Planning to travel with kids? Here are 10 practical, real-life tips from our 5-week trip through Europe to help you raise curious, capable, and flexible eaters—without the mealtime stress.

After five unforgettable weeks in Ireland, France, and Spain, we’re home—with full hearts, adventurous taste buds, and so many lessons about traveling (and eating!) with kids. Here’s what we loved, what we ate, and what we learned with our Little Eaters.

Our 5-week trip wrapped up with a long travel day home. From plane meals and protein-packed snacks to pre-ordered groceries, here’s how we kept our little eaters regulated and happy on the journey back.

Our last day in Madrid was full of magic: flaky pastries at an iconic bakery, soccer in Retiro Park, window shopping in Salamanca, and an unforgettable stop at the Sweet Space Museum. We ended the night with a feast of Georgian food—new flavors, happy kids, and full hearts. Here’s how we wrapped up our trip with adventure, laughter, and a table full of first bites.

We drove from Galicia to Madrid, making the trip fun with sandwich surprises and ending the day with a joyful family dinner at Casa Benigna. A perfect blend of travel, friends, and food to remember.

We visited Isla de Cíes for a day of beach bliss, fresh seafood, lighthouse hikes, and more. With speed boat rides, ice cream, and gelato, it was an unforgettable family adventure on Spain’s most beautiful island.

We took a day trip from our quiet village to the vibrant coastal town of Muros for market day, beach fun, and a delicious food tour with friends. From fresh churros to seafood feasts, the kids explored new tastes and made joyful memories along the way.

A beautiful day in Vilanova de Arousa filled with new food experiences, kayaking adventures, and a reminder that kids are more open to trying new things than we think. Sardines, zucchini, and Galician sunshine—what more could we ask for?

A slow day in Vilanova de Arousa, Galicia, gave us time to shop local, cook at home, enjoy the beach, and reconnect through shared meals. With simple routines and new tastes, our little eaters embraced the slower pace of travel.

Our 10-hour drive from Pamplona to Galicia included packed bags, scenic roads, and a spontaneous stop for seafood and spaghetti. With a little patience and a lot of snacks, our little eaters embraced the adventure—trying new foods and learning to love the journey.

Our day in San Sebastián included beachside chicken fingers, churros in the Old Town, and a walk through historic plazas and cathedrals. With comfort foods and new sights, our little eaters found joy in every part of the adventure.

A day in Pamplona brought crepes, culture, and Café Iruña—a historic lunch stop where our little eaters explored pinchos, tortillas, and hamburgers before playing in the iconic plaza. With routines, choices, and a touch of Hemingway, this family adventure checked all the boxes.

While exploring Spain, we’ve made it a point to cook simple meals at our Airbnb—and it’s become one of the best parts of our trip. From grocery shopping to setting the table, involving our little eaters has brought routine, connection, and meaningful learning to each day.

From kid-made crepes to seaside squid and an unexpected beach exit, our day in Biarritz was packed with family, flavor, and flexibility. With cousins at the table and laughter in the kitchen, even squid ink risotto became a win for our little eaters.

We spent the day exploring the Camino de Santiago with our kids—climbing medieval bridges, wandering through ancient chapels, and enjoying a delicious meal in Estella. From jamón ibérico to Nutella crepes, today was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and hands-on family food fun.

Our road trip from Madrid to Etxauri brought a few surprises—some good (a stunning Airbnb and impromptu soccer) and some not-so-good (pork burgers that tasted like hot dogs). From missed meals to shared ice cream and a Chinese-Spanish dinner rescue, it was a day of flexibility, fun, and learning to roll with the road trip rhythm.

With friends from Nashville in town, our full house in Madrid turned into a full day of food, fun, and flavor! From trying local dishes in Toledo to screen-free games and kid-approved breakfasts, this travel day was packed with memories—and a few adventurous bites.

A churro start, a scavenger hunt, anchovies on chips, and a playground break—our food tour with Walk and Eat Spain was a 10/10 kid-rated experience through Madrid’s tastiest spots.

Our third day in Madrid brought a joyful reunion with friends, a colorful Flamenco show, adventurous tapas tasting, and plenty of treats—from beautifully presented ice cream to late-night patatas bravas. The kids explored new flavors, embraced local rhythms, and soaked in the magic of Spain—one sunset and soda at a time.

Day two in Madrid brought a perfect mix of culture, food, and fun. From a breakfast sandwich that won “best of the trip” to a curious moment with the Bearded Lady at the Prado, we explored the city through art, play, and some seriously good eats—Uno cards and all.