Travelling with two kids is a rewarding experience, but when you add in the complexities of visa regulations, like the Schengen Area restrictions, the planning process becomes even more challenging.
The Schengen Zone, which comprises 27 European countries with a shared border control policy, allows non-EU travelers, including UK citizens, to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
For families wanting to explore Europe, this creates both limitations and opportunities, requiring careful planning to make the most of your time.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how we decided where to go with our two kids while navigating the Schengen restrictions, balancing adventure with practical considerations like travel logistics, comfort for the kids, and the 90/180 rule.
Understanding Schengen Restrictions and Why They Matter
Before we jump into destination choices, it’s crucial to fully understand the Schengen Area’s rules and how they affect travel plans. As UK citizens post-Brexit, we no longer enjoy free movement within Europe.
The 90/180 rule means we can only stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, which resets every six months. This limitation requires travelers to either hop between Schengen and non-Schengen countries or carefully select short stays across different destinations.
For a family of four, this restriction means we must plan ahead, deciding how long we’ll spend in each Schengen country while leaving enough buffer for potential delays or changes.
Additionally, travelling with two young children adds another layer of consideration. We need to ensure that wherever we go, we don’t just meet visa requirements but also provide a safe, fun, and enriching experience for our kids.
The Balance Between Schengen and Non-Schengen Countries
One of the first things we considered when planning our trip was how to balance our time between Schengen and non-Schengen countries. Europe offers a variety of beautiful destinations, but not all of them fall under the Schengen agreement.
The Non-Schengen countries like the UK, Ireland, Croatia, Turkey, and certain Balkan countries offer more flexibility to extend our travels in Europe without overstaying in the Schengen Zone.
Our strategy was simple: spend a significant portion of our time in non-Schengen countries, giving us more freedom to explore without constantly worrying about the 90-day limit. Here’s a look at how we divided our time:
- Non-Schengen Countries
We planned to start and end our travels in non-Schengen countries, allowing us to ‘reset’ the Schengen clock in between stays. Our initial destinations included Turkey and Croatia—two countries rich in culture, history, and kid-friendly activities. Croatia, though a future Schengen member, wasn’t part of the agreement at the time, which allowed us to enjoy the Adriatic coastline without counting down our Schengen days. - Schengen Countries
For the Schengen portion of our trip, we carefully selected countries that would allow us to explore a diverse range of European experiences within our 90-day window. We wanted to make the most of our time without feeling rushed, so we chose Spain as one of our main hubs and wanted to experience the hot weather during the winter months in the Canary Island, Tenerife. Both are family-friendly, have a wide variety of activities for kids, and are easy to travel within due to their well-connected infrastructure.
Practical Considerations for Travelling with Kids Under Schengen Rules
While the destinations were crucial, the logistics of travelling with kids and staying compliant with Schengen rules required meticulous planning. Here are a few practical tips that helped us along the way:
- Track Your Days: We used apps and online tools to track our days in the Schengen Zone, ensuring we didn’t overstay our 90-day limit. This allowed us to plan and adjust our itinerary in real-time.
- Stay Flexible: With young kids, things don’t always go according to plan. We booked accommodation that allowed for flexibility in case we needed to extend our stay or cut it short due to the kids’ needs or changes in travel restrictions.
- Kid-Friendly Accommodation: We prioritized family-friendly accommodations, from Airbnb homes with play spaces to resorts that offered children’s activities. This made our stays more comfortable and ensured the kids were entertained.
- Healthcare Considerations: We made sure to understand the healthcare systems in the countries we were visiting, especially in non-Schengen areas. Travel insurance with coverage for children’s needs was a must.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Schengen Time with Kids
Travelling through Europe under Schengen restrictions with two kids can be challenging, but with careful planning, it becomes an enriching family adventure.
By balancing time between Schengen and non-Schengen countries, choosing kid-friendly destinations, and staying flexible, we were able to create an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful regions.
The Schengen limitations may require extra planning, but the rewards are well worth the effort. For families looking to explore Europe, a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation awaits—just be sure to keep an eye on the clock!
