Travelling with kids can be one of the most memorable experiences — but keeping them safe is always a top priority. Europe is a fantastic and family-friendly destination overall, but navigating unfamiliar cities, public transport systems, and tourist hotspots with children requires a bit of extra planning and awareness.

Here are five realistic and essential safety tips for travelling through Europe with kids that will help you feel more prepared and confident throughout your journey.

Plan for Medical Emergencies

It’s something no parent wants to think about, but a little preparation can go a long way when it comes to medical needs while travelling. From a scraped knee to an unexpected fever, having a few basics on hand can help you handle the situation calmly and quickly.

Why It’s One of the Best:
Being ready for minor health issues gives you peace of mind and helps avoid unnecessary stress or delays. It also makes you feel more confident navigating a foreign healthcare system if needed.

Tip for Families:

• Save the European emergency number 112 in your phone — it works in every EU country.

• Carry a mini first-aid kit with kids’ pain relief, plasters, antihistamines, and any prescription meds.

• Download Google Translate for quick medical translations and save your travel insurance details in your Notes app.

• If your child has allergies or a medical condition, keep a printed card explaining it in both English and the local language.

Keep an Eye on Personal Belongings

Europe is generally very safe, but busy areas like train stations and tourist landmarks are known for pickpocketing. It’s important to stay alert, especially when travelling with young children and managing multiple bags.

Why It’s One of the Best:
Teaching your kids to be mindful of their surroundings helps them build awareness and independence as travellers. At the same time, it gives you one less thing to worry about when juggling family logistics.

Tip for Families:

• Use zipped crossbody bags that stay in front of you, not backpacks.

• Don’t hang bags on the pram — it’s an easy target.

• Equip young children with ID wristbands or a card in their pocket with your phone number and accommodation details.

• Place a slim GPS tracker inside your main bag for added peace of mind.

Understand Public Transport Safety

Public transport is often the easiest and fastest way to get around European cities, but it’s not always set up with young kids in mind. Navigating metros, trams, and buses can be overwhelming if you’re unprepared — especially during peak hours.

Why It’s One of the Best:
Understanding how to use public transport safely can make your trip far more efficient and enjoyable. It also helps you avoid stressful moments like missed stops, escalators without lifts, or overcrowded carriages.

Tip for Families:

• Bring a lightweight stroller that folds down easily and has a shoulder strap.

• Avoid rush hour travel and keep kids close in stations and platforms.

• Many cities offer free travel for children under a certain age — check before you go.

• Use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to check for step-free routes and station accessibility.

Stay Safe in Crowded Tourist Areas

Places like the Eiffel Tower, Trevi Fountain, and Buckingham Palace attract huge crowds — especially in summer. While these are must-see spots, they can be overwhelming for kids and make it easy to get separated.

Why It’s One of the Best:
Having a game plan for busy locations gives everyone a sense of structure and reassurance. It also helps reduce panic if someone gets momentarily separated.

Tip for Families:

• Choose a meeting point at every destination in case anyone gets lost.

• Take a quick photo of your child each morning in their outfit — useful if you need to describe them.

• Dress kids in bright or matching colours to spot them easily in a crowd.

• For toddlers, a child harness can offer peace of mind in crowded spaces.

Stay Hydrated and Avoid Overheating

Europe can get very hot in summer — especially in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can creep up quickly when you’re walking a lot, sightseeing, or queuing in the sun.

Why It’s One of the Best:
Staying ahead of heat-related issues helps keep everyone in a better mood and prevents travel days from becoming overwhelming. It also reduces the risk of sunburns, cranky kids, and unnecessary breakdowns (yours or theirs).

Tip for Families:

• Carry refillable water bottles and use public fountains to refill them throughout the day.

• Pack hats, sunscreen, and a clip-on stroller fan for younger kids.

• Plan indoor activities or shaded breaks during the hottest part of the day.

• Let kids rest or nap mid-day to recharge and avoid pushing through exhaustion.

With a little extra preparation, travelling in Europe with kids can be safe, exciting, and filled with unforgettable moments.

From understanding how to use public transport to staying cool and confident in busy tourist spots, these tips will help you feel more in control as a travelling parent.

Looking for ways to keep your kids more comfortable in transit? Our Kooshy Kids gear is designed to make flights, long days, and downtime smoother for the whole family. Safe travels!