Wondering what it would be like to travel around Europe with small children? Start by traveling in London- this historic city has plenty to offer for both kids and parents alike!
All the major museums are free, so money is not lost even if you can just squeeze in an hour of your child’s attention span for art. The British Museum is huge and almost impossible to see in one day, but focusing on specific areas your child might be interested in cuts down on time. The mummies in the Egypt exhibit are sure to please, as will the British Museum’s family features such as the Hamlyn family trails through the museum or the free activity backpacks with puzzles, games and activities to do through the galleries.
The Tate Modern and Britain also offer family-fun activities. Modern Art is also incredibly accessible by everyone - while you might not get the artist’s point of the lobster phone, suspended basketballs in a fish tank, etc, these pieces are sure to spurn family discussions. The boat ride between the two galleries is also a fun way to see London from the Thames River. These boats leave about every forty minutes at each gallery and cruise along the river between the two galleries stopping at the London Eye in route. There are family discounts for boat fares and children under five ride for free; this boat ride is also considerably less expensive than other Thames cruises ( £10 for families compared to £24 on other cruises). Read the rest of this entry »
Looking for a unique travel destination with a musically historical significance? Head to Liverpool, England, otherwise known as the birthplace of The Beatles.
Legendary Beatles hotspots are located throughout the city. An informed traveler, perhaps with the aid of a decent Liverpool map, should have no problem locating the famous Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane for which the songs are named, as well as the homes, schools, and birthplaces of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Tourists can also explore the Cavern Quarter, home to the Cavern Club at which the Beatles performed 292 times. For a more educational experience, travelers can pay a visit to “The Beatles Story,” (a museum chronicling The Beatles’ rise to fame) or they could seek out a Beatles tour, which takes visitors past various Liverpool landmarks, and often includes admission to the museum. Read the rest of this entry »
Stockholm, Sweden, built on 14 islands, is the nation’s capital city, and is home to 70 museums, 1,600 restaurants, fantastic shopping, the world’s first protected national park and the annual Nobel Prize ceremony. When it comes to visiting Stockholm, the question to ask is not “why go?” but “when is the best time to go?” The answer: summer.
One particular reason summer is the best time to venture to Stockholm is to take part in the Midsummer holiday festivities. Celebrated on the weekend closest to June 24th, Midsummer marks the longest day of the year, where the bright Swedish sun never seems to go down. Many Stockholm residents retreat to the countryside to enjoy this holiday, since it is best celebrated outdoors, but Stockholm itself provides travelers and residents alike with plenty of options. The world’s largest open-air museum, Skansen, is just one Midsummer location in Stockholm where tourists can sample traditional Swedish foods, witness Swedish dances, and hear authentic Swedish folk songs. For tourists, Midsummer can serve as a great introduction to Swedish culture beyond what is readily witnessed on a day-to-day basis.
Beyond Midsummer, May through August is a great time to take in Swedish culture. The Summer Music Festival is held at the Drottningholms Court Theater, offering visitors the opportunity to see Swedish opera, classical music, and ballet featuring instruments native to Sweden. For those who prefer jazz, the Stockholm Jazz Festival takes place in mid-July. Besides music, there is also Smaka på Stockholm (or “A Taste of Stockholm) in June where food is the focus, and a gay and lesbian Stockholm Pride event is held in early August. Read the rest of this entry »