Ten Tips for Travel with Kids

#1 - Lollipops

We pack a supply of small lollypops and bestow one carefully timed, daily dose. This little girl, whom we met at baggage claim, got her entire annual allotment on one stick!

Photo Credit: Mindy Stern

#2 – Location, location, location!

Pick a neighborhood where locals live and shop. We rented an apartment in Eixample, just two blocks from the fabulously restored Mercat de Sant Antoni.

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

Photo Credit: Culinary Backstreets

Photo Credit: Happy Cow

#3 – Load up on supplies

Books, art projects, even cake mixes for baking

Photo Credit: Shlomo Freiman

Photo Credit: Mindy Stern

#4 – Find playgrounds

Use Google, or Rick Steves. Parc de Pegaso, 30 minutes by Metro was so good, we went three times!

Photo Credit: Richter Spielgeräte GmbH

#5 – Let them Climb.

No park nearby? They can get their yayas out on any reasonable surface (until the guards tell you no).

#6 - Feed them, constantly.

Pack snacks and stop for hot chocolate. Every day? Why not?

Photo Credit: Mindy Stern

#7 – Expect the unexpected

We never made it to our touristy destination – they were happier chasing bubbles ….

#8 - Build in some down time

Nothing wrong with letting them chill out and watch kids’ movies while you’re setting up an art project or baking adventure.

Photo Credit: Mindy Stern

#9 – Enjoy holidays & festivals

Know when shops are closed, and when the whole town comes out to celebrate. Dia de los Reyes Magos, aka The Three Kings Parade, is Barcelona’s biggest annual festival. It marched right by our corner!

Photo Credits: Mindy Stern

#10 - Know When to Fold ‘em

You’re on their schedule, not yours. When they’ve had enough, head home.

Photo Credit: Mindy Stern

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