Essential tips for travelling in Europe with kids

Hi traveller! If you're thinking about a family adventure in Europe, this is the place for you. Travelling with children can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Europe, with its mix of history, culture and nature, is the perfect destination for a holiday with your children.

Pack your bags and hold hands with your adventurous family, because we're going on a trip to the old continent!

1. What documents do you need to travel to/through Europe with children?

To travel in Europe with minors, you must bring the following documents with you:

• National Identity Documentary (NID) or passport: the minimum age for obtaining an identity document varies across Europe. In many countries, it becomes mandatory around the age of 14 to 16. When traveling within the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, a valid National Identity Document (NID) or passport is usually required. Minors often need additional documentation, such as a signed authorization from a parent or legal guardian, especially when traveling alone or outside their home country. For specific requirements, it’s advisable to check with your local authorities or the relevant government websites.
• Minors travelling alone, with a single parent or with a third party: it is advisable to bring an authorisation from the parents or legal guardian, a valid passport or ID card and documents proving who their parents are and who has parental authority, so it is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): This is not compulsory, but we recommend that you carry it. It is valid in the EU, UK and Switzerland, and is generally valid for two years. If you are coming from outside the EU, we suggest you take out private travel insurance to cover what the EHIC does not. As for COVID-19, there are no longer any restrictions in any country.

For further details on documentation, you can consult the website of the embassy of the country you are travelling to.

2. What time of year is the best time to travel in Europe with children?

 We know that when you travel in Europe with children, the time of year is key. Choosing the right destination and the right season will ensure that you get the most out of your trip.

Winter: If you are looking for a family trip during the winter, the best destinations are those with warmer climates in southern Europe. Portugal is a great option. You can enjoy milder temperatures and avoid the crowds. Explore Portugal's little-known west coast by hiking or cycling from the Algarve to the Alentejo.

Autumn: This is an ideal time to travel with the family. Temperatures are pleasant and the landscapes are filled with autumnal colours. It's the perfect time to explore towns, go hiking or cycling with your children, enjoying the local culture without the oppressive summer heat. Enjoy breathtaking views of the emerald blue Mediterranean Sea as you hike along the Ligurian coast and Cinque Terre, go on a family adventure in the Picos de Europa, or cycle past castles in the Loire Valley.

Spring: Discover cultural visits such as the Prehistoric Park in Teverga and a nature reserve with brown bears. Explore the variety of landscapes on the Costa Brava, the Aiguamolls Natural Park, and cycle routes among cave paintings and Romanesque chapels. Visit Ribadesella (Asturias) and enjoy hills, cliffs and meadows. Cycle through Germany, Switzerland and Austria around Lake Constance and explore Holland on easy and fun cycling routes for the whole family.

Summer: For these warmer months, there are plenty of great options for family travel in Europe. Although there may be more tourists in the summer, there are plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. You can cycle along the Canal du Midi, which is Europe's oldest navigable waterway. You can also enjoy cycle touring in Asturias on a family holiday. Another option in Asturias is to visit beaches and fishing villages with the children. If you like hiking, don't miss Italy's famous coastal route, the Amalfi Coast and Capri. And for a unique experience, Holland offers cycling days, beaches, dunes, forests and much more.

3.How to know the level of difficulty of each route in Europe with children

Our S-Cape Travel family tours are designed for you to enjoy special moments in Europe with your children. We know that no one knows your children better than you. That's why each of our tours has a difficulty level rating. These classifications have been made as objectively as possible but in a simplified way. We recommend using them as a guide but we also recommend reading the information provided in the detailed route descriptions for each day trip. This way you can decide with confidence if the routes are suitable for them. If you want to better understand the levels of difficulty, we recommend that you consult the following link: Difficulty level.  

4.How to organise your family trip to Europe with children.

Travelling is exciting, but logistics can be a headache. Coordinating transfers, lugging luggage, and making sure everything is under control can take the fun out of the trip. Wouldn't it be great to be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about any of this? When someone else is taking care of the logistics, you just have to focus on what really matters: enjoying the trip, seeing new places and relaxing. At the end of the day, travel is about experiences, not hassles.

On our walking and cycling trips, we want you to enjoy yourself without worrying about the logistics. That's why we take care of everything: luggage transfer, documentation, maps and 24/7 assistance are included in your experience. 

Also, if at any point you feel tired or prefer not to continue the route, you can ask the taxi driver to take you and your luggage to the next hotel. Just be aware that this may incur an additional cost and, in some places, you will not be able to travel in the same vehicle that carries your luggage.

If you decide to use public transport, you will need to take your luggage with you. But don't worry, as our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with whatever you need.

Your journey will be comfortable and stress-free, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the adventure. 

Enjoy an unforgettable family experience in Europe with your children - have a great trip!