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Where to go with toddlers in Europe.

Hi,

We have tons of miles and are thinking of taking a trip to Europe in June (2016). We will have, our sons an almost 2 yr old and almost 4 yr old traveling with us. We ideally would like to avoid using any taxis or cars (since we would need car seats). We wanted to fly to Rome, go to Venice and Florence and then to Paris and fly back to the U.S from Paris. Is this possible? Otherwise what else would you guys suggest. We have both been to Paris and Rome and my husband has already been to Venice and Florence. So it doesn't have to be there.

Posted by
7175 posts

This is a very easy trip, dare I say it, even with 2 small children.

--Fly in to Rome and stay at a hotel near Termini Station.
--Train (90 mins) to Florence and stay at a hotel near Santa Maria Novella Station.
--Train (2 hrs) to Venice and stay at a hotel near Santa Lucia Station.
--Fly to Paris with Air France AF1427, departing at 12:50 from VCE Venice Marco Polo, arriving at 14:40 to CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle. In Paris stay at a hotel near the Luxembourg RER train stop.
--Fly home from Paris.

Be aware that Euro 2016 Football Tournament takes place next June in France.
The draw for matches takes place this weekend.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/finals/index.html

Posted by
7175 posts

I am not experienced in travelling with children but I will make some luggage remarks.
Keep it at 2 rolling suitcases between you, a day pack for your husband and a cross body bag for yourself.
If you plan on taking a stroller then ensure your husband can manage both cases at once.

Posted by
1241 posts

Just curious, if you have both been to those places mentioned, why don't you go to another place?
Since you have small children, they may love Venice, with the canals. But, also consider Amsterdam, it is not just for "whatever some people think"! It is family friendly, and so is Germany! All these places have outdoor sites, as little children are not always happy in museums.

Also, do a search on this forum as many have posted family-friendly places to go.

Posted by
12 posts

That's the thing we don't know where to go. We have both been to Rome and Paris and although my husband has been to Florence and Venice I have not and I'm dying to go! We are totally open to going somewhere else. I initially wanted Greece but we felt that was even less kid friendly.

Posted by
7175 posts

You could substitute Amsterdam and Berlin for Paris and Rome.

Venice >> Florence >> fly to Berlin >> Amsterdam

Posted by
354 posts

There is a program on PBS Create channel about traveling with kids. The title escapes me, but I have watched it often. I am sure if you click on your local PBS Create station you can find it. Might be worth the time.

Posted by
12 posts

Because Amsterdam and Berlin are easier with kids? Or because we have been to Paris and Rome?

Posted by
7175 posts

Because you have both already been to Paris and Rome.
I would rate Paris as best with kids, then Amsterdam, then Berlin, then Rome.

Posted by
9371 posts

Just curious - why don't you need car seats for the plane?

Posted by
12 posts

I don't understand the question. Planes don't require car seats. Cars do. Plus there is a much higher chance of an accident on the car. We wouldn't feel comfortable without a car seat on a car.

Posted by
12 posts

We don't mind going somewhere we have already been since we haven't gone with the kids and we will experience it in a different way. Our main concern is going somewhere kid friendly.

Posted by
4637 posts

Small kids usually don't tolerate cities in June and Rome, Florence, Venice will be very hot. With little kids like yours I would go to the beach. Could be here in the States but if you want to be in Europe then Spain or Greece, maybe Greek Island like Crete, take it easy, enjoy beaches and if you absolutely want to see more, take a day trip or try to rent a car with child seats.. There is a lot to see in Crete.

Posted by
12 posts

Yea that's what I'm starting to think. Maybe it would be nice to stay put somewhere for two weeks. I would a little cottage by the beach in Greece. I'll ask. Thank you!

Posted by
12 posts

My only fear with a beach is drowning that's why we scratched that (just remembered).

Maybe somewhere else with lots to do outdoors and explore. Doesn't even have to be Europe but want to leave the states for sure.

Posted by
4637 posts

I would not give up so easily. Choose a safe beach - shallow water for a long time, small waves - you find beaches like that on Crete and of course watch your kids. I was at Outer Banks beach in North Carolina with little kids like yours and it has Atlantic Ocean waves, you just have to have eyes like a hawk with little kids around water. But it was still enjoyable for kids and for us, too; certainly more than in some hot European city. Most kids simply don't enjoy that.

Posted by
650 posts

I would worry a great deal less about children drowning at the beach than I would then I would about them falling into canals though I wouldn't worry too much about either.

What about Switzerland? Or the French, German, Austrian, or Italian Alps? Or lakes? The northern Italian lakes or the Austrian lakes could be very nice. So might the beaches and/or mountains here.

Posted by
9200 posts

Maybe look into a Farm vacation in Germany? The weather won't be so hot. The kids could experience a German farm with animals and nature, and mom and dad can experience German small town living.
http://english.bauernhof-urlaub.com/

Posted by
7175 posts

For ease of movement and variety for the kids I would suggest London and Paris.
A week in each may start to become boring for the kids, so throw Amsterdam in to the mix.
Fly in to Amsterdam - 3 nights
3 hr train to Paris - 5 nights
2.5 hr train to London - 5 nights

Posted by
10602 posts

Are you looking to visit cities for art and architecture or do you simply want to enjoy and experience a different culture? If it's the second, I'd look at something similar to what Jo said--a farm vacation for a week combined with something else, or a vacation village of some sort where you and the children will live with European families also on vacation. You don't have to have a motor home to stay at the better campgrounds because they rent out cabins and have tons of activities. You'd be vacationing like the locals with toddlers do.

Posted by
9200 posts

What Bets said. Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands have lots of beach places like this. Croatia has family resorts, as does France.

Posted by
3275 posts

You have two threads going on the same subject. Makes it harder for people to answer without being repetitive.