• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

  • All
  • Family
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Decor
  • About Lena
  • Contact

A Look Ahead to Summer Travel: Dream of Europe!


May 30, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Each year, the first Monday after March Break is marked off on my calendar. I clear my schedule, drop my laptop in my handbag and make my way to my favourite local coffee shop. When the morning’s pressing emails are answered, a latte is in front of me and I’ve scanned the bakery case to decide on my afternoon treat, I dive into summer vacation planning.But it’s only March! you’re thinking. Friends, it’s the PERFECT time to plan – especially if you’re considering a family vacation to Europe, which has never been hotter (or more attainable) for family travels. Barcelona, London, and Lisbon have gained reputations for being flawlessly kid-friendly, and when you book with Air Canada Vacations, they’ll do the planning for you! Vacation packages feature a family-centric itinerary and include flights, accommodations and private airport transfers – in addition to excursions, some meals, and more! (Be sure to review the package inclusions as each package offers a unique customized experience and varies from country to country.)



I’ll be honest, I’ve always found planning a family trip to Europe a little daunting. I mean, other than finding flights, I’ve usually been at a loss of where to begin. However, looking at the vacation packages offered by Air Canada Vacations, I’m blown away at how simple it can be! I spent some time yesterday navigating the site, and here are my tips for booking your dream summer vacay in Europe.


1. Before you decide on a location, do your research on what each package offers. Often, we romanticize visiting a certain country without fully understanding how our vacation will play out. Is there enough to keep your kids engaged, and are the included activities/excursions tailored to their interests? Are there breaks in the schedule where you can wander at your own pace – or if you’re travelling with younger ones, sneak in a nap? How many meals are included, if at all? These are all considerations that may sway you from one destination to another.
It’s easy to find this information on Air Canada Vacations; simply click on “What’s Included” to discover a tour’s itinerary, including everything that is included in your package price, and “Important Notes” to understand what’s not included. This will help you budget for additional out-of-pocket costs while on vacation.

2. Get the entire family involved. Sure, you may be a history buff, but chances are, your kids are not. So while a Barcelona vacation may not seem to immediately tickle their interest, consider this: Barcelona Family Fun includes tickets to the Barcelona Zoo, Tibidabo Amusement Park (Spain’s longest running amusement park!), the Barcelona Aquarium, Camp Nou Stadium and the Museum of Barcelona FC (Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé!) – in addition to a half-day panoramic tour of Barcelona so you can check off all those architectural bucket list items. Now that’s what I call a family vacay!

3. Decide how scheduled you want your vacation to be. If you prefer to have more flexibility when you travel, Lisbon Family Fun may be perfect for you. The package includes a Hop-On/ Hop-Off pass in Lisbon (valid for 48 hours) so you can explore the beautiful city at your own pace. This is especially handy for parents of younger children, who may not adhere to the structure of an hours-long walking tour.

Speaking of walking tours, included in Lisbon Family Fun is a special walking tour for kids! Meet at the departure point and walk through the city and hear fascinating, educational stories about Lisbon along your journey. The tour includes a ride on a traditional yellow tram, a treasure hunt and a guided visit to the Archaeology Museum or to São Jorge Castle. 
4. Make mom and dad’s wishes a priority, too. It’s easy to fall into the trap of curating your vacation around your kids’ wants and needs. However, parents need to enjoy their hard-earned time off, too! London is one of the best global cities for kids. 



Take your family on the road for a fun-filled trip to London. With down time to explore at your own pace and tickets to attractions like the London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure and LEGOLAND Windsor, this trip has something for everyone! Even if you’re a die-hard history buff, chances are your kids are not. Air Canada Vacations has put together family-friendly activities and accommodations that are equal parts comfy, fun and practical for a family of four. From kid-centric city tours to top sports museums to the very best amusement parks, they’ve got you covered.
5. Solicit the help of an expert. I know, it’s 2019, and you can book your Europe vacation completely online! That doesn’t mean you have to. Air Canada Vacations travel experts are qualified to answer your questions about packages, group travel, special requests, travel insurance and more. You can even ask your local travel agent to help you plan your trip (Just remember to mention the Air Canada Vacations Family Fun Europe packages). So, if you have any reservations at all, pick up the phone and chat it out. This is your family vacation – it’s one of the most important memories you’ll ever make. 



Are you ready to turn your Dream of Europe into a reality? Visit Air Canada Vacations, and happy planning!





This post is sponsored by Air Canada Vacations. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, europe vacations, family travel

« LG TWINWash: The Washing Machine for Every Mom
Summer Camp by the Sea: Tips for a Safe Family Vacation
 »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

Connect with Lena

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Current Giveaways

Instagram

Instagram post 2196198335807567733_327607838 The holidays are here, and what better way to share in the joy of the season than with a potluck! It’s the perfect way to celebrate togetherness, one dish at a time. Here are my best tips for hosting a fun potluck with friends:

1. Grab EVERYTHING you need from @walmartcanada. Yes, everything! Swipe ➡️ to see the amazing holiday-themed dishes and decor I purchased from my local store. From table runners to trays, serving dishes to sparkly ornaments, you'll be able to dress up your table in style while saving money.

2. Elevate your apps. I made a more grown-up spin on cheese and crackers by stacking flavourful Great Value Old Cheddar and Great Value Original Turkey Sausage Sticks on top of Great Value Wheat Thins - finishing with a sprinkle of chives. It's so simple to make and believe me when I say they go quickly, especially at parties!

3. Assign a variety of tastes, textures and flavours. This includes hot and cold appetizers, sweet and savoury sides and of course, make sure someone (or everyone) brings wine!

4. Use gift tags to describe the dishes. I lay out gift tags and a sharpie; as friends arrive, I ask them to write down their name and the name of the dish. Not only does it help at the end of the evening when it comes time to pack off the leftovers, it reduces the inevitable "What is this?" question from fellow guests.

Cheers to potluck perfection! #SpendSmallGiveBig #ad
Instagram post 2194764560406110512_327607838 How do you like your nuggets? I love mine hot, crispy and with "plantiful" flavour! Introducing @lightlifefoods Plant-Based Nuggets, now available for a limited time at @awcanada restaurants in Ontario and BC. These delicious nuggets are made entirely from plant-based ingredients right here in Canada, including peas, wheat and fava beans. Packed with 17g of plant-based protein per 6-piece serving, they're fun to eat and fun to share! Of course, now comes the big question: are you dipping them in Honey Mustard, Barbecue, Sweet & Sour or Jalapeno Ranch? I say, all four! Pop into your local A&W to try them! #LightlifexAW #ad
Instagram post 2194042482895765300_327607838 Experiences, not things. This holiday season, I’ve been focused on gifting experiences that can be shared with my loved ones. From adults-only travel adventures to one-on-one special time with each of my little guys, I’m convinced that the gift of time is the most priceless gift of all. Recently, I had an opportunity to enjoy a Priceless Experience with @mastercardca in one of their Priceless Cities, Miami. We sat at the executive chef's table at @three_wynwood and feasted on a tasting menu curated especially for Mastercard cardholders who book this experience. Visit my blog for all the details on our incredible date night, and information on how you can gift a Priceless Experience to a loved one this holiday season. #StartSomethingPriceless #ad
Instagram post 2192946946914561554_327607838 Each year, since the boys were very young, we've had a tradition: we head to @walmartcanada to choose a piece of holiday decor that gives them joy. It's usually an ornament, candle or stocking holder, but this year, Ryder and Reid both selected Nutcracker figurines. I love seeing the house filled with their beloved choices year after year. And since Walmart has so many seasonal goods at low prices, we never have to break the bank to create lasting memories. Because I always shop with my Walmart Rewards Mastercard, I was able to use my Walmart Rewards Dollars to pay for Ryder's Nutcracker figurine and got it for free! You can't put a price tag on holiday happiness, but our little tradition allows us to spend small and give big—exactly what the season is all about.
.
{Paid partnership with Walmart Rewards Mastercard} #ad #WalmartRewardsMastercard #YouEarnedIt #SpendSmallGiveBig
Instagram post 2192587720832841284_327607838 “Frinter!" ❄️ You know, the season where it's not *so* cold that you're cursing mother nature and you're still enjoying the crunch of colourful leaves underfoot. I'm ready for all the elements in my @UNIQLOCanada #HybridDown Ultra Warm Short Coat. It's actually UNIQLO’s warmest down outerwear! Filled with down and AIRTECH technology on the outside, I love that the non-quilted design reduces the bulk and gives a smooth, modern silhouette. #UNIQLOCanada #LifeWear #ad
Instagram post 2191865205067970587_327607838 It's time to Spark a Miracle! Here's a simple and rewarding way to #SpendSmallGiveBig this holiday season: when you purchase any toy for $20 or more at Walmart or online at Walmart.ca from December 3-8, @walmartcanada will donate $1 to Children’s Miracle Network, in support of @cmn_canada hospitals across Canada! You can also make a donation throughout the month of December in-store or online at Walmart.ca. My friend @extrasparklesplease and I think it's the perfect time to tackle our holiday shopping list, and hope we've inspired you to help #SparkAMiracle, too! #ad
Instagram post 2190201001911235541_327607838 *AD Blonde on the outside, but brunette at heart! ♥️ It doesn’t end there... although I’m in my 40’s, I’ll be forever 30 on the inside. Do you see yourself this way, too? Recently, I’ve found myself wondering if there was a way to align the way I look with the way I feel. Back in June I attended Beauty Decoded Live, an event by @JuvedermCanada. There, I learned about the science behind MD Codes and their role in addressing the emotional attributes of beauty, directly from Dr. Mauricio de Maio, *the* authority on cosmetic dermatology. How did the evening affect my views on facial fillers? Visit my blog to read my thoughts before, during and after the event. #JuvedermCanada #BeautyDecoded
Instagram post 2188239120795344453_327607838 Connecting with my “mom friends” is a priority for me! Whether it’s over coffee, for a shopping date, or better yet, both – I think it’s important to continue the parent-focused conversations, especially with those who have children at different ages/stages from my own. Recently, @extrasparklesplease and I got together to chat about everything from holiday shopping to keeping our boys healthy, which included an open conversation about meningitis B, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that spreads through close contact, like a cold or flu. Visit my blog, linked in my bio, for more information on how you can help protect your children. Do you get together with fellow moms on a regular basis? Do tell! #MomHealthTalk *AD
Instagram post 2187147556115415032_327607838 Are you in the market for a new home? I'd love to introduce you to @nobulrealestate! Nobul is the world’s first and only digital marketplace that matches home buyers and sellers with real estate agents - at no cost to the user. Simply share what you are looking for and then agents bid for your business! And, importantly, all agents are prescreened for reliability, and are rated following a transaction to ensure accountability and transparency. BONUS: Every consumer who buys or sells a home through Nobul between November 1st, 2019 and February 29th, 2020 will be entered into a contest to win one grand prize of $100,000 CAD cash! Visit my blog for more details and a link to contest rules. #Nobul #Nobulrealestate_Partner

Featured

Cruise Views: 10 Reasons to Escape with Norwegian Cruise Line

Toy Story Land: A BIG New Way to Play at Walt Disney World!

Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!

Copyright © 2019 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework