Traveling across Europe is one of the most sought-after activities for students. Not only is it a cultural immersion, but you get to experience a much more lively community. However, traveling with family is different compared to traveling alone.
There are different expectations, and you won’t be able to do all the activities together. That does not mean you cannot go to Europe with your family. In fact, some activities and deals are tailored toward family members.
Even non-EU students learning in a European country can bring their families over. They must apply for a Tourist Schengen Visa and stay for a maximum of 90 days. However, what is the best means of traveling in Europe as a student with your family? This article aims to answer that by portraying numerous examples.
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The Importance of Traveling with Family
You might be dreading that trip with your family. While it is a distinct type of fun roaming around with friends, there is value in moving around with family. As a student, it is essential to understand the importance of experiences and breaking routine.
You can even use the essay for inspiration about the most precious thing in my life to inspire you for the road trip with family. After all, a driving vacation in Europe exposes you to cultures, foods, and languages. Such a Europe trip with family breaks the routine and the norm. It brings the family closer together.
Best Way to Travel Around Europe With Family
The cheapest way to travel around Europe is, without a doubt, the bus. However, it might not be convenient or comfortable. Not only will you still have to use a metro once you get to the new country, but it is not functional for a family.
An application such as Rome2rio allows you to find the ideal means of transportation. Once you enter your current location and destination, it prompts you with all possible means of travel.
That said, a road trip with your family might be the way. As a European student, you probably have used the metro and buses to travel around. Renting a car is not only the desired break, but it provides a spacious environment for the entire family.
While it might be a bit more expensive, it provides you with faster transportation. It is generally considered the ideal way to move around Europe with a family.
Tips for Traveling Europe As a Student with a Family
The ultimate tip is to prepare beforehand. Due to our ubiquitous connectivity, researching your destinations is simple. It is often a brilliant idea to download offline maps on Google Maps. Even if you prefer spontaneity, having a plan that fits your budget is a must.
Another trick is to avoid crowded, touristic locations in prime seasons. These hot spots during high seasons will slow down your overall progress. Another must would be looking for festivals and events. This allows you to decide the order of countries you are visiting.
Moreover, it might be tempting to squeeze in as many countries as possible. Avoid doing so, as it prevents you from truly experiencing the countries. As a general guideline, keep it to 3 countries for every 2 weeks you spend in Europe. This allows you to truly appreciate the culture, food, and language.
Where in Europe to Travel With Family Road Trip
As you already know, Europe is quite enormous. If you’re studying in a college there, you might want to give your family a tour of your city. Now, which countries and spots should a family visit?
1. The Peloponnese Area in Greece
The Peloponnese Area in Greece is a desired travel location for many college students. It’s the location of the Greek mythology of Percy Jackson. Dedicate approximately 1-2 weeks for this location. Also, it’s a getaway, as it is a peninsula of mainland Greece.
However, it still is easy to access through Athens. You can even plan your journey in numerous different ways. This is an ideal family road trip as it provides the best of both worlds. With the beautiful seaside of Nafplio and all the historical locations, there are activities for each family member.
2. Sicily in Italy
Another beautiful adventure would be in Italy. Sicily is an island, small yet stock-full of fun. The ancient theatre, the beaches, and the Valley of Temples are must-go-to spots. You’ll need around 2 weeks to truly tap into the beauty of this city.
As a road trip, you should start in Catania and then drive past Mount Etna. This is Italy’s active volcano and is quite a sight to behold. Don’t miss out on the tasty seafood and all the pasta available!
3. Bretagne in France
The first thing that pops to mind when someone mentions France is often Paris. However, another city is Bretagne, a cultural Celtic environment connected to Galicia in Spain. It is full of scenery and greenery and ample outside museums and monuments to visit.
Another week should be spent here to truly channel the city’s energy. It is the home of Asterix and Obelix, the comic book series you probably grew up with as a child.
4. Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
Let’s not forget about Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way, situated in the country, requires a long road trip. However, the route is filled with coastal roads, attractions, and beautiful seaside views. It also hosts numerous camping spots and national parks.
Hence, having a barbecue and a camp would be an attractive means of relaxing from the long drive. As you must drive almost everywhere in this location, spend approximately 3 weeks here. The Wild Atlantic Way is a well-known road trip destination for an innumerable number of tourists.
Conclusion…
The bottom line is traveling Europe with your family is an immersive experience. Not only will you be building solid connections, but the memories you make will be treasured. The ultimate fun is taking a road trip, although that is not your only presented option.
That being said, not each city in Europe is suitable for road-tripping. More often than not, using a car limits your access to tourist locations, as they are very crowded. However, this opens the opportunity to explore the lesser-known areas of countries. Make sure you prepare for the trip beforehand. This allows you to budget, find events, and determine the overall duration of the trip.
Author’s Bio
Karl Bowman
Having traveled to over 130 countries, Karl relishes the journey more than the destination. This inspired him to become a travel blogger. He spends his day providing pieces based on his experience to aid others in traveling. You will find him reading Greek mythology when he’s not immersed in travel.