Barcelona

I just returned from a trip through Europe with my 13 year old daughter. She has newly discovered thrifting and vintage fashion and this was her favorite activity – well that, and hunting for the best pastries. We spent hours digging through the racks in Shoreditch in London, the Marais in Paris, and the Raval […]

Madrid is one of Europe’s easiest major capitals to enjoy as a family. It has monumental museums and royal palaces, sure, but much of the city’s charm happens somewhere less dramatic: on a neighborhood plaza at 7 p.m., when children are still kicking a ball around, grandparents are occupying the prime benches, and parents are lingering over drinks while keeping half an eye on the playground.

Belgium is low-key one of Europe’s easiest family countries: train rides are short, cities are walkable, food is extremely kid-friendly (SO many french fries), and the whole country feels like it was designed around waffles.

Spain is one of those family destinations that can work for almost every age at once. Beaches, churros, flamenco, street art, paella... something for kids of all ages.

Rome is ancient, dramatic, chaotic, cinematic, snack-heavy, fashion-conscious, and just a bit gritty. Here are eight Rome experiences that mix blockbuster history, trendier neighborhoods, food, fashion, outdoor time, and teenager-friendly culture without turning the trip into a forced march.

Paris with teenagers can be extraordinary and great for bonding, but only if you resist the urge to make it one long museum march. Teens want atmosphere, autonomy, snacks, pics that give them social currency, weird stories, cool shops, a little danger-but-not-actual-danger, and enough downtime to pretend they’re not enjoying themselves.