It's a Wild World: Europe With Kids

We have lived in Europe before - 20 years ago - gulp! At that time, I was single or newly married. I did not have children. Now I do. 3 of them. Teens and a grade-schooler. Thankfully, I no longer have anybody in high chairs or strollers because those would be pretty impossible here. Young, single and/or newly married folks love to wander about the streets without an agenda. They love to people watch and experience new and novel sights and sounds. They enjoy sitting in a coffee shop sipping a cafe au lait or a chocolate chaud. For very long periods of time. They like boat rides, touring churches and admiring works of art in a museum. Ah, can't you just see the quaint cobblestone roads of Europe and the winding rivers and picturesque cathedrals?....Now, insert children into the picture. "This is so boring." "What are we doing here?" "I've seen churches before." "It is just a tower, a stupid tower." "Where are we gooooooing?"!

So, the whole serendipity and wandering thing doesn't work out that well. At least not with my children. Perhaps it will with yours. Mine very much like having an agenda and a purpose to the day. Even if that purpose is a museum, this is apparently much better than having NO purpose. Now, as you know, I've traveled with mine before. Like all through Asia. However, Asia isn't typically a leisurely, "wander-about and let the spirit take you" type of place. It is a full-on onslaught of sights, sounds and smells that will leave you reeling. Or it is a beach resort in Bali or Thailand where everyone is happy because there is water to splash in and mango to eat.

After an ill-fated trip to Bruges where our family pretty much bickered our way through the city, I've revised by entire take on how we do European cities. And, I'm happy to say that my formula has been quite successful. With the new and improved formula, we have spent days and days in Scotland, France and Belgium with relatively happy kids - and happy parents as well. We even attempted another trip to Bruges and it was MUCH more successful.

My secret formula - always, always plan out your day. Like in detail. I'm pretty sure my family might call it "annoying detail" but it helps us see the sights in an organized fashion. Do not go somewhere if you cannot find some type of activity to fill in the time. Seriously. Yes, it might be the loveliest village ever but if there is no museum/zoo/castle, you will all be miserable. It is even better if there is something active they can do - hike a mountain. climb a zillion steps to a belfry. Pretty much anything with lots of steps is good. Get tickets to major attractions ahead of time if you suspect crowds. This is a HUGE one. Otherwise, you will waste long periods in line and you will ALL be miserable. If you can look ahead on Tripadvisor and figure out some food stops, this is even better. Food makes most things better. You should also never arrive at your location hungry because this leads to ill-advised dining decisions. Ask Chris about his hamburger in Ypres....Oh, final tip. Boat rides should be short and sweet.