From Exhaustion to Thrilling Adventures: Family Trips and Smart Planning

Travelling with kids can be an exhilarating adventure filled with precious memories and shared experiences. However, it's no secret that it can also be exhausting at times. The unpredictable schedules, endless energy, and varying needs of children can present challenges that require careful planning and preparation. Thankfully, with thoughtful organization and a bit of foresight, you can minimize the chaos and maximize the joy of family travel. Researching family-friendly destinations and activities in advance allows you to tailor your itinerary to suit the interests and ages of your children.
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exciting journey!

Copenhagen, Denmark: A Wonderland for Kids

Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, tops our list of family-friendly destinations. With its welcoming atmosphere and an abundance of activities tailored for children, it's a dream come true for families. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss - for more details about this destination I will create a dedicated blog post:

Food Courts: Our favorite food court in Copenhagen was here . It consistently buzzed with activity, especially on sunny days, and boasted a diverse range of cuisines to satisfy every taste.

Boat Trips: Make sure to plan ahead otherwise you might not find a boat available for your desired day or time. This is not only a budget-friendly option, but it also adds an extra element of excitement and enjoyment for kids.

Experimentarium Science Museum: Spark your little ones' curiosity at the Experimentarium, an interactive museum where science comes to life with the hands-on exhibits.

Tivoli Gardens: Enter a realm of enchantment at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. Experience thrilling rides, marvel at the stunning gardens, and indulge in mouthwatering treats. This magical place is sure to create cherished family memories. Make sure you reserve a full-day for this one.

Aquarium: Dive into the underwater world at the Copenhagen Aquarium. Watch in awe as colorful fish, majestic sharks, and playful seals glide through the water. We decided to leave this one for the last day, just before heading to the Airport as it is quite close.

The Copenhagen Card is an incredible value for families visiting this city. With this all-in-one pass, you gain unlimited access to over 80 attractions, museums, and activities, making it a cost-effective option for exploring Copenhagen's top highlights. Not only does the card provide free admission to popular attractions like Tivoli Gardens, the Copenhagen Zoo, and the Experimentarium Science Museum, but it also includes free public transportation, allowing for convenient and hassle-free travel around the city. With the Copenhagen Card, families can save both time and money while enjoying an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, history, and fun. This was one of the few places that we bought such a card and it was great value for our money. You can see prices and all details here.

Barcelona, Spain: Where Culture Meets Fun

Barcelona, known for its unique blend of art, history, and vibrant energy, is an ideal destination for a family getaway. Here's why we fell in love with this captivating city:

Gaudi Buildings: Embark on a journey of architectural marvels as you explore the whimsical works of Antoni Gaudi. From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the fantastical Park Güell, these structures will ignite your imagination and leave you in awe.

Science Museum and Zoo Garden: Engage your young scientists at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, where interactive exhibits and immersive experiences bring science to life. And don't forget to visit the Barcelona Zoo Garden, home to a diverse range of animals that will captivate the whole family. Both were a total hit with our kids - the science museum in Barcelona is in my top 3 favourites in Europe.

Barceloneta and its surroundings: take a dip in the refreshing Mediterranean Sea, or enjoy beachside activities. While you are here, you can also explore nearby attractions like the Barcelona Aquarium - while this was not the best aquarium we have ever seen, the toddlers will enjoy it more than the teens.

Netherlands: A Playground of Wonders

The Netherlands is a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions. Remember that getting around is easy and quick - in less than one hour you can get from Amsterdam to The Hague and, this way, you can enjoy both cities during a 5-7 days trip.

Here's a glimpse into the wonders that await and things that we tried and enjoyed:

Efteling Park: Step into a fairytale world at Efteling Park, where magical creatures and enchanting rides come to life. This enchanting theme park offers a blend of thrilling adventures and captivating shows that will leave your family spellbound. We decided to stay in The Hague and take a trip by train to Efteling and back. But looking back, it would be a better idea to have a 2-day stay near the park.

Nemo Science Museum: This one was probably the best science museum that we experienced. It is a full-day activity, so take your time for this one. From interactive experiments to mind-bending exhibits, these museums will ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning.

Madurodam Museum, located in The Hague, offers a unique and fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. This miniature park showcases meticulously crafted replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, cities, and landscapes on a 1:25 scale. The interactive exhibits and multimedia displays provide an engaging and educational experience, allowing you and the kids to learn about Dutch history, culture, and innovation.

Vienna, Austria: A Fantastic Family Travel Destination

Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, is a destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and family-friendly attractions. Here are some of the reasons this should be on your family's travel radar:

Therme Wien: Dive into relaxation and rejuvenation at Therme Wien, a thermal spa complex with pools, slides, and wellness facilities for all ages. We saved this place for the last day, just before our flight. This way, we made sure our family trip is going to end on a relaxing note.

Schönbrunn Zoo and Gardens: one of the world's most renowned zoos and my personal favourite. This place dserves for sure at least one day so that you can really enjoy it. Make the most of this visit and also explore the stunning gardens that surround the historic Schönbrunn Palace.

Beer gardens and chill spaces:

Incredible views and a rooftop terrace in Museum Quartier at MQ Libelle
Chill terrace and strandbar with waterfront views at Strandbar Herrmann.
Locals’ beer garden, tucked away from the touristic places Kaiserwalzer 2.0.

See what are the best museums and current exhibits in Vienna here.

Coltesti and Rimetea, Romania: A Tranquil Retreat

Last, but not least, one of my favourite destination in Romania for travelling with kids.

Escape to the picturesque area of UNESCO heritage village Rimetea. You can stay right in the village of Rimetea or, my favourite place to stay in, at Conacul Secuiesc,in the village of Colțești in Romania, a nearby village. Surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, this hidden gem offers a tranquil retreat for families. My favourite thing to do here is to have my coffee looking over the breathtaking view of Piata Secuiului Mountain. Here are some attractions and activities in the area:

• Salina Turda: Venture into the depths of Salina Turda, an underground salt mine turned amusement park. Discover its fascinating history and enjoy various activities such as boat rides and mini-golf. This is a one hour drive from Conacul Secuiesc accommodation.

• Cheile Turzii: Embark on a picturesque hike through the stunning Cheile Turzii, surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking vistas.

• Cetatea Trascăului: If you are staying at Conacul Secuiesc, you can easily hike to Cetatea Trascăului, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Rafting: For adventurous families, indulge in the thrill of rafting on the nearby rivers and experience the rush of adrenaline amidst beautiful natural scenery.

• Rimetea UNESCO heritage village: Visit the charming village of Rimetea and wander through its well-preserved traditional houses, capturing a glimpse of rural Romanian life.

These five destinations offer an array of family-friendly activities and captivating experiences. Whether you seek amusement park adventures, cultural explorations, or tranquil natural escapes, these destinations will create lasting memories for the whole family. To make the most of your visit, I highly recommend allocating a minimum of five days for each destination.

Remember, travel planning is key to a successful trip. Utilize the tools and tips I shared earlier to make your journey effortless and enjoyable. Flexibility is essential when travelling with kids, as their needs can change in an instant. While it's important to have a general plan, be open to spontaneous detours and breaks to accommodate their energy levels and interests. Remember to pace yourself and allow for downtime to recharge and relax.

Safe travels and happy adventuring!