Let's Explore

Western Europe

Travel content from western Europe covering France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, with costs and itineraries for families moving through the region.

Showing 9 articles

Journal

Back to London: Remembering Our First Arrival After the Queen Mary 2

Four years after we walked off the Queen Mary 2 with a luggage pile and no answering Airbnb host, we are planning a return to London this August. Scotland and Ireland are circling the map too.

Jul 12, 2026 5 min read

Journal

Why Lucca Is Our Favorite Italian City (and Why We Want to Go Back for Months)

We've been to a lot of Italian cities. Lucca is the one we keep saying we'll go back to for months. Here's what we did in 11 days. And what makes it different from everywhere else.

Jun 14, 2026 9 min read

Review

SafetyWing Saved Us When Harper Broke Her Arm in Vienna (Real Story, Real Costs)

Harper broke her arm in Vienna. Five months and three countries later, SafetyWing had paid every claim and our total out of pocket was under $100. Here is exactly what happened.

Apr 25, 2026 8 min read

Guide

Best eSIM for Europe: The Holafly Guide for Multi-Country Travel

The Holafly Europe eSIM covers 33 countries on one plan, with no SIM swaps and no roaming surprises. Here is our tested review of coverage, prices as of August 2026, and when a monthly plan wins.

Mar 9, 2026 7 min read

Things to Do

The Best Things to Do in Paris with Klook (Tips from a Family Who's Been There)

The best Paris activities to book on Klook, from Disneyland Paris to the Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruises. Tips from a family who's done it, plus code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save at checkout.

Mar 8, 2026 9 min read

Where to Stay in Paris: The Ultimate Family Guide to Arrondissements and Neighborhoods (2025)

Complete guide to choosing the perfect Paris neighborhood for your stay. Discover the best arrondissements for families, couples, and solo travelers with insider tips on attractions, safety, and value.

Sep 20, 2025 13 min read

Itinerary

Weekend in Paris: A Family's Guide to Three Perfect Days on $300 a Day

Our approach was simple: comfortable but budget-conscious accommodations, strategic use of free attractions mixed with a few paid highlights, smart meal choices that prioritize experience over expense, and transportation that becomes part of the adventure.

Jul 5, 2025 11 min read

Journal

Taking the TGV from Paris to Antibes: A French Train Journey Gone Wrong (and Right)

Sitting there, watching France blur past the window, I felt tears starting. This was it. We were actually doing this crazy thing. Our three daughters were experiencing the world in a way most kids never will. We'd sold our house, left our normal life, and here we were on a high-speed train in France

Jun 4, 2022 6 min read