Traveling to Europe with kids for the first time… I’m not going to sugar coat it. It wasn’t easy. There were tantrums from the kids and, yes, tantrums from the adults too. But with some planning, natural remedies, and a whole lot of “just breathe,” we made it through.

This blog is for the mums like me who want honest, practical advice not picture-perfect travel stories.

Preparing for the Flight

The lead-up to a long-haul flight can feel overwhelming, so we kept things simple:

• Jet lag support: pre-flight homeopathic pellets to ease the transition.

• Snacks: each child packed their own favorites because nothing unravels faster than a hungry child at 30,000 feet.

• Bushflower essences: we took remedies from Vikki at Intuitive Quantum Healing for emotional balance.

Wellness Packs for Everyone

One of the best decisions we made was giving each family member their own wellness pack. Having everything within reach gave the kids a sense of control and helped reduce stress for us all.

Each kit included:

• dōTERRA essential oils to calm and ground us

• Homeopathic sprays from Tamara at Alchemess

• Lavender calm stick

• Vomit bags (just in case!)

• Diffuser for the accommodation

• Colouring-in books, card games, and calming toys

For adults, I added:

• L-theanine for calming the mind.

• Melatonin to support sleep when absolutely necessary.

Surviving the Days in Europe

We had one golden rule: everyone gets a say. On non-rest days, each person picked an activity. This helped avoid “I don’t want to be here” meltdowns.

A few things we never travelled without:

• Water bottles (hydration is everything in European heat)

• Portable mini fans (lifesavers for stuffy train rides or long queues)

• Card games for restaurants and downtime

• A small soccer ball for my son

• An extra carry bag (because you always end up with more to carry)

Food (or Lack of It)

If your kids are fussy eaters like mine, you’ll know the struggle. I stopped stressing if meals were just potatoes, bread, or meat.

Booking Airbnb stays meant I could cook in batches. Schnitzel and bolognese became lifesavers for my kids and gave us a sense of home away from home.

Staying Balanced on the Road

I did Bowen therapy on my family whenever I could. It helped us recover from flights, walking, and long days exploring.

If you’re not a practitioner yourself, I highly recommend finding a local Bowen therapist in the city you’re staying. Look at reviews and find someone you trust. If Bowen isn’t an option, gentle massage or reflexology are great alternatives for balancing the body and easing tension.

Simple Jet Lag Routine for Kids (and Parents)

Here’s the routine we followed to settle into new time zones:

• Day 1: Keep everyone awake until local bedtime. Natural light helps reset the body clock.

• Day 2: Early wake-up, outdoor time, and only a short nap if absolutely needed (20–30 mins).

• Day 3: Stick to a normal bedtime routine lavender, Bushflower essence, cuddles, and a dark room.

• Hydration: Sip water all day. Dehydration makes jet lag worse.

• Movement: Gentle stretching or walking helps shake fatigue.

• Meals: Eat at local meal times, even when it feels “off.”

By day 3–4, we were always more settled.

Keeping Travel Simple

One of the best choices we made was keeping our itinerary simple. We didn’t try to cram in extra flights or complicated transfers to islands. Instead, we stayed in local cities and towns, driving or catching a train when we needed to.

Hiring a car was helpful when we felt comfortable, but overall, less was definitely more. It gave us space to enjoy the trip instead of rushing.

And one last thing, don’t go overboard on packing clothes. Seven days’ worth (with lunch and dinner options) is plenty if you’re planning to wash. Extra luggage only adds stress, and you won’t use half of it anyway.

Final Thoughts

Travelling to Europe with kids isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The meltdowns pass, the jet lag fades, and the memories last forever. Seeing their faces light up as they experienced new places, connected with family, and tried new things was priceless.

With a few holistic supports, a simple routine, and realistic expectations, you can make the journey smoother and actually enjoy it too.

Angie ♡☀︎ Balance and Energise Bowen Therapy