacation package for your family at the best price.
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To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “How It Works” page or check out our video on “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in 5 Easy Steps” here.
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