Hello. I find myself with some time off work and the opportunity to travel with my 5 year old son. He is a wonderful traveler — energetic and adventurous. I have travelled around Europe extensively, but never with a child.
We have the first 3 weeks of December to go anywhere we want. I’m thinking of splitting it between some warmer spots and somewhere with good winter markets. Does anyone have any itinerary advice?
Malta and Budapest. Wizzair and Ryanair connect the two. One warm(er) and one with the best Christmas Markets.
Lots of great places, but in December, Southern Europe works best.
That would suggest Southern Spain, Italy or Greece. One alternative is to do Egypt. Egypt is relatively inexpensive and fantastic. It is loaded with history with the amazing Pyramids, the New Egyptian Museum at the Pyramids and a Nile cruise.
Check out Gate 1 Travel, they have great tours at low rates.
One thing about traveling with a 5 year old is they will get bored quickly in a museum.
How about Portugal (Algarve or Lisbon) or Canary Islands (Spanish) as warm destination?
Berlin (Germany) is a good destination for Christmas / Winter Markets, some more entertaining for the son, and also other attractions for kids, e. g. two zoos, aquarium, Nature Museum with huge dinosaur skeletons, Legoland, and so on.
A little less than 3 hours by fast train is Hamburg with unique attraction for kids: Miniatur Wunderland.
We traveled with our 4yo throughout Germany and Austria. My biggest advice is something that actually makes for a better trip for you too.. Plan open play time into as many days as you can. Find a playground where he can run around with local kids and wear himself out..
Legoland was a favorite spot if you want a specific kid-friendly awesome spot. It's south of Rothenburg OdT before Augsburg
