TRAVELING EUROPE WITH A CHILD
By Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough from Wanderers Compass

Standing on the summit of the Eiffel Tower on a beautiful June afternoon, we watched Ryan's son take in the view stretching across Paris.

Below us, the Seine wound through the city. Historic buildings stretched toward the horizon. Famous landmarks that had existed only in photographs, books, and videos suddenly became real. For a few moments, he simply stood there taking it all in.

As travel writers, we've been fortunate to experience remarkable destinations around the world. We've explored more than 65 countries, visited over 160 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and wandered through hundreds of castles, cathedrals, and historic cities. Yet watching a young traveler see Paris from atop the Eiffel Tower reminds us of something easy to forget.

Listen to the related Big Blend Radio “Wanderers Compass” Podcast with Joelle Machia & Ryan Slough:

The world feels different when everything is new.

That moment would set the tone for the next two weeks as the three of us traveled through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Along the way, we would celebrate a major Wanderers Compass milestone, discover a few unexpected favorites, and witness something even more meaningful than the destinations themselves. We would watch curiosity grow with every castle, cathedral, border crossing, and conversation.

By the time we boarded our flight home, the Eiffel Tower would no longer be the only thing Ryan's son was talking about.

Paris: Where the Adventure Began

Paris felt like the perfect place to begin.

Long before we boarded our flight, the Eiffel Tower had become the symbol of the trip. It was the attraction Ryan's son talked about most often and the one he wanted to see more than anything else. Fortunately, Paris delivered in every possible way.

The city seemed to reveal the tower constantly. It appeared between buildings, at the end of streets, and above rooftops. Every sighting generated excitement. When we finally reached the summit, the moment lived up to every expectation. The weather was beautiful, visibility stretched for miles, and Paris unfolded beneath us in every direction. It wasn't simply about seeing a famous landmark. It was about seeing a dream become reality.

Yet the Eiffel Tower was only part of our introduction to Paris.

Over several days, we explored some of the city's most iconic sites, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles. Each offered something different. Notre-Dame connected us to nearly a thousand years of history and showcased the remarkable restoration efforts underway in the wake of the devastating fire. Standing before the Arc de Triomphe provided an opportunity to discuss French history, remembrance, and the significance of monuments. Versailles, with its immense scale, elaborate gardens, and Hall of Mirrors, offered a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the French monarchy.

What surprised us most, however, was how much the quieter moments mattered. We wandered neighborhoods, enjoyed pastries, explored parks, and simply watched daily life unfold around us. Enjoying our first of many croissants to come. One of the great advantages of Paris is that it offers layers of experiences. The famous landmarks draw you in, but the city's personality keeps you engaged.

Nearby, Chantilly provided a wonderful contrast to the capital. The château and grounds introduced us to the first of many castles that would shape the trip. For children, castles often require very little explanation. Towers, gates, grand halls, and centuries-old stories naturally spark imagination.

What stood out most wasn't simply the architecture or history. It was seeing how quickly travel began shifting from anticipation to engagement. Questions started appearing naturally. Conversations became more frequent. Instead of simply seeing places, Ryan's son was beginning to think about them.

The trip was no longer something he had looked forward to.
It was something he was actively experiencing.

Belgium: Learning to Slow Down

From France, we continued into Belgium, where the medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent quickly became some of our favorite stops.

Belgium has a way of making history feel approachable. The canals, market squares, church towers, and cobblestone streets create an atmosphere that feels remarkably unchanged despite the passing centuries. Walking through Bruges and Ghent often felt less like visiting a city and more like stepping into another era.

One lesson we learned quickly was that children experience destinations differently than adults. While we admired architecture and historical significance, Ryan's son often focused on entirely different details. A canal boat gliding beneath a bridge. A narrow alleyway between ancient buildings. A tower rising above the skyline. A bakery displaying treats in the window.

Those observations reminded us of something we've learned repeatedly through our travels: sometimes the most meaningful moments aren't the ones found in guidebooks.
Belgium encouraged us to slow down. Instead of chasing attractions, we spent time wandering. We crossed bridges without knowing where they were going. We followed canals simply because they looked interesting. We lingered in squares longer than planned.

We sampled some of the best chocolate of our lives and some of the most delectable waffles, leaving a young traveler blown away.

Those unstructured moments often became the most memorable.

Travel doesn't always have to be about seeing more.

Sometimes it's about seeing differently.

The Netherlands: Questions We Didn't Expect

By the time we crossed into the Netherlands, something interesting had begun happening.

The questions were coming faster.

Why do people speak different languages here?
Why do some buildings look different from those in Belgium?
How can countries be so close together but feel so different?

Our stop in Roermond wasn't built around major attractions or famous landmarks. Instead, it provided something equally valuable: an opportunity to observe everyday life in another country.

For experienced travelers, crossing European borders often feels routine. For a child, however, every crossing reinforces an important realization. The world is filled with different cultures, languages, customs, and traditions.

That realization may be one of travel's greatest gifts.

History, geography, and culture stop being concepts found in textbooks. They become real experiences happening in front of you.

Some of our most meaningful conversations during the trip emerged from simple observations made while walking through town. The Netherlands became less about sightseeing and more about understanding how travel broadens perspective.

Those lessons weren't planned.
They simply happened.
And that made them even more powerful.

Germany: The Day Everything Came Together

Germany formed the heart of our itinerary and ultimately delivered some of the most memorable experiences of the journey.

Our first stop after entering the country was Monreal, a charming village overlooked by castle ruins. Like many travelers before us, we arrived because of the castles but quickly found ourselves captivated by the town itself. Timber-framed buildings lined quiet streets, and the relaxed atmosphere encouraged us to slow down and enjoy the experience.

The same thing happened in Cochem.

Dominated by Reichsburg Castle and framed by the Moselle River, Cochem feels like the Germany many travelers imagine. The castle rises dramatically above the town while colorful buildings line the riverfront below. It was easy to understand why the area remains one of Germany's most beloved regions.

Yet the most memorable day of the trip was still ahead.

The morning began at Burg Eltz.

Hidden among forested hills, Burg Eltz is one of those rare destinations that somehow exceeds expectations despite the thousands of photographs that exist online. Emerging from the trees, the castle looks like something from a fantasy novel rather than a real medieval fortress. Even after visiting hundreds of castles around the world, we found ourselves stopping to take it all in.

Watching Ryan's son encounter Burg Eltz for the first time reminded us why castles continue to fascinate travelers of all ages. They ignite imagination. Questions about knights, battles, kings, and medieval life flowed naturally throughout the visit.

From Burg Eltz, we continued to Thurant Castle overlooking the Moselle Valley. Then another castle. Then another. Throughout the day, we quietly tracked a milestone we knew was approaching.

Finally, late that afternoon, we arrived at Marksburg Castle overlooking the Rhine River.
Unlike many castles along the Rhine, Marksburg was never destroyed. Its remarkably preserved halls, defensive structures, and commanding views make it one of Germany's most significant castles. Yet what made the visit unforgettable had little to do with architecture.

Marksburg became Wanderers Compass's 500th castle visit.

When we began this journey, we never imagined reaching that number. We certainly never set out to count castles. Like many aspects of travel, it happened organically. One visit led to another. Curiosity became passion. Passion eventually became a defining part of our travels.

Standing inside Marksburg, looking out across the Rhine Valley, we found ourselves reflecting on years of exploration, countless memories, and the unexpected journey that brought us there.

What made the moment even more meaningful was sharing it with Ryan's son.

Throughout the trip, we watched his understanding of history evolve. The questions had changed. Instead of simply noticing towers and walls, he wanted to know who lived there, why castles were built, and what life was like centuries ago. In the end, it was his favorite castle of this trip.

History was no longer something found in a book.
It had become real.

Luxembourg: The Surprise Favorite

If we had asked ourselves before the trip which destination would become a favorite, Luxembourg probably would not have topped the list.

That changed almost immediately.

Luxembourg City exceeded every expectation we had. Built around dramatic valleys and fortified by centuries of military engineering, the city combines history, beauty, and accessibility in a way few destinations can match. Massive fortifications stretch across cliffs and valleys while bridges connect different sections of the city in spectacular fashion.

For Ryan's son, Luxembourg felt like one giant fortress waiting to be explored.
For us, it felt like one of Europe's most underrated capitals.

We spent hours walking through the city, crossing bridges, discovering viewpoints, and exploring the remnants of defenses that once made Luxembourg one of Europe's most formidable strongholds. What impressed us most wasn't simply the history. It was how approachable the city felt.

The crowds were light. Navigation was easy. The atmosphere encouraged exploration rather than rushing.

In an era when many European destinations struggle with over-tourism, Luxembourg offered something increasingly rare: space to enjoy the experience.

By the time we left, all three of us agreed it had become one of the highlights of the journey.

Sometimes the places you know least about leave the strongest impression.

Reims: Ending Where History Began

Before flying home, we returned to France for one final stop in Reims.
It turned out to be the perfect ending.

After two weeks of castles, cathedrals, medieval cities, and countless miles on the road, Reims offered an opportunity to slow down and reflect on everything we had experienced.

Our visit to Veuve Clicquot provided a fascinating look into one of France's most celebrated traditions. Descending into the chalk cellars revealed not only the history of champagne production but also the craftsmanship and dedication behind one of the world's most recognizable brands.

Later, we visited Reims Cathedral.

For centuries, French kings were crowned within its walls, making it one of the most historically significant churches in Europe. Standing beneath its soaring Gothic architecture felt like revisiting one final chapter of European history before our journey concluded.

Looking around the cathedral, it was difficult not to reflect on everything we had experienced over the previous two weeks. Five countries. Hundreds of miles. Countless memories. One remarkable milestone. And a young traveler whose perspective had expanded with every destination.

It felt like the perfect place to close the adventure.

What We Learned About Traveling Internationally with a Child

One of the most common questions we receive is whether international travel is worth the effort with children.

Our answer remains an enthusiastic yes.

However, successful family travel requires a different mindset. The goal isn't to recreate an adult itinerary. The goal is to create shared experiences.

One reason this trip worked so well was that Ryan's son became an active participant rather than simply a passenger. He helped navigate. He followed maps. He asked questions. He helped shape parts of the experience. Giving children ownership creates engagement, and engagement creates investment in the journey.

We also learned not to underestimate how much children can absorb.

For two weeks, he remained remarkably engaged. Whether climbing castle towers, standing atop the Eiffel Tower, exploring medieval streets, or crossing international borders, trying new food, curiosity remained constant. We found ourselves having conversations about geography, history, architecture, language, and culture that emerged naturally from the experiences around us.

Flexibility also proved important. Some days were busy. Others were intentionally slower. We allowed room for exploration, downtime, and unexpected discoveries. Those moments often became some of the most rewarding parts of the trip.

Perhaps most importantly, we were reminded that children often notice entirely different things than adults. While we focused on historical significance and cultural context, Ryan's son frequently focused on experiences, observations, and interactions. Neither perspective was wrong. In fact, together they created a richer experience for all of us.
Travel didn't simply entertain him.

It challenged him to observe, ask questions, and become curious about the world around him.

That may be the most valuable souvenir of all.

As our flight crossed the Atlantic toward home, we expected everyone to be exhausted. After all, we spent two weeks crossing five countries, exploring castles, cathedrals, medieval cities, and historic landmarks while creating memories we knew would last a lifetime.

Instead, the conversation turned toward future adventures.
Then came the comment that perfectly summarized the trip.
"I'm sad it's over. Where can we go next?"
We smiled because we understood exactly what he meant.

Looking back, the castles, cathedrals, and famous landmarks were only part of the story. What mattered most was watching curiosity grow. History had become something tangible rather than something found in a textbook. Countries that once seemed distant had become places with faces, stories, and memories attached to them. Questions about culture, language, geography, and people emerged naturally.

Listen to last year’s episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wanderers Compass” Podcast about traveling with Ryan’s son in Ireland:

Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough are the hosts of the Wanderers Compass podcast on Big Blend Radio and founders of the Wanderers Compass travel blog and magazine. Follow their adventures at https://www.wandererscompass.com/

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