Travelling Europe with Kids

Ready to start our Adventure.
Back in 2017 we took the kids to visit my brother and his family who live in Germany, we did the drive in a day and made sure to stop in a few different cities on the way there. So we were able to stop in Antwerp, Belgium and Venlo, Holland before arriving. It was lovely and I was proud we had taken them to briefly see different places, however It was along day and very long drive, and what we were able to experience in each city was very minimal. 

So 2019 we decided to do the journey again, but make it a little more exciting, we decided to drive to different countries that Me and Marcus had not visited, and show the boys different parts of Europe and actually stay in each place for a few nights to get a good idea of the place.

We got the ferry to Calais and drove to Paris, we used Euro camps which were a really great option as out of season they are great for money and had lots of facilities for the kids. We stayed on camp one day, exploring the local surroundings and using the parks, pool and sports equipment. On the next day we took a train to Paris and explored the scenery and landmarks there. We travelled on a Sunday which was quite a mistake in France as lots of services stop completely but we were able to walk through parks of the city, see the Louvre, and the Eiffel tower, as well as see police on roller blades, nearly miss our train, and rely on the kindness of strangers to get home, when no taxis ran due to the day of the week.

We drove from there to Switzerland. A long drive, the boys had DVD player, we had cd stories, and snacks too. We stopped so we were not driving for more than two hours at a time, had some lunch on the road where I mistakenly ordered cow tongue..
..and then we arrived in Switzerland. By the time we got there it was dark so we couldn't really appreciate the view when we arrived. Cars passing by were excited by our English car and the boys found it funny that lots of people were beeping and waving at us.

When we awoke in the next morning, the view was a real shock to the system, the air was so fresh and we were completely surrounded by mountains, dusted in snow. The boys were utterly amazed, but I couldn't blame them, so was I. I had never seen something so naturally beautiful that you could actually feel the presence of.


It was just a quick  stop over as we were heading off to Italy that day, as we would be back to Switzerland a few days later. The journey started well but  the Satnav actually took us a route that was closed in the non summer months which we weren't aware of - and that took us on a two nearly three hour detour of a journey that we become over 7 hours rather than just 4. It was stressful and we even considered not carrying on the drive to Italy as it would just be too much.
The detour had actually taken us through a beautiful Swiss town, with wooden cabins and up in to the mountains where we were able to view some truly amazing views from up above.

We decided to carry on our drive and crossed the borders in to Italy. The motor way there was crazy and felt quite enclosed - like herded cattle all being sent one way at speed. We arrived to our accommodation very late that night but thankfully were still able to be let in to our little chalet, and get a well deserved rest.

We awoke to rain that morning and enjoyed a lazy time playing games together and watching DVDs, when we were finally able to venture out side we were able to explore our surroundings and were yet again not disappointed.
The back of the holiday park opened up on to Lake Garda, and we were able to stroll along it and take in the sights. We found a beautiful Italian Pizzeria on our walk and vowed to come back another evening for a delicious Italian meal - and we were not disappointed. Jack was in his element - the kid adores pizza, and he could not wipe the smile off his face. The staff were so welcoming and great with the kids, and the food was of course AMAZING!
 The next day was my turn to tick a sight off my bucket list and we took a train to the city of Verona. I was excited to see the famous balcony from Romeo and Juliet but the city gave so much more than that. There was a mixture of old, beautiful buildings and new, designer shops. There were small water features and cherry blossom trees dotted around small areas of green and the city, and a large row of traditional Italian cafes and restaurants. The boys were excited by the colosseum there, and we of course all enjoyed the gelato. 

The return to Switzerland was smoother than the journey to Italy, and thankfully we had no more drama with the roads. We really got to experience the simpler side of Switzerland this time; the cabin houses and friendly people there. We were able to breath in the Icy air down by the lake, and watch as a couple walked their pet goats through the town. I can't say I enjoyed Switzerland the most as both France and Italy were truly wonderful, however, I feel that it was in Switzerland I was actually aware of how far across Europe we travelled, and felt like there was just something special about Switzerland that made me feel so alive. 

After Switzerland we drove to Paderborn, Germany and had the best week with my brother, sister-in-law and their 3 kids. We of course had an amazing week of activities, visiting new places, and just hanging out and enjoying each others company.
 I always find it so surreal being with them, we see each other once a year but when we are together it is just easy. I definitely feel like its my 2nd home there, and the way the boys all get on melts my heart. They love each other so much despite having only met a handful of times and with a language barrier!  Yet it doesn't phase them and they all cuddle together to watch movies on the sofa, or run around like best friends out side. Watching the two little ones interact was so exciting and it's going to be so cute when they start joining in with the big boys. 
 Of course our week of love and laughter had to come to an end, and the goodbyes were the worst! We all struggled on the last day - we usually do - and were very emotional when giving our farewell hugs. But with our tears I always try to remind the boys of that one Winnie the Pooh quote:

 'How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.'

Because that is what we are.
Lucky.

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