Who says kids aren’t suited for Europe? Your perspective might just change after reading this!

Photos and text provided by HuaYou Travel

“When I mentioned taking a child under 10 abroad to my family, everyone was against it.” That may sound reasonable to many, but you still want to take your kid overseas—what can you do?

July and August are when kids are on summer vacation and also the prime time for family trips. Traveling with children often comes with many concerns. How can you set off with a more relaxed mindset? In addition to choosing the right room type, which can make things much easier, here are some answers that may help resolve your doubts. Moreover, there are many added benefits you might not have considered.

Is a European trip suitable for bringing kids along?
Except for very young infants, where there may be concerns about their ability to handle long journeys, children of all school-going ages are well-suited for traveling in Europe. In addition to stunning scenery, Europe offers a wealth of cultural history, historical sites, and art-related experiences that can help foster your child’s cultural awareness. Plus, summer provides the most ample travel time. For kids, taking leave from school not only has less impact on their studies, but it’s also the best time for travel.

Can kids handle the physical demands?
Aside from certain special circumstances (such as high-altitude itineraries), or independent travel that involves constantly carrying luggage and changing hotels, kids actually have sharper eyes and more energy than adults. Often, it’s the kids who stay energetic till the end, not the grown-ups. How can you tell? Just recall how well kids handle a full day at the zoo in Taiwan, or visiting places like the streams in Taipei’s Shiding District, Sun Moon Lake trails in Nantou, or even toy stores in department stores. If they’re fine after a whole day out, then there’s no problem. While traveling, just pay timely attention to your child’s energy levels, and they’ll definitely have a great time.

What about the weather? Will they adapt okay?
Summer is when the weather in Europe is just right. Compared to winter, there are fewer things to worry about. Compared to Taiwan, Europe has a relatively dry and hot climate. Other than packing a few extra clothes for sweat changes, sunscreen is absolutely essential. During the trip, remember to stay hydrated and avoid stuffy, overheated conditions. And in countries like Italy, or other European nations, people love enjoying handmade ice cream in the scorching summer heat—irresistible, indeed. But even though it tastes wonderful, be careful not to eat too much at once and end up with a dry mouth!

Things schools don’t teach
Abroad, the most valuable part of traveling is allowing kids to connect with local people and experience more diverse cultures. Even starting with using coins, you can teach them about exchange rates. And if your child has had some English lessons, let them try buying things in English—it gives them a completely different sense of achievement. Europe is a hub of human culture, and with the guidance of professional tour guides, they can see textbook knowledge come alive. The world beyond books is vast. Open your ears to the local languages, open your eyes to new sights, follow new scents, and savor foreign cuisines. All these experiences gradually accumulate, and maybe questions will arise only after returning home. But having an international perspective—that’s something schools can’t teach, and it’s why we recommend taking kids abroad.

My child is going to Europe—do I need to prepare anything else? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered below!
1. Should I bring a large stroller or a lightweight one?

Europe has cobblestone streets—bring a large stroller, it’s really easier to push!

2. Kids can hardly sit quietly on your lap for over ten hours on a plane, what should I do?

Aside from giving them toys or books to play with, the key point is the same as for adults—they need to sleep on the plane. Let them know before the trip that they’ll be sleeping on the plane. When the environment changes, their behavior will naturally adjust.

3. How to deal with kids’ jet lag issues?

Follow the local time—let them sleep when it’s time to sleep, and stay awake when it’s not. If they get tired from playing, give them appropriate rest to keep their energy up.

4. I’m worried my child won’t like the food at hotel restaurants, any tips?

Different environments may yield different results—you can bring a small container with some food or prepare some snacks. When kids get hungry, they’ll eat naturally.

Are European room types different from those in Taiwan? Which is best for our family?
There’s no absolute answer—only what’s best for you. Usually, when traveling in Europe, adding a bed for children (ages 2–12) is more cost-effective than booking a separate adult berth. You can decide based on your family size and your usual travel habits. After evaluating, you’ll find the room type that suits you best!

For more information, please contact HuaYou Travel at (02) 2751-8222. Website:www.mitravel.com.tw