Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

Top European Destinations to Visit with Kids

April 9, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

As a family, it can be difficult to decide which European country you want to visit first! You want to minimize the stress, you need it to work within your budget, and — above all – you want ensure that your kids will have fun and want to go back. While every country will bring something special to your family vacation, some are more family-friendly than others. These are our top European Destinations for Family Travel:

Best For All Ages:

Italy

Italy has an extremely child-friendly culture, making it a great place to take your toddlers and young kids. They’ll be welcome in restaurants and cafes. There’s plenty of room for them to run and explore in piazzas, parks, beaches, and castles. And the food will delight even the pickiest eater. Tweens and teens will enjoy Italy’s iconic sites, stunning beaches, great shopping, and incredible museums. The older kids will be able to appreciate Italian culture and beautiful art as they adventure throughout the country.

[Photo Credit: R via Shared Adventures – read about their family vacation in Italy here!]

UK & Ireland

Both these countries are great for families of all ages. The tweens and teens will recognize lots of places that feature in media, films, and TV. They’ll love the shopping and sites from Castles to Great Halls. All ages will delight in high tea and the younger kids will have plenty of wild nature to run around in. Being English-speaking countries, these are also great starting points if you haven’t traveled much as a family before.

Greece

Like Italy, Greek culture is very child-friendly. You don’t have to worry about the noise your littlest ones are making, as they are welcome in all aspects of life. The cuisine varies from simple meats and veggies for toddlers and young kids, to new and exciting flavors for the more adventurous. Older kids will be fascinated by Athens and the ancient Greek ruins, as they see their history lessons come to life. And everyone will be in awe at the beauty of the islands.

[Photo Credit: Saara Sanamo via Unsplash]

Best for Toddlers

Malta

Life in Malta is slower and you can travel at a more comfortable pace with your toddler. This small island nation packs a punch but not so much that you feel you need to rush around and see it all. There are stunning beaches, cute little towns and interesting architectural sites. This is a great place to have a relaxing family vacation.

Portugal

Known for its welcoming locals and positive attitudes around kids, your toddler will be more than welcome in all the hotels and restaurants. The flight from the US is relatively short and the weather is usually sunny.

[Photo Credit: Vita Marija Murenaite via Unsplash]

Spain

With an extremely child-friendly culture, your toddler will be welcome everywhere. There will be children playing around the terraces at restaurants and the locals won’t mind one bit. There are lots of child-friendly places to visit, and adults can enjoy the activities with their kids. The beaches are stunning and the pace of life is easy.

Best for Young Kids

Prague

One of Europe’s most picturesque cities, Prague offers stunning architecture, rich history and a less expensive family adventure. It’s a great choice for young kids because of the huge variety of activities. From interesting museums to nature walks, cool bridges and lots of family-friendly parks. Prague is a perfect city stay for young families as it gives you a classic European city vibe but it is more tranquil and less crowded than other better-known cities.

Norway

Perfect for young kids who love the outdoors. It’s one of the safest countries in the world and has superb air quality. There are world-class playgrounds, open-air museums, and lots of beautiful nature to enjoy. Young kids love taking cable cars up the mountains and enjoying easy hikes through incredible landscapes.

[Photo Credit: Juliane Lieberman via Unsplash]

Copenhagen

With beautiful views, canals, and colorful houses, Copenhagen will delight your little ones. There are lots of green spaces to enjoy in the summer. And plenty of kid-friendly attractions, including the famous Tivoli Gardens. There are great bike tours and long daylight hours perfect for young kids.

Best for Tweens & Teens

Germany

Super family-friendly, tweens and teens will enjoy the fun and charm of Germany. There are fabulous museums and impressive cathedrals. You’ll find stunning Castles and sprawling gardens. Older kids will be able to enjoy the museums, architecture, and history of the country. And transportation from place to place within the country is easy on their train system.

France

Home to some of the most famous museums, arts, and landmarks, tweens and teens will really be able to appreciate France. They’ll enjoy the food and be able to absorb and understand seeing such a different culture. There’s plenty to do, interesting tours, and amazing foodie experiences. And if they can learn and use a few words of French, the locals will be appreciative!

[Photo Credit: Sabrina via Shared Adventures – read about their mother-daughter trip to London and Paris here!]

Iceland

Best for teens and tweens who love the great outdoors. All the amazing natural beauty and outdoor activities are best suited for older kids who can understand the power of Mother Nature. Older kids can enjoy the more demanding activities like ice caves, glacier hiking, and whale spotting. Plus they’ll be able to relax in the lagoons and thermal baths.

Are you and your family ready to embark on an incredible European Adventure? Let us know – we’ll take care of all the details!

Italy with a Toddler

April 1, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Traveling with a toddler is a unique experience. It will, of course, change the way you travel. But if you’re ready to embrace those changes – it is absolutely rewarding. Liz’s family, including her young nephew, recently visited her in Italy for the holidays and she learned a LOT about traveling with little ones! Here is her top “Toddler in Italy” advice:

Fewer Daytrips and more Overnight Stays

Liz’s family was visiting her in her small town and therefore they did a lot of day trips to larger nearby cities. Day trips are do-able, and the train rides are entertaining, but she discovered that having a home base that you can go back to for a mid-day nap is incredibly useful with a toddler. It can give you more time to explore and enjoy the city at a slow pace. Cities with a lot to do and see like Rome, Venice, and Florence deserve a few days each.

That being said – don’t fear the train rides. Toddlers ride for free if you don’t book them a seat. And, with the way the trains are set up, it’s easy to keep them entertained while you travel. Much more relaxing than a car ride!

Enjoy the Piazzas and the room to run

One of the nicest parts of Italy is the big piazzas — open squares where kids are allowed and even encouraged to run. Making use of these areas is the perfect way to enjoy Italy with a toddler. Liz’s nephew loved chasing the birds and running around the piazza with his new toddler friends. You’ll often find other kids enjoying the space to run and make noise while their parents sit nearby and sip a spritz.

Venice especially has enclosed campos that are perfect for a toddler to run around. Without the danger of falling in the water or wandering off too far.

For the locals, piazzas are about community. They’re a place to hang out and enjoy the sunshine. And a place where children are expected to run. Our best advice for Italy with a toddler: revel in the piazzas.

Italian Food is Delicious

Italian food is incredibly kid-friendly. In almost every restaurant (even the most specialized) you can find pasta pomodoro (spaghetti with tomato sauce). If your toddler is more adventurous in their tastes, there are plenty of other kinds of pasta, cheeses, and meats for the little ones to enjoy! And, of course, gelato abounds. Liz’s little nephew had a great time at all the restaurants.

Not Every Activity Can or Will Involve the Toddler

Not every activity that you want to do in Italy will be suited for your toddler. If you have a group, it’s nice to have one person watch your toddler chase pigeons in the piazza while the others go to enjoy Michaelangelo’s David. This is obviously more difficult if you’re just a couple, but traveling in a multi-generational group can help spread the child-care burden and make sure that everyone gets a little adult time to enjoy the wonders of Italy solo.

Find out what’s most important to each adult and what the others don’t mind missing. While Liz’s family was on the Parmigiano tour, for example, Liz was able to step away with her nephew when his attention wandered. Having someone who could step away from the tour to play with the toddler was incredibly helpful. And it made the tour all the more enjoyable for her sister and brother-in-law who were the most excited about taking the tour.

Find Kid-Specific Activities – Even if They’re Not Specific to Italy

In Bologna, Liz found an optical illusion exhibition. While not in any way Italy-specific, this was a great highlight for little Noah. Every city will have exhibitions, museums, and activities that are geared toward the local children. Embracing these kinds of spaces can make your trip all the more fun as you watch your little one enjoy and explore. The exhibit was also pretty cool for the adults on the trip.

Much like the illusion exhibition, playgrounds and parks are not unique to Italy. However, taking some time from the museums and sightseeing to let your toddler get some of their energy out on the playground or in a park is a great way to balance your vacation

Slow Down and Watch

This is advice we’d give to anyone traveling in Italy, even without a toddler. To sit in a café and soak up the vibes. To watch the world around you and absorb the culture instead of rushing from site to site. It’s absolutely our preferred way to see and enjoy Italy! And with a toddler it’s even more important.

They are learning about the world and absorbing new sites and sounds all the time. And they get pretty excited about small things (like dogs and boats). Take some time to sit (or stand) and watch the boats go by in Venice. Or the dogs and people pass in Florence — it’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Castles are Great Adventures

Castles, old ruins, and other open-plan adventures are perfect for toddlers. While you delight in the frescos, toddlers can enjoy the freedom to roam and explore interesting new structures they’ve never seen before. The Italian countryside is dotted with old castles. Many of them are in quaint little villages that offer a perfect fairy-tale feel to your vacation.

So while you’re traveling in the countryside for wine tastings and unique meals, stop at a castle for a fun family activity!

Backpacks/Carriers are Key

Italy can involve a lot of walking. A stroller is usually the perfect way to transport your kid. But, sometimes there are spaces where a stroller is impossible. Liz’s family decided to climb the Florence belltower and used a backpack for the stairs between the platforms. It was difficult but effective.

A backpack was also the perfect way to contain and ensure Noah’s safety on the Vaporetto (ferry) in Venice. With all the luggage, having a hands-free way of containing and carrying your toddler will make a big difference.

Are you ready to explore Italy with your toddler? Let us know! We’re always excited to help families make new memories in Europe!

Top 6 Tips for Your Next Caribbean Adventure

March 11, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

When you think of an island getaway, the Caribbean is always one of the top places on the list. Bright sunshine, soft sand, and endless days of relaxation. What more could you want from a vacation? The Caribbean is an endlessly popular destination and here are our top 6 tips for maximizing your next Caribbean Adventure:

Don’t Forget About Hurricane Season

It’s important to consider the hurricane season when planning your Caribbean travel. The season runs from June to November, but the worst months are August – October. Should you absolutely have to travel during that period, consider going to one of the more southerly islands. Islands like Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire, just above Venezuela, are technically outside the hurricane region. They might receive some rain but aren’t likely to be hit heavily.

Remember Each Island is Unique

The Caribbean boasts beautiful warm waters and lush landscapes everywhere you turn. But, with over 7,000 islands and 28 different nations, each island has its own culture, atmosphere, history, cuisine, and vibe. It’s important to consider these differences when deciding which island to visit

[ Photo Credit: Outside Hamilton’s birthplace in Nevis from Ann via Shared Adventures]

Doing more research or speaking with a travel advisor will help you find the right vibe for your travel style. Make sure you pick an island whose culture and cuisine interest you! Connecting with the local culture will make your Caribbean adventure infinitely more enjoyable.

Embrace the Local Cuisine

Some of the most diverse and delicious cuisines can be found in the Caribbean islands. Influenced by Indigenous, African, Indian, and European cultures – seek out local restaurants and street vendors. Even if you stick to the resort restaurants, branch out and try the local delicacies.

You may recognize some dishes like grilled lobster in Grenada, jerk chicken from Jamaica, or conch fritters from Turks and Caicos. And some may be completely new, but no less mouth-watering.

[Photo Credit: Grilling lobsters in Grenada from Liz via Shared Adventures]

Try an Oil Down in Grenada ( a combination of breadfruit, coconut milk, dasheen, dumplings, callaloo, spices, and salted fish). Or Keshi Yena in Aruba (made from a large hollowed-out ball of cheese; stuffed with spiced meat and raisins, olives, capers, Scottish bonnet peppers, and tangy sauces.)

Pack More Than A Swimsuit

Aside from swimwear and beach clothes, there are a few things you should pack to elevate your trip. Reef-safe sunscreen for that powerful sunshine. Water shoes for the reefs and a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated.

And for your time off the beach, bring some casual but more conservative clothing than just a beach cover-up. This way you won’t seem out of place when shopping or dining in local restaurants.

Note: on many islands, camouflage items are strictly forbidden so make sure you DON’T pack any camo!

[Photo Credit: Ann relaxing in St Maarten via Shared Adventures]

There’s More to Do Than Just Relaxing on the Beach

While relaxing on the beach is a key part of any Caribbean vacation, there’s so much more to do on these incredible islands!

Don’t discount the Caribbean as a vacation destination if you like a bit of adrenaline. Depending on the island, you can go parasailing, ziplining, deep-sea fishing, sailing, and hiking on some of the most beautiful trails. From leisurely nature walks to challenging climbs, there is so much to do and enjoy.

[Photo Credit: Ziplining from Christina via Shared Adventures]

If Your Focus is Just Relaxing on the Beach – Go Small

If your travel style is beach day all day, every day, then we recommend picking one of the smaller islands. They will be less crowded and covered in brilliant untouched beaches. Islands like Anguilla, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Bonaire are all excellent choices. Or, if you’re on a bigger island, consider taking a taxi to a small beach on the other side of the island to escape the crowds and cruisers.

[Photo Credit: an Anguilla beach from Terry via Shared Adventures]

Starting to dream about your perfect Caribbean Adventure? Want help narrowing down which island, beach, and activities are for you? We love planning a perfectly customized adventure — get in touch to utilize our expert advice!

A Romantic Hawai’i Adventure

February 25, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Longtime clients Alicia & Jay were so excited to go to Hawai’i. They were ready to plan their 5th anniversary to a place that offered romance, adventure and fabulous restaurants. Here’s their trip report:

We had such an amazing time in Hawai’i and we already can’t wait to go back! It is such a special place. Here are some trip highlights:

Kaua’i

The Ko’a Kea Resort was perfect! We received personalized 5 star service. We loved how small the hotel is, and that the person who checks you in escorts you to your room and gives you a tour of the resort along the way. Our room was comfortable and modern and had a huge shower. The lanai had a partial ocean view which was perfect for sitting with coffee in the morning. The pool and hot tub were amazing and we loved that they had covers and pillows for the lounge chairs. The pool bar/tiki hut was a great place for drinks and lunch.

The highlight of Kaua’i was definitely our helicopter tour. We both agreed it might be the most amazing thing we’ve ever done. We caught a windy day, but the ride was still pretty smooth even with the doors off! We got incredible photos and videos of Waimea Canyon and the Nā Pali coast.

Restaurants in Kaua’i were also spectacular – Red Salt at our hotel (breakfast and dinner) was amazing. We also loved Eating House 1849 and The Beach House. We went to Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt, but didn’t love the food or atmosphere (it was crowded and didn’t feel authentic and reminded us of Disney World or Atlantis lol).

Maui

The Andaz Maui is fabulous! It’s so modern with lots of wood detailing, and they have an artist in residence so there was colorful art displayed all over the hotel. Our room here had a beautiful view of the ocean and we saw some incredible sunsets.

We spent a lot of our time by the pool, and went to the beach one day. We loved the different levels of infinity pools. The lowest level is where all the kids seemed to go, so we stuck to the upper levels and didn’t even take advantage of the adults-only pool. Food and drink service by the pools was great, and we definitely frequented the pool bar/lounge!

We attended the Andaz Luau, which was awesome! We took the Jeep on part of the Hana Highway, drove through the village of Paia, stopped at Twin Falls for a very leisurely hike, and went to lunch at Mama’s Fish House – one of our favorite meals in Hawai’i.

Our Ocean Spirit sunset cruise was also amazing – we caught a good night and had a great sail and a beautiful sunset.

The restaurants in Maui were also amazing – we went to Morimoto at our hotel twice, for lunch and dinner and did a sake tasting. That was probably our favorite! We also went to the Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons (had to see it – cue White Lotus music), and Humumunukunuku ā pu’a at the Grand Wailea.

A Special Anniversary Activity

We booked an anniversary photo shoot with Flytographer on Po’Olenalena Beach in Maui. Our photographer Sara was amazing and so much fun to work with and the photos came out perfect! I would absolutely use Flytographer again – it was such an easy process and so worth it when you want nice photos together!

Benefits of Booking Hawai’i With A Travel Advisor

By the end of the trip, we were confident that we had chosen the right hotels in Hawai’i – we really liked the small boutique feel of Koa Kea and loved the smaller feel of the Andaz in Maui better than the larger hotels that we visited. Also, every hotel and restaurant we went to acknowledged our anniversary with a gift, bottle of wine, or dessert!

Hawai’i Overall

We LOVED Hawai’i so much. We loved how small the islands were and that it didn’t take us very long to get where we needed to go. The vegetation in Kaua’i was so beautiful. We loved the Wailea area of Maui. The ocean and beaches are breathtaking. It’s such a special place – exotic but friendly, comfortable, and laid back.

We loved having a car on both islands. The Jeep in Kaua’i was definitely the lowest/basic trim, but in Maui we got to choose one from a lineup and picked a cool green one that had every bell and whistle.

Aside from the scenery, our favorite parts of Hawai’i were definitely the food and the people. Almost every meal we ate was like the best thing we’ve ever had (mahi mahi and tuna were highlights). The long flight from Boston to Honolulu was well worth it and it went by fast! We both agreed that we will definitely return to both islands – I can’t pick which one is my favorite!

Another favorite part was the people. Every single person we encountered was SO friendly and SO helpful and could not do more for us. We made friends with the bartenders at both hotels (not surprising) and ended our trip on a first name basis with them. I don’t think we met anyone who wasn’t smiling and happy to be there. It made our trip that much more special.

Thank you again for planning this amazing 5th anniversary trip for us! Before you know it, I will be reaching out for next year’s trip!

-Alicia & Jay