Picture this: two families, ten people, and a three-year-in-the-making (thank you, COVID) dream trip to Europe. Armed with 10 roller bags, 10 duffle bags, and backpacks galore, we hit the cobblestones like true adventurers—okay, maybe more like slightly clueless tourists. We didn’t have to say we were American; our luggage and sheer determination to “see it all” gave us away. Spoiler alert: they don’t call it “roller bagging through Europe” for a reason, and boy, did we learn why!
All kidding aside, we actually had an amazing time – we loved it but I would totally do things differently! Remember I am had been a travel director for over 15 years AND plan large events – domestic travel is very easy for us, so I think that this is why this was so comical for all of us!
What to Do Differently
Travel Logistics
- Pack Light: Use a carry-on suitcase and a backpack or duffle bag per person. Choose versatile, high-quality clothing that mixes and matches well.
- Embrace Effortless Style: Europeans rarely wear workout clothes. Invest in good sneakers that can be dressed up or down, and skip extra casual pieces.
- Think About The Purse: Honestly – I feel like this was something I did well. I used a heavy zipper bag (not lululemon zip bag – those zip easily, which means they unzip easily) and kept it on the front of my chest or around my waist in the front. Justin did not carry a wallet majority of the time. We did have a major pickpocket incident on day one with our friend and she lost everything – phone and wallet! Justin was very friendly to everyone – so if he had a wallet it was likely to be stolen daily!
- Bathrooms Are Not Free: Also keep this in mind – you need euros to use the bathrooms and they aren’t like jumping into a public restroom in the US. Prepare for this. This is why staying close to where you’re exploring can come in handy!
Accommodations
- Prioritize Location and Quality: Stay in central, high-quality hotels. The added convenience of nearby attractions, reliable amenities, and helpful concierge services is worth the expense.
Pace of Travel
- Limit to Two Destinations: Spend at least five days at each location to fully experience it without feeling rushed.
- Consider a Cruise: For families or first-time trips, a European cruise provides the ease of unpacking once while still seeing multiple destinations. We did this and it was amazing. American accommodations (think bathrooms and bed size!) all with the European charm. You avoid a lot of the things that are harder with families and moving frequently. 10/10 would do this again!
Activities and Sightseeing
- Keep Plans Flexible: Avoid early mornings or tightly packed schedules. Leave time for spontaneous exploration, which kids will love.
- Focus on Experiences for All Ages: Kids often enjoy simple pleasures like trying local food or finding ice cream more than big landmarks. Deacon loved the little souvenir shops (we have a one of kind painting of the colosseum that we bought him WINK WINK – we saw the same painting on every corner in Rome).
Food and Dining
- Introduce Picky Eating Kiddos to Local Cuisine Options Early: Help kids develop a taste for foods they’ll encounter (e.g., pasta with olive oil vs butter) before the trip.
- Plan Meals in Advance: Research and save a list of top restaurants to avoid last-minute decisions when everyone is hungry. We ended up eating the same meal for 3 days in a row in Rome because we tried to fit everything in at the end of the trip and just ate conveniently which was pizza and cacio e pepe!
- American Coffee is Different: In the U.S., we’re used to our morning coffee being an event—a venti cup from Starbucks or your favorite drive-thru, complete with whipped cream, syrups, and the option to sip it leisurely (or, let’s be honest, in the car). In Europe, coffee culture is entirely different. It’s less about size and more about the experience. You won’t find people walking around with a giant cup; instead, it’s all about standing at the bar, sipping a quick and perfectly crafted espresso. It’s a moment to pause, connect, and start the day intentionally, rather than multi-tasking with caffeine in hand. Breakfast follows the same no-fuss philosophy. It’s not the towering plates of pancakes, bacon, and omelets we often associate with morning meals in America. In Europe, breakfast is just that—a simple way to “break the fast” and fuel your morning. Think croissants in France, a small slice of toast with jam in Italy, or a modest plate of cheese and cured meats in Germany. Breakfast serves a purpose, not a craving, and it’s a fascinating glimpse into how other cultures embrace food as a functional, yet meaningful, part of life.
Cultural Preparation
- Teach Kids Before You Go: Familiarize them with the culture and history of destinations to deepen their appreciation.
- Learn a Couple Phrases: I think it was helpful that we knew HELLO, THANK YOU and EXCUSE ME in French and Italian.
Packing for Kids
- Bring essentials like medicine, portable chargers, and entertainment for long travel days.
- Invest in comfortable shoes for everyone.
Laundry and Packing Tips
- Don’t forget to pack a small container of laundry soap and plan to wash clothes if the opportunity arises! I’ll admit it—I loathe dirty clothes while traveling. If I can hit the reset button and have everything fresh and clean by day 4, I’m all in. Sure, some people don’t want to take the time, but I see it as a major accomplishment. Fresh clothes = fresh mindset for the rest of the trip! I will admit I did this and it actually worked out and great and reminded me how little we really reach for when getting ready for the day. SPOILER ALERT – everyone wanted to re wear the same clothes once they were clean!
Costs & Money
- Plan Transportation in Advance: Pre-book transfers and research public transport options to save time and money.
- Make Sure You Have Euros: I did not get euros in advance – big mistake. This is essential for some items
- Most Places Take Visa: I expected to use my AMEX everywhere but honestly VISA was accepted everywhere
Energy and Health
- Allow Time to Adjust: Jet lag is real, and over-scheduling exacerbates exhaustion. Build in rest days.
- Have a Health Plan: Know how to access virtual doctors and pharmacies in case of illness.
Unexpected Moments
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Keep your itinerary flexible to account for delays or mishaps, like illness or transportation challenges.
- Limit Movement: Fewer locations mean less hassle with luggage and a more enjoyable experience overall.
