There’s nothing like seeing Europe through your kids’ eyes for the first time. Travel Mom Maya, co-founder of GlassTats and mom of two girls (14 and 9), joins us to share her Paris and London Family Vacation. From perfume-making in Paris to musicals in London, Maya shares honest insights, favorite finds, and tips for families planning their own European adventure.
For more family vacation inspiration, check out all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
Making the Most of Your Paris and London Family Vacation
Maya and her family spent eight days abroad after visiting relatives on the East Coast for three weeks. With just over a week in Europe, she focused on quality over quantity, spending four days in Paris and four in London, and chose one major activity each day.
Tip: “Pick one big thing a day, then leave the rest open,” Maya says. “That flexibility made the trip fun instead of stressful.”
Paris Highlights
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Where They Stayed: An Airbnb in the Marais district — walkable, lively, and filled with cafés, boutiques, and local markets.
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Must-Do Activities
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- A self-guided tour of the Paris Opera House (where Phantom of the Opera is set).
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A hands-on perfume-making class at Fragonard Parfumeur, the girls’ favorite experience.
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A visit to the Notre Dame virtual reality exhibit, where the family learned about the cathedral’s history in a fun, kid-friendly way.
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An evening at Trocadéro for dinner and to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
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Don’t Miss: Fresh seafood and local charm at Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest food market in Paris, and a hidden gem for lunch in the Marais.
London Highlights
- Getting There: The family took the Eurostar train from Paris to London, which was “easy, quiet, and much better than flying.”
- Where They Stayed: A boutique hotel near Hyde Park, surrounded by international restaurants and easy Tube access.
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Favorite Experiences:
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Visiting the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels.
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Climbing St. Paul’s Cathedral for panoramic views.
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Seeing Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End.
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Shopping in Soho’s Carnaby Street, Selfridges, and Liberty of London.
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Exploring Hyde Park by bike on their last morning.
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Family Travel Tips from Maya
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Plan loosely: One highlight per day is plenty.
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Keep meals flexible: Pick up baguette sandwiches in the morning to avoid midday “hangry” moments.
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Let kids help choose experiences: Involving them increases excitement.
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Mix culture with fun: A perfume class or VR experience keeps kids engaged.
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Book major flights early: The family booked their main tickets five months out, then filled in details closer to departure.
Why it’s important to travel with your kids
For Maya, traveling with her kids is about more than sightseeing. “Exploring is a way of growing your perspective,” she says. “It’s energizing and inspiring — and the memories you create together are priceless.”
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Thank you for joining us, Maya! You can shop GlassTats on their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
For more family vacation inspiration, tune in to all the podcast episodes. Â Adventure Awaits!
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