Magical Christmas in London With Kids: What to Do and Book Early
Christmas in London with kids: dates for Winter Wonderland, Kew and the markets, what’s free, and why you need to plan around Christmas Day.
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Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Families
For years, visiting a Christmas market in Europe has been on my bucket list. It is a magical experience I’ve always wanted to have. There’s just something about twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and rows of charming wooden stalls selling festive treats and handmade crafts that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now that my kids are a little older, I finally feel ready to make this dream a reality and explore the best Christmas markets in Europe as a family. We’re currently planning it for the holiday season in 2025, and now is the time to start planning it with how competitive and pricey flights and hotels can be for this popular tourist season.
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Northern Portugal With Kids: Porto, the Douro Valley & Gerês: Your Perfect Family Weekend
I’ve said it so many times, but it’s worth saying again: Portugal is the most underrated country for families in Europe. And while most families who do visit are busy planning their Lisbon itinerary or counting down the days to the Algarve beaches, northern Portugal is sitting up there quietly being spectacular. We’re talking cobblestoned riverfront cities, wild national parks where horses roam free, terraced vineyards dropping straight into a UNESCO-listed river valley, and some of the warmest hospitality in all of Europe. Oh, and the food? Amazing!
If you’re planning a family trip to Portugal, you need to consider heading north, with this itinerary as your guide. Three days, three very different experiences: Porto with kids, the Douro Valley with kids, and Peneda-Gerês National Park, all designed for families. Let’s go.
Already planning a bigger Portugal adventure? Don’t miss my guides to Sintra, Belém, and Lagos or explore all my Portugal posts.
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Best Moments | England | Europe | Family | Featured
Things to Do in Richmond London: An Unforgettable Ted Lasso Day Trip With Kids
If you have watched even one episode of Ted Lasso, you already know Richmond. The corner pub. The green with the soccer goals. That little row of shops that looks like somebody painted it for a postcard.
Maybe you didn’t realize that Richmond is real part of London, twenty minutes from central London by train, and there is so much more to it than the filming locations. We visited Richmond during a trip to London and Copenhagen, it ended up being one of my favorite days of the whole trip. We even had the “should we move here” moment, just like Ted Lasso.
Now that Ted Lasso is back, everyone is asking about Richmond again. So I’ve gathered all the best things to do in Richmond London, from the show’s filming spots to the deer in Richmond Park, plus every way to get there.
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Ireland Itinerary With Kids: How to Spend 7 Days in the Beautiful Emerald Isle
Ireland is a destination that seems to work well at every age and stage of family travel, and this Ireland itinerary proves it. The country is compact enough that you can cover a lot of ground in a week, but every stretch of road feels like it deserves more time. Castles appear constantly, the countryside is quintessentially green and rolling, and the pace tends to be relaxed in a way that makes traveling with kids feel manageable rather than exhausting. Plus, the Irish absolutely love kids and babies, which makes every local encounter feel pleasant and welcomed.
Our Ireland itinerary is built around one week and is focused on the southwest, which is where families will get the most out of their visit. Starts in Dublin, then heads down to Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and up to Galway. If you only have time for one part of Ireland, the Killarney area is the one worth prioritizing.
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Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids
I’ll be the first to admit it: if I’m planning a trip, there is a 90% chance I’m trying to figure out how to get back to Italy. And Rome is the quintessential Italy experience that every family needs to have at least one (and maybe more than once!) It is the kind of city that just feeds your soul: the history, beautiful, and food are all ideal for core memory making.
Taking the kids to an ancient, big, bustling city can feel like a massive undertaking, but that is exactly what this guide is designed for! From dodging the tourist traps to finding the best spots for kids among the ruins, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. I’m sharing all my best tips and favorite stops so you can skip the stress and get straight to the magic. Andiamo!
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How to Plan Genealogy Trips: Free Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Roots
I will be honest with you: some of the most meaningful travel I have ever done had nothing to do with a famous landmark or a bucket-list city. It happened in tiny towns most people have never heard of, standing in the exact spot where my family started. That is the magic of genealogy trips. You are not just sightseeing. You are walking into your own story.
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Abroad | Asia | Central America | Costa Rica | Denmark | Europe | Family | Featured | Ireland | Japan | Portugal
Best Countries for Family Travel in 2026: 5 Kid-Friendly Picks
If you’re dreaming up your family’s next international trip, you’re in the right place. Planning travel with kids can feel overwhelming at first, but the right destination makes everything click into place. This list of the best countries for family travel is based on my experience and what’s trending for 2026, but these picks work any year. Think easy arrivals, minimal stress, and days filled with the kind of experiences your kids will actually be excited about.
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Best Moments | Europe | Family | Featured | Portugal
Algarve, Portugal Itinerary With Kids: 4 Days of Beaches, Caves, and Family-Friendly Stops
The Algarve is one of those places that can be as relaxed or as busy as you make it. You can spend four days doing nothing but beach mornings and pool afternoons, or you can build a fun little loop through the Algarve region that keeps kids entertained without turning the trip into a constant car-seat shuffle.
This 4-day Algarve itinerary is built around short drives, kid-friendly stops, and downtime that actually feels relaxing. I love it as an add on if you are also visiting Lisbon as part of a larger Portugal trip.
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What to Do in Lisbon With Kids? 20 Fun Activities
Lisbon is one of those cities that works beautifully for families when you pair it with a slower pace. It’s compact, colorful, full of viewpoints and snacks, and there’s always something new to look at. The key is building your days around neighborhoods, so you’re not zig-zagging over hills nonstop.
If you’ve been searching what to do in Lisbon, and you want a list that actually fits a family trip, this is it. These are my 20 must do in Lisbon activities, with kid-friendly notes and the little logistics that will make your trip unforgettable.
