- When planning trips to Europe, families often make the same preventable mistakes.
- As a travel advisor, I always warn my clients not to overpack or visit too many cities on one trip.
- I also see parents forget to involve their kids when crafting an itinerary.
As a travel advisor who works with families and specializes in trips to Europe, I've seen and helped parents through it all, from passports and packing lists to missed trains and jet lag.
Hiccups are unavoidable, especially when traveling with young kids and navigating numerous people's needs. I've even encountered snags on my own trips, too. (I'll never forget when I arrived in Paris just in time for a metro strike.)
That said, there are some mistakes that are preventable — and I find myself warning my clients not to make them, again and again.
Many of my clients try to see too many cities in one trip.
It's hard not to take a "when in Rome … and Paris, and Amsterdam" approach, especially when Europe's train system makes it so easy to hop from one place to the next.
However, I've learned firsthand that visiting too many destinations on a 10-day or two-week trip can lead to burnout.
Many people forget how much work it takes to relocate, especially if you're traveling with kids. Repacking your suitcases, figuring out logistics, and trying to move a group with luggage all take more time than you might predict.
I always tell my clients to set aside a full day for relocating to a new city, just in case they encounter some unexpected snags.
That doesn't mean you have to stick to your city's limits, though — checking out nearby towns and villages can be a more time-effective (and cost-effective) way to explore Europe.
Families also try to schedule too many activities per day.
When in Europe, it can be so tempting to jam-pack your days with activities — after all, you just want to make the most of your trip.
Cramming too much into a day can lead to unnecessary stress and exhaustion, though, especially if you're also navigating a new language and environment.
I always encourage families to plan just one or two meaningful activities per day and build in free time to return to the hotel, wander without an agenda, or simply rest. Young kids, in particular, usually need downtime to process and decompress.
Many families regret packing too much.
Most people are worried about not packing enough. Ironically, though, one of the most common packing mistakes I've noticed is bringing too much.
Realizing you've forgotten something is stressful, but trust me: lugging heavy bags across cobblestone streets or up three stories without an elevator is pretty unpleasant, too.
I always tell my clients to pack fewer pieces of clothing than they think they need. Also, remember that your hotel or Airbnb might have some products you can borrow, like umbrellas or beach towels.
Parents often forget to make their kids feel included in the plans.
It's not uncommon for one person to take the reins of a trip, but when one parent makes all the decisions, their partner and kids can end up feeling like bystanders.
On the other hand, I've noticed that when every family member chooses one big activity or place to visit, each person has something to look forward to — and everyone feels more invested in the trip's success.
Parents sometimes struggle to put their children's wishes first. After all, it can be hard to skip the Borghese Gallery for the gelato spot that your kid really, really wants to visit.
Think about it like this, though: You're creating a core memory that everyone in the family will remember. Although a few mistakes are inevitable, thoughtful planning can make a huge difference.
