When I moved from California to Germany, pregnant with my second child, I imagined taking my family on thrilling European adventures — from swimming in Greece’s crystal-clear waters to exploring Slovenia’s mountain trails and catching a show in London’s West End. Social media influencers and travel blogs made it seem effortless to travel with young children. However, reality soon proved otherwise.
Now, with kids aged 8, 5, and 3, I found that our family trips weren’t as enjoyable as I had hoped. Our vacation to Greece, staying just a mile from the Ionian Sea, turned into a stress-filled experience. Instead of relaxing, I spent most of my time worrying about my kids breaking things in the Airbnb — from glass tables to delicate glassware. Similarly, at the Eiffel Tower, I found myself saying, “Stop yelling,” rather than taking in the breathtaking views.
While my children thrived at home and in daycare, spending hours playing with friends, I expected them to behave as if they were miniature adults on vacation — a standard that was neither realistic nor fair. It became clear that my carefully planned trips, intended to open their eyes to new experiences, were not fun for anyone.
To salvage our vacations, I had to adjust my approach. I shifted from trying to show them the world to letting them enjoy simple, child-friendly activities. We took a trip to Kassel, Germany, along the fairytale route, which featured the Brothers Grimm. We spent a week in Leipzig, where the zoo was a hit and the Bach Museum less so. But the most enjoyable holiday came in August, when we took a short, three-hour train ride to a local family camp. There, my kids enjoyed bratwurst and ice cream, and I embraced the laid-back atmosphere.
Lowering my expectations for these trips made all the difference. By letting my kids just be kids, we had our best family holiday yet. Although I’m not keen on spending every vacation at crowded indoor water parks, I’ve learned that age-appropriate fun is key. It may not match the glamorous family vacations I once envisioned, but it’s teaching me to appreciate what truly matters: enjoying quality time with my family.
As my children grow, I look forward to the trips I once dreamed of — perhaps cycling across Europe or watching their amazement when they see the “Mona Lisa” in person. But for now, I’m content with the simpler joys — like heading to an amusement park where we can scream on roller coasters, enjoy overpriced cotton candy, and fill our bellies with homemade sandwiches. In these moments, I no longer feel the need to hush my kids. These local, relaxed vacations may not be as luxurious as a stay in Paris or Barcelona, but they offer something far more valuable: the chance to truly enjoy my family’s company.
Related topics:
Five Lessons from Six Months of Traveling Around Europe
Turkish Shoppers Fuel Surge in Tax-Free Spending Across Europe
Romania and Bulgaria to Join Schengen Free-Travel Area from January 1, 2025