City breaks may not spring to mind when you’re traveling with kids, but there are so many amazing reasons to consider urban adventures as a parent. Many cities are bursting at the seams with attractions and activities, there’s easy access to amenities and facilities, and there’s usually a great choice of hotels, restaurants, and stores. City breaks can also be educational. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to New York or LA, or you have grand plans to take the kids to Paris or Rome, it’s important to make the most of your time. In this guide, we’ll explore simple ways to broaden your city break horizons.
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Go beyond the top tourist attractions
Every guide to a big city like New York, Barcelona or Dubai will give you a list of must-see destinations and tourist attractions. Of course, most people will want to go to Central Park or enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Empire State Building or the Eiffel Tower, but it’s hugely beneficial to go beyond the basic ‘top 10’ lists and delve deeper. Read guidebooks, travel blogs, and local newspapers and magazines, follow social media accounts, and find out more about where the locals go and how they spend their time. You can discover hidden gems while also ensuring you check off all the top spots you’ve wanted to visit for years.
Explore days out and excursions
One of the best ways to get more out of your break is to explore further afield. You can take advantage of incredible scenery, different activities, and amazing attractions by jumping on a coach, boat or train, hiring a car, or booking a guided tour. In New York, for example, drop your bags at Radical Storage Port Authority and discover New Jersey or New England. In Split, Croatia, leave the bustling city streets behind and join a tour of Krka National Park, a mesmeric labyrinth of vibrant turquoise-green pools and waterfalls. In London, hop on the train and soak up the sun on Brighton beach, or explore the wilds of the Lake District a short drive or bus ride from the center of Manchester. The Internet is a brilliant resource for finding tours and road trip itineraries, but it’s also a great idea to ask fellow travelers for tips and recommendations.
Immerse yourself in the culture
Many of us visit different cities and spend most of our time between hotels and tourist attractions. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, but you may miss out on opportunities to learn about and immerse yourself in the local culture. It’s a fantastic idea to look for ways to get to know people and go beyond glossy coffee table book covers. Ideas include taking cooking classes, going on walking tours, choosing a homestay rather than a hotel, learning basic phrases and sayings, and enjoying family-friendly cultural experiences.
City breaks can be a fabulous choice for families. There are always things to see and do, but there are also opportunities to go beyond popular itineraries and broaden your horizons. Consider visiting lesser-known attractions, get insights from locals, travel outside of the city center, and try to immerse yourself in the culture.
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