planning your euro summer
There’s something magical about a European summer. Long dinners outside, cobblestone streets, train rides between countries, beach days that turn into sunset gelato walks — it’s the kind of travel that feels straight out of a movie.
But planning a Euro summer with kids? That can feel overwhelming fast.
Between choosing destinations, navigating transportation, budgeting, and figuring out how to keep everyone happy, it’s easy to get stuck before you even book the flights.
Here’s how I would approach planning a European summer as a family — in a way that feels exciting instead of stressful.
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start with travel style, not sights
Before building your itinerary, ask yourself:
Do we want slower travel or fast-paced sightseeing?
Are we beach people, city people, mountain people… or a mix?
Do we want museums and landmarks, or cafés and local markets?
How much moving around can our kids realistically handle?
The biggest mistake families make is trying to do too much.
Need help figuring this out? Try our Pre-Trip Vision Board or our Planning Phase Convo Cards!
A better Euro summer usually means:
Fewer destinations
Longer stays
More flexibility
Time to actually enjoy where you are
Instead of trying to hit six countries in two weeks, consider choosing:
One country with multiple regions
Two cities connected by train: Munich / Salzburg, Vienna / Bratislava, Vienna / Prague are great Central Europe options!
A city + countryside combo
A beach destination with a few day trips
Your kids will remember the playground they visited every evening just as much as the famous landmarks.
If you remember nothing else, focus on: Consistent daily structure with one morning anchor activity, when energy is high.
typical family euro destinations
Some European destinations naturally feel easier with kids thanks to walkability, public transportation, food options, and family-friendly culture.
Common options that I see families picking are:
Portugal: gorgeous coastlines and incredible food
Spain: great city / beach combos with awe-inspiring architecture and easy train access
Italy: need I say anything here? Pizza, gelato, pasta, vibes. The ultimate family destination in Europe.
Denmark: sometimes an overlooked option. Extremely kid-friendly, walkable and safe!
The Netherlands: walkable, windmills, biking, fun!
Austria: great combo of city, mountain and lakes; delicious baked goods and easy train travel to boot!
Switzerland: insane scenery, cheese, kind of pricey
Croatia: unreal beaches, super kid friendly
Greece: history and island hopping plus kid-friendly food, what’s not to love?
LODGING MUST-HAVES
No matter where you’re heading, make sure you are including these items in your lodging must-haves!
Easy train access / parking in more rural areas
Proximity to parks / playgrounds
Not a ton of stairs
IF POSSIBLE, air conditioning!
Laundry
Kitchenette
Separate sleeping areas
Walkable grocery stores / casual restaurants
Beaches, plazas, or pedestrian-friendly areas
Short travel times between cities
And remember: the “best” destination is usually the one that fits your family’s pace.
PLANNING YOUR ITINERARY
You do not need a fully packed itinerary to have an incredible trip.
In fact, some of the best Euro summer memories happen in the unplanned moments:
A random street performer
A playground stop
Lingering over pastries
Finding a neighborhood market
Watching the sunset from a city square
Try this rhythm instead for consistent, daily structure without burn-out:
One major activity per day (we prefer in the mid-morning!)
One “anchor” reservation every few days
Built-in rest time
Slow mornings whenever possible
Travel feels different with kids — and that’s not a bad thing. Need help planning? Grab our itinerary template!
Think Carefully About Transportation
Europe makes multi-city travel easier than almost anywhere else, but transportation can still make or break your trip.
Trains
Train travel is often the easiest option for families because:
Kids can move around more
City-center stations are convenient
No airport security stress
Scenic rides become part of the experience
High-speed rail works especially well between:
Paris → Amsterdam
Rome → Florence
Madrid → Barcelona
Vienna → Salzburg
Rental Cars
A car may make more sense if you’re:
Visiting small towns
Exploring coastal regions
Traveling through the countryside
Bringing lots of gear
Just remember:
Parking can be difficult in major cities
Many historic centers limit vehicles
Car seats may need advance reservations
Budget Airlines
Budget flights can save time, but hidden baggage fees and airport transfers add up quickly for families.
Always compare:
Flight cost
Transfer time
Bag fees
Child equipment fees
Airport distance from the city
Sometimes the train ends up being both easier and cheaper, especially if you book ahead.
Prepare for the Reality of Summer in Europe
Euro summer is popular for a reason — but it also means:
Crowds
Heat
Higher prices
Limited availability
A few things that help:
Book accommodations early
Reserve major attractions ahead of time
Plan outdoor activities for mornings
Schedule downtime during peak afternoon heat
Carry refillable water bottles
Pack light layers even in summer
And yes — many European cities get very hot in July and August, especially if your accommodations don’t have strong air conditioning.
Final Thoughts
Planning a Euro summer with kids doesn’t have to mean overcomplicated itineraries and exhausting schedules.
The best trips usually leave room for:
Rest
Spontaneity
Snacks
Playground breaks
Slow dinners
Wandering without a plan
Because at the end of the day, your kids probably won’t remember how many landmarks you squeezed in.
They’ll remember how the trip felt.
And that’s the kind of travel memory worth building.