On this episode, we’re traveling through Central Europe with Travel Mom Amy and her husband, along with their two kids, Emma (14) and Kellen (12), as they embark on a Budapest, Vienna & Prague family vacation, their first European adventure as a family.
It was a week packed with castles, culture, food, and fun family memories — all planned together as a team. If you’re planning a Central Europe family vacation, this itinerary offers an ideal blend of history, family-friendly activities, and local flavor.
For more family vacation inspiration, check out all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
Planning a Central Europe Family Vacation
Like many travel-loving families, Amy started with the dream and then let airfare decide the destination. Using Google Flights’ map feature, she compared prices across Europe. When she found flights into Budapest and out of Prague for under $650 per person, the itinerary fell into place.
“Budapest was the least expensive,” Amy says. “Then I realized we could take the train between each city, and it was only $30 more to fly home from Prague.”
The family spent three nights in Budapest, two in Vienna, and two in Prague, traveling by scenic trains in between (two hours and four hours).
Involving the Kids in the Planning
Amy involved the kids in planning so they would feel part of the whole travel journey. “I gave each of them the list of cities and told them to pick one thing they wanted to do in each,” she said.
Emma’s Picks
- Budapest’s open-air marketsÂ
- Vienna’s Time Travel VR Experience to learn history in a fun way
- Prague’s Ghost Tour, led by a 15-year-old guide who mixed storytelling with history
Kellen’s Picks
- A golf cart tour around the Buda side of Budapest
- Visiting Vienna’s Spanish Riding School for a behind-the-scenes tour of the horses
- Exploring Prague Castle and its towers for sweeping city views
Amy added her own birthday wish as they were traveling over her birthday…a relaxing visit to the famous Turkish baths in Budapest, followed by a night Danube River Cruise to see the city’s Parliament and castles beautifully lit.
Budapest Highlights
The first stop on their Budapest, Vienna & Prague family vacation was Budapest, a city filled with history, charm, and warm hospitality.
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Strolling local markets and taking a chimney cake-making class
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Soaking in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths (complete with locals playing chess in the pools!)
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A night river cruise with views of the illuminated Parliament building
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Staying at the InterContinental with adjoining rooms for family comfort
Vienna Highlights
Next on their Central Europe family vacation, the family explored Vienna, famous for its music, art, and horses.
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Touring the Spanish Riding School and seeing the majestic Lipizzaner horses
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Exploring the Time Travel Vienna interactive museum
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Enjoying schnitzel at the original restaurant where it was created
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Staying in an apartment across from the Vienna Opera House
Prague Highlights
The final leg of their Budapest, Vienna & Prague family vacation took them to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires.
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Touring Prague Castle and walking across the iconic Charles Bridge
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A historical ghost tour that brought local legends to life
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Relaxing at a family-friendly boutique hotel with castle views from the skylight
Family Travel TipsÂ
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Let kids help plan – It builds excitement and ownership.
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Book flexible flights – Search open destinations on Google Flights to find the best deals.
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Use train travel – Fast, scenic, and an adventure in itself!
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Mix planned and spontaneous – One “must-do” each day leaves room for discoveries.
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Look for family rooms or adjoining hotel suites – It’s worth it for space and sanity.
Why Travel Abroad as a Family Matters
“This was my favorite vacation we’ve ever taken,” Amy says. “Seeing Europe through my kids’ eyes,  and watching them connect the dots about history, culture, and daily life, was so special.”
Her daughter Emma summed it up perfectly: “Europe is so different from America. The food is better, people dress up more, and everything feels special.”
đź‡đź‡ş 🇦🇹 🇨🇿
Thank you for joining us, Amy, Emma, and Kellyn!
For more family vacation inspiration, tune in to all the podcast episodes. Â Adventure Awaits!
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