Parents are most aware of the fact that they are working within a certain window of time as they see their young children grow before their eyes. They want nothing more than to build great memories with their children while they can. This is why travelling to different family-friendly destinations is a popular choice among many families from the UK.

This early, many families are looking forward to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to launch in 2025. ETIAS is designed to enhance security and facilitate seamless border crossings within the Schengen region. By requiring pre-travel authorisation, ETIAS aims to screen travellers, identifying potential security risks while ensuring a smoother entry process for visitors.

This system not only prioritises safety but also contributes to creating a family-friendly environment in Europe’s Schengen Zone for all travellers, especially children. ETIAS plays a crucial role in fostering such an environment by simplifying travel processes. The pre-screening ensures that families encounter fewer obstacles when entering the region, providing greater peace of mind to parents. This enhanced security ultimately creates a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience for families, making Europe an inviting destination for all ages.

What Makes Travel Quite a Challenge for Parents Who Bring Their Children on Trips?

Here are some common challenges parents often face while travelling with their kids:

Logistical Hurdles

Coordinating transportation, accommodation, and schedules become more complex with children. From carrying strollers and securing speacial seats to ensuring child-friendly accommodations, logistics can be quite challenging.

Entertainment and Engagement

Keeping children entertained and engaged throughout the trip can be demanding. Finding activities suitable for their ages and interests, especially in unfamiliar places, requires careful planning and flexibility.

Health and Safety Concerns

Ensuring the well-being of children in unfamiliar environments poses challenges. From minor health issues to safety precautions, parents must navigate healthcare systems and maintain vigilance to keep their kids safe.

Routine Disruption

Travel often disrupts children’s routines, affecting sleep patterns, meal schedules, and overall comfort. Adapting to new time zones, cuisines, and environments can be tough for children, causing stress for both kids and parents.

Managing Expectations

Balancing everyone’s expectations and desires during the trip can be demanding. What parents find exciting might not always align with children’s interests. What a toddler may find enjoyable would likely be different from what a teenager wants to experience This may lead to potential conflicts and the need for compromise.

Each of these challenges certainly requires careful planning, patience, and adaptability to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Cities in the Schengen Region

It seems that for any family trip to be successful and the least hassle-free, the solution is to choose destinations that offer a little bit of everything essential so that most basic family needs are addressed. Consider visiting these destinations in your next Euro trip:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

With its picturesque canals and vibrant atmosphere, Amsterdam offers family-friendly attractions like the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and the Artis Zoo. The city is known for its diverse cuisine, from Dutch pancakes to stroopwafels, and it boasts numerous family-friendly accommodations and various dining options.

Trip Notes for Amsterdam:

• Sights: Visit the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Artis Zoo. Take canal cruises or explore Vondelpark.
• Food: Try Dutch pancakes, stroopwafels, and delicious cheeses.
• Amenities: Close to family-friendly accommodations like Hotel Pulitzer and Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. 
• Emergency Services: The Emma Children’s Hospital and Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis offer emergency medical care.

Barcelona, Spain

This city offers stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and attractions like Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia. Families can indulge in delicious tapas and paella while enjoying the city’s welcoming atmosphere and accessibility to amenities.

Trip Notes for Barcelona:

• Sights: Explore Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, and Barcelona’s beaches. Visit the Aquarium or Tibidabo Amusement Park.
• Food: Indulge in tapas, paella, potato bombas, and churros.
• Amenities: Family-friendly hotels like Hotel Arts Barcelona and W Barcelona. Close to restaurants and amenities in the city centre.
• Emergency Services: Hospitals like Hospital de Sant Pau and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona provide medical assistance.

Munich, Germany

Munich is known for its family-friendly vibe, highlighted by attractions like the English Garden, Munich Zoo, and the Deutsches Museum. Families can relish traditional Bavarian cuisine, including pretzels and sausages, while being close to hotels and medical facilities.

Trip Notes for Munich:

• Sights: Enjoy the English Garden, Munich Zoo, and Deutsches Museum. Don’t miss Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace.
• Food: Sample pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut, and apple strudel.
• Amenities: Family-friendly accommodations such as Hilton Munich Park and Sofitel Munich Bayerpost. 
• Emergency Services: Rechts der Isar Hospital and Klinikum Schwabing offer medical care.

Rome, Italy

Rich in history and culture, Rome offers attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. Families can enjoy Italian gelato and pizza while being within reach of accommodations, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.

Trip Notes for Rome:

• Sights: Explore the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain. Visit the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.
• Food: Enjoy gelato, pizza, and pasta dishes.
• Amenities: Family-friendly options like Rome Cavalieri and Hotel Artemide. Plenty of restaurants and cafes in the city.
• Emergency Services: Hospitals like Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital and Policlinico Umberto I cater to medical emergencies.

Copenhagen, Denmark

This Scandinavian gem boasts Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and family-friendly museums. Danish cuisine, including pastries and open sandwiches, can be savoured while staying in close proximity to malls and leisure parks.

Trip Notes for Copenhagen:

Sights: Visit Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and National Aquarium Denmark. Explore Experimentarium for interactive exhibits.

• Food: Taste Danish pastries, open sandwiches, and Danish hot dogs.
• Amenities: Family-friendly accommodations such as Copenhagen Marriott Hotel and Tivoli Hotel. 
• Emergency Services: Rigshospitalet and Herlev Hospital provide medical services.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s charm lies in its historic neighbourhoods, stunning viewpoints, and attractions like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Families can indulge in Portuguese cuisine and enjoy easy access to hotels, restaurants, and medical facilities.

Trip Notes for Lisbon:

• Sights: Explore Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle. Enjoy the Lisbon Oceanarium and ride Tram 28.
• Food: Sample Portuguese pastries, seafood, and custard tarts.
• Amenities: Family-friendly options like Corinthia Lisbon and Altis Grand Hotel.
• Emergency Services: Santa Maria Hospital and Hospital da Luz Lisbon offer emergency medical care.

Vienna, Austria

With its palaces, parks, and the Schönbrunn Zoo, Vienna offers a delightful experience for families. Indulge in Viennese pastries and schnitzel while having access to family-friendly facilities and services.

Trip Notes for Vienna:

• Sights: Visit Schönbrunn Palace, Prater Park, and Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo). Explore the interactive Haus des Meeres aquarium.
• Food: Indulge in Viennese pastries, schnitzel, and strudel.
• Amenities: Family-friendly accommodations such as Hotel Sans Souci Wien and Hilton Vienna. Various restaurants and services nearby.
• Emergency Services: Hospitals like Allgemeines Krankenhaus (AKH) and Wilhelminenspital offer medical assistance.

What Parents Should Consider for a Family-Friendly Trip to Schengen

As you navigate ETIAS with your children, several key considerations stand out.

Application Requirements

Children, like adults, will need their own ETIAS authorisation to travel to countries within the Schengen Area. Parents or legal guardians will likely have to fill out the application on behalf of their children, providing the necessary information.

Documentation

Ensure you have all required documents, such as the child’s passport and any additional documents required by ETIAS, ready when applying. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.

Health and Safety

Your child’s medical history may affect his or her ETIAS approval. Also, ensure that each child’s health insurance covers travel abroad and that you have any necessary vaccinations or health precautions recommended for travel to the specific Schengen Area countries.

Emergency Contacts and Information

Keep emergency contact information readily available and ensure the child knows what to do in case of an emergency while travelling.

Conclusion:

Exploring the Schengen region with children is an enriching experience filled with diverse cultures and history. ETIAS serves as a gateway to building the best memories, which your children will cherish when they grow up later on. With a wealth of family-friendly destinations and activities, Europe beckons families to embark on extraordinary vacations, and create lasting bonds and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.