Travel Itinerary: Nine Days in London with Kids

Travel Itinerary: Nine Days in London with Kids

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with toddlers, or on your own, London is a destination that offers something for everyone. From world-class dining and museums to historic landmarks and incredibly walkable neighborhoods, it’s an ideal place to explore on foot. Add in one of the best public transit systems in the world, and the need for a car becomes minimal.

Last summer, my family and I had the chance to visit London. For me, it was my first time back in ten years, and for my wife, her first visit in over thirty. It was also our kids’ very first time, which made the trip even more meaningful. Beyond exploring a new city, they were able to reconnect with family and meet cousins, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, and great-uncles, making this experience truly special. On previous trips, I had focused mostly on the classic tourist spots like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Piccadilly Circus. Those highlights were still part of the plan for my wife and kids, but this time we also made it a priority to explore as many London neighborhoods as possible, getting around primarily by the Tube. It turned out to be an incredibly fulfilling trip in so many ways, and it was easily the highlight of our summer. After all, time spent with family is priceless. Below is a breakdown of our London itinerary.

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Travel Itinerary: Six Days in Iceland with Kids

Travel Itinerary: Six Days in Iceland with Kids

I first visited Iceland ten years ago as a solo traveler, taking advantage of Iceland Air’s generous stopover policy, which allows up to 7 days in the country en route to another destination. That visit was brief—just two days—but long enough to explore parts of the Golden Circle and soak in the Blue Lagoon. I found Iceland stunning and always hoped to return.

This time, it was a completely different experience. My wife hadn’t joined me on the first trip due to grad school, and we weren’t yet parents, so now—with our kids in tow—it felt like seeing the country through fresh eyes. Much of our itinerary included places I hadn’t visited before, and we waited until our youngest was steady on his feet before planning a trip filled with hikes and outdoor adventures, without relying on a stroller.

As with many of our travels, we were drawn to Iceland for its natural beauty, mountainous terrain, and abundance of kid-friendly outdoor activities. It’s a magical destination that offers all of that and more. As our children grow and progress in early elementary school, we’re shaping our travels to be both fun and educational. Our hope is that when they open a textbook to learn about volcanoes or glaciers, they’ll recall the places they’ve seen and the experiences they’ve had—turning abstract lessons into something personal and lasting.

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Travel Itinerary: Six Days in Paris with Kids

Travel Itinerary: Six Days in Paris with Kids

In spring 2024, my family and I visited Paris for six days. It was our first trip to Europe in six years, and our boys experienced it for the first time. Having never visited Paris, this was the last major European city on our bucket list. We found spring an ideal time to explore the city—the weather was pleasant, the crowds at major attractions were manageable, and accommodation prices were lower than during peak season. Rain was in the forecast most days, but it was generally a passing shower, which gave way to sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Low 60-degree temperatures made it ideal for walking around the city and exploring the beautiful and diverse neighborhoods that Paris is known for. Since it wasn’t peak season, award redemptions on American Airlines and Air France were plentiful and required relatively few miles compared to the summer. Here is a day-to-day breakdown

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Travel Itinerary: Six Days in Portugal

Travel Itinerary: Six Days in Portugal

Our Portugal adventure began with a smooth business class flight on Lufthansa, complete with Polaris lounge access in Chicago and Lufthansa Business Class Lounge access in Frankfurt. After arriving late in Lisbon, we picked up our rental car and headed south to Lagos, where we checked into the stunning Cascade Wellness Resort near dramatic cliffs and ocean views. The town’s vibrant summer energy, artistic tilework, and seaside charm quickly made it one of our favorite European destinations. A kayaking tour along the Algarve coast and visits to Camilo Beach and Ponta da Piedade were unforgettable highlights. We explored historic neighborhoods in Lisbon, sampled famous custard pastries at Pasteis de Belem, and took a day trip to the colorful Palace of Pena in Sintra. Our trip wrapped up just as Portugal’s World Cup run ended.

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