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With travel restrictions beginning to ease in the UK, it’s a good time to start thinking about planning some of the family getaways you’ve missed out on over the last couple of years.
If you’ve missed the excitement of getting on a plane for a fun adventure, then why not plan a trip to Europe? Most destinations offer affordable flights and some are less than two hours away! There is also the Eurostar option, which can be a lot of fun, and ideal if you’re not a fan of flying.
So where can you take the kids that both you and they will love? Take a look at some top European destinations to take the kids and book your next trip.
Rome, Italy
Italy’s capital is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Bringing together ancient history with modern luxuries, Rome has plenty to keep everything entertained.
Why they’ll love it
Seeing the home of the gladiators? Gelato on every corner? Why wouldn’t kids love Rome! There are a lot of things you can do with the kids in Rome, from exploring all the ancient monuments to touring the Vatican. It’s an easy city to get around on foot, so you won’t have to get to grips with complex travel systems.
Why you’ll love it
A romantic destination with some incredible sights and scenery, Rome is an incredible city to visit. The food is also to die for, with the best pizza and pasta you will ever eat! You’ll love exploring the many streets and soaking up the atmosphere.
Paris, France
Paris is one of the closest European destinations to the UK, and there are a lot of ways you can get there. From the Eurostar to driving via the English Channel, it’s easy to plan a visit to the French capital
Why they’ll love it
Like Rome, Paris has a lot of different attractions to explore. It’s an exciting, bustling city, and the sweet treats are very tempting too. But a trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Disneyland, which can be accessed very easily from the city. You can find some great guides to visiting Disneyland Paris to help you plan your trip.
Why you’ll love it
Where to even begin? France has a lot of wonderful culture, and is known for being the city of romance. The food is delightful and you’ll love being able to perch at a boulevard cafe and watch the city go by.
Algarve, Portugal
If you want to enjoy a bit of sunshine and a range of thrilling activities, then a visit to the Algarve makes the perfect family destination. The perfect place for a beach holiday, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly resorts.
Why they’ll love it
The Algarve gets plenty of sunshine year-round, so days by the pool or beach will be very well received. The beach is also the place to go for water sports and activities. Plus, there are a lot of water parks you can visit on those really hot days.
Why you’ll love it
The Algarve has some incredible sights and is full of great places to eat and drink. If you book a luxury family hotel, you’ll be able to take the chance to relax while the kids take advantage of the clubs and hotel activities.
Barcelona, Spain
You can get to Barcelona in just over two hours, and it’s a must-visit destination for families. Combining both city and beach, there’ll be plenty for the whole family to enjoy!
Why they’ll love it
If you’ve got football-mad kids, they’ll love a trip to Camp Nou – even if it’s just for a tour. There are also a lot of other great activities for kids, who’ll appreciate the amazing parks, awe-inspiring buildings and more.
Why you’ll love it
Barcelona has an incredible atmosphere, the perfect place to enjoy a taste of Spain. The food and drink is also incredible, so you won’t be short of places to enjoy some Sangria in the sun!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s capital is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. The city is very welcoming to families, offering plenty of kid-friendly attractions.
Why they’ll love it
Copenhagen is home to one of Europe’s largest aquariums, huge adventure playgrounds, and of course, The Little Mermaid. It’s an easy city to navigate and is magical all year round.
Why you’ll love it
Copenhagen is a must-visit city. It is also known as the happiest city in the world, so you won’t help but feel uplifted during your visit.
Things to remember before you travel
Planning a trip to Europe with the family provides a lot of great opportunities. You can choose to go for a long or a short trip, or even visit multiple destinations during your visit. But no matter how long you’re planning on travelling, there are some things to consider first.
Your passport and entry requirements
Since Brexit, there have been some changes to people from the UK entering Europe. You’ll need to make sure you have at least six months left on your passport to gain entry. You’ll also want to check ETIAS information page to make sure you meet the relevant criteria. These should only be minor changes compared to your previous visits, but it’s important to read up on the latest.
COVID regulations
COVID regulations vary from country to country, and may be different from what you’re used to in the UK. Make sure you check out what you need to do when travelling from England (or Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) to make sure you comply with the requirements.
Visiting Europe with your family is a fun way to make some memories and explore some incredible places. There are also a lot of amazing places to visit in the UK, with a wide range of beautiful beach destinations to explore. Whatever your plans for the year ahead, it’s an exciting time to start planning family trips you’ll cherish forever.
