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.
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