Stuck for where to go for your 2025 family vacation? It can be hard to find somewhere that fits the bill for the whole family, especially if you’re traveling with young children or moody teenagers! Europe’s incredible diversity means that heritage cities and beautiful landscapes sit side-by-side, and a wealth of fun-filled festivals and mouthwatering cuisine elevate the destinations even further. Discover why you should count on Europe for an unforgettable family trip.
Is Europe the next family vacation destination?
Astonishing historical cities
One of the main draws of Europe is its ancient past which is still evident in astonishing cities where heritage is preserved like Athens and Rome. Centuries-old buildings and sculptures stand proud in cobbled pedestrianized streets and vast plazas where musicians and mime artists perform. UNESCO-protected sites, ranging from national parks to staggering palaces, castles and forts, reveal thrilling stories steeped in myth and magic.
Even if your kids are bored by history in the classroom, they will love seeing it brought to life. Engage them with guided trails and hands-on exhibitions where they can uncover old cultures themselves. Prioritize visits to the most awe-inspiring relics such as the Colosseum – one of the seven wonders of the world – and natural wonders like Northern Ireland’s Giant Causeway.
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Breathtaking beaches
Another advantage of luxury family vacations in Europe is that you’re never far from breathtaking beaches. Even landlocked countries like Switzerland and Austria are a short train ride or flight from spectacular coastline which ranges from rocky in the north and windswept in the west to the vivid and pristine white sand beaches along the southern Mediterranean Sea.
Blend a weekend in a city with a few days by the sea for a best-of-both-worlds trip that has enough variety to stop kids getting fed up. You can spend your time relaxing and playing in the sand or experimenting with family-friendly water sports such as surfing, sailing and jet skiing. There are also destinations where you can head out in search of whales and dolphins, especially in westerly locations like Madeira, Ireland and the Scottish Islands.
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Captivating cultural festivals
Engage with European traditions first-hand at the captivating cultural festivals that run throughout the year. Some, like Germany’s Oktoberfest – which includes family-friendly activities – are well-known while others such as Spain’s annual tomato-throwing event which is said to be the biggest food fight in the world.
Often running for days at a time, these festivals include street performances and parades, special events and vast markets where you can savor seasonal and traditional food and drink.
Delicious traditional cuisine
Whether you’re hitting the slopes at a family-friendly ski resort in the Alps, staying on a picturesque farm or vineyard in rural France and Italy or unwinding on a Spanish beach, you’ll find no shortage of delicious food and drink during your vacation. European cuisine is incredibly diverse, ranging from hearty stews and spicy soups to layered artisanal desserts, so you can count on finding something for everyone – even the fussiest of kids!
Highlights for kids include Italian pizza, pasta and ice cream, English fish and chips, the indulgent cheese fondue from Switzerland and cakes from the specialist Konditoreien in Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Czech Republic.
