Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

We are doing an all inclusive in April in Jamaica and I know that will be fine.

I was looking on Groupon and some great deals for Europe vacations and it got me thinking--could we do that this summer? DS would be turning 3 in Oct. I am thinking might be easier now before #2...am I crazy?

My main hesitation would be the jet lag and long flight...

thoughts?

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I know a lot of kids at that age that would make me say yes, I would do it if you got a good deal.

MY kids at that age? F uck no!

If you think he will be ok, then go for it!

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

We have brought DD on a vacation at 8 weeks, 18 months (both to ireland) and just before 3. 3 was the easiest bc there were no bottles, she eats regular food, etc etc. The only thing that was tricky was the nap, but it wasn't a huge deal to have her skip it.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I personally don't think Europe would be enjoyable w/ a 3 year old - 10, 12 ....teenagers - yes, but not a 3 year old.

Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I personally wouldnt do it. My in laws are going to Italy in April and invited us but we declined. DD turns 3 in July. I just didnt think it would be much fun at all to do the sight seeing with her and the long flight and the time difference. Maybe when she is much older lol.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

My DD is VERY well-behaved and pretty good at going with the flow but no way would I take her to Europe... planning things around nap, wondering if she'll like the food, all the walking, the public transportation with a stroller, not a vacation if you ask me...

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

We took DD1 to Ireland at 12 months and the first night or 2 were rough with the time difference , but she adjusted and it was a GREAT trip! I say go for it!

Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I went to Greece last summer when DS was 16 months old. Granted he was younger than your LO, but it wasn't that bad. I'll admit the first couple of days sucked big time because he was pretty jet lagged. But then it was a trip of a lifetime and if I'm not PG this summer were going back and he will be 27 months.
I'd say if you are staying for at least 2 weeks, go for it. If it's only a week it may not be worth it .

Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I've seen tons of kids that age on my European trips who were having a wonderful time. I say do it !

Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

We'll I took my 13 month old to Europe, so i would totally take a 3 year old. Honestly, it wasn't that hard. I just wouldn't do any sort of guided tour with a set itinerary. You want the ability to be flexible and go with your child's schedule.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I was looking into Europe with a 2yo and 4yo this past summer and I could not pull the trigger. The long plane ride alone seemed too painful. DH wanted to do Europe just the two of us without the kids and I didn't want that either.

Now we are looking into Europe next summer with a 3yo and 5yo. I think the only way we are going to do it is if we do a Disney cruise - built in entertainment and childcare.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

Nope, I personally would not.

I just don't think a three-year-old would enjoy or benefit from the experience enough to justify the stress it would put on me.

Plus, I am lucky enough to have family that I could leave DC with, so mommy and daddy would be off having a grand time and would bring back a souvenir.

I brought my niece to Paris for her 18th birthday and I'm not even sure she really appreciated it!

I will definitely be bringing my DD to Europe in the future, but we'll wait until she reaches double digits.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I think it all depends on what you want to do while you are there and what kind of personality your kid has.

I wouldn't skip it because of the long flight or the jetlag, those are temporary. We go to England to visit family, we were last there when DD was just over 2 and she did great on the flight over (slept most of the way on the red eye) and was adjusted with jetlag within a day (I think kids have it easier!).

But I wouldn't plan a city touring trip for my kid at this age, I just don't think she would have just walking around a city. If your kid likes that stuff or if you are planning to do kid-friendly things there then go for it!

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

For us, DS (who is 10 months old now) would go nuts on a plane for that many hours. As it is, he can barely sit 20 minutes in a restaurant. I don't think he'd last on the long flight and I wouldn't attempt it.

Beyond that, I'd rather save big trips like that for when DS is older and can remember and appreciate it.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

Depends in the cost & plane ride.
I don't go to Hawaii due to plane ride.
A very high cost (even plane tickets) would be prohibitive.

But... When I went to Ireland, I decided I'd def go back with kids as there is a lot to see & very kid friendly & inexpensive. I'd rather do that than a trip to California!

Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I personally would not. They are still at the age where they need so much attention, I can't see going to Europe and sightseeing would be enjoyable with a toddler in tow. My friends just went with a 6 and 8 year old and they said never again, lol.

Re: Would you do Europe with an almost three year old?

I would.