An Unforgettable European Family Odyssey: Navigating Spain, Poland, and the UK with Two Young Children
This isn’t just another travelogue; it’s a testament to the magic and magnificent chaos of exploring Europe with our two spirited boys, a six-year-old and a two-year-old. Our ambitious two-week itinerary saw us traverse three countries – four if you count the enchanting landscapes of Wales – visiting five distinct cities and towns, all centered around a beautiful family wedding. Looking back, the sheer logistics of accomplishing such a journey with toddlers still fill me with wonder. While our days were brimming with laughter and incredible discoveries, they were also punctuated by the inevitable meltdowns and naptime negotiations that any parent traveling with young children will surely understand.
At the heart of our grand European adventure was a deeply cherished event: my dear cousin’s wedding. She and her now-husband, along with their adorable little boy, call Manchester, England, home. Yet, they made the inspired decision to host their nuptials in the breathtakingly picturesque town of Nerja, nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Andalusia, Spain. Their reasoning was simple yet profound: since their families are globally dispersed, most guests would be traveling regardless. Why not choose a truly spectacular location like Spain? And I, for one, certainly wasn’t going to object! Nerja, with its whitewashed buildings, vibrant bougainvillea, and stunning sea views, truly captivated my heart, embodying every charm you’d imagine in a quintessential Spanish seaside community.
Malaga: Our Vibrant Gateway to Andalusia
Before immersing ourselves in the wedding festivities, our initial stop was the vibrant city of Malaga, Spain. This trip had been meticulously planned for quite some time. We had found a fantastic villa in Nerja, but its availability began midweek. Our direct flight from JFK to Malaga, a non-negotiable choice given our two energetic boys (a decision any parent navigating international travel will wholeheartedly appreciate!), landed on a Monday morning. This gave us a wonderful two-day window to explore Malaga, a city we quickly discovered was full of delightful surprises.
We chose a beautiful apartment right in the bustling city center, providing us with immediate access to all the urban excitement. Though we rented a car at the airport, we opted to park it for these two days, as Malaga’s pedestrian-friendly core meant everything we desired was within easy walking distance. Being “in the middle of the action” truly defined our experience. And let me tell you, Malaga absolutely exceeded all expectations. I found myself endlessly mesmerized, wandering through its intricate city center maze, admiring the stunning architecture and soaking in the lively atmosphere. The culinary scene was nothing short of extraordinary, offering flavors that transported us, and even a familiar Starbucks provided surprisingly outstanding, locally inspired options!
Upon our arrival in Malaga, both my husband and I, along with our toddler, were battling severe jet lag, setting the stage for potential challenges. Our immediate, desperate need was a potent dose of caffeine. As if by a mirage, a Starbucks materialized, an oasis offering precisely what we needed. Beyond coffee, we also sought to appease our rumbling stomachs. They served warm sandwiches featuring exquisite Serrano Ham, creamy Manchego Cheese, and fresh shredded tomato. With my first bite, I was utterly in heaven, a moment that still makes me ponder why such culinary delights aren’t universally available (it truly baffles me!). This delightful sandwich marked our first taste of local cuisine, a gateway to the next two days where we embarked on a delectable journey, eating our way through the city in small, savory waves of tapas.
Most of the wedding guests were scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, but my older cousin (the bride’s sister) and her family arrived earlier. They planned to rent accommodation in Malaga for a night, but we had an extra bedroom and eagerly offered it to them. It had been six years since we last saw each other at my own wedding, making this a perfect, much-anticipated opportunity to reconnect and catch up. Her husband doesn’t speak English, creating a lively and amusing dynamic as I found myself happily ping-ponging back and forth, translating conversations between Polish-English and English-Polish for our husbands. However, with the generous flow of wine and vodka that evening, the language barrier quickly dissolved into an unimportant detail, replaced by joyous reunion and shared laughter.
Nerja, Spain: A Wedding Wonderland by the Mediterranean
From Malaga, we embarked on a scenic drive along the stunning Mediterranean Sea towards Nerja. As the designated driver, I was largely focused on the road, but my family was utterly spellbound by the evolving landscape – a breathtaking panorama of rugged mountains meeting the sparkling azure sea. It was a truly magnificent journey, even from behind the wheel!
As I mentioned, the pinnacle of our Spanish leg was attending my cousin’s wedding in Nerja. This was more than just a celebration; it was an incredibly emotional and heartwarming reunion with family members, some of whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years. Just recalling those moments brings tears to my eyes – the joy of reconnecting, the shared stories, and the pure happiness of being together. For many, it was also their first time meeting my two boys, adding another layer of special memories to the occasion.
We had rented an exquisite villa, perfectly situated right next to the wedding venue. Perched on a hill, it offered truly outstanding panoramic views of the glistening Mediterranean. Our days were filled with leisurely activities: dining out at charming local eateries, splashing and swimming in our private pool, and taking relaxing strolls on the nearby beach. Every moment felt like a dream, creating a truly unforgettable and idyllic family vacation experience.
The wedding itself was as beautiful and enchanting as its Nerja setting. My cousin, the bride, looked absolutely radiant and stunning. Adding a delightful touch of personality and modern flair, she walked down the aisle to the iconic theme song from Game of Thrones – a show I’m completely obsessed with, so you can imagine my delight! The cocktail hour unfolded on a magnificent rooftop terrace, offering even more breathtaking views of the coastline. Guests mingled, savoring refreshing sangrias and a delectable array of passed appetizers. The reception and dinner then moved to the main wedding hall, which featured a truly ingenious addition: a dedicated play space for children, complete with attentive babysitters and an exhilarating bouncy castle. How cool is that for a wedding setup? This thoughtful provision allowed all the adults, especially us parents, to fully immerse ourselves in the celebration without a single worry about our kids – an absolute necessity, as no Polish wedding, even in Spain, is truly complete without a generous, celebratory dose of vodka for everyone aged 18 and over!
As the evening progressed and the dinner concluded, the festivities gracefully transitioned to a subterranean lounge. This unique space boasted captivating windows looking directly into the swimming pool, setting the stage for an epic nighttime disco that pulsed with energy until 4 AM. It was, in essence, all the vibrant, joyous, and boisterous elements of a traditional Polish wedding, but with the added exotic charm and warmth of a Spanish setting – a truly perfect fusion!
Beyond the wedding, we also seized the opportunity to explore the famous Nerja Caves. These natural wonders are, quite rightly, considered one of the most significant tourist attractions in the entire Andalusian region. Capturing their grandeur in photographs proved challenging due to the unique lighting, but the experience of being inside them was absolutely unforgettable. If you ever find yourself in Nerja, I implore you: do not skip these magnificent caves. And almost equally important on your Nerja itinerary, especially after a visit to the caves, should be savoring the signature Spanish Paella, best enjoyed fresh by the seaside. Both are essential experiences to add to your bucket list for this enchanting town.
Wroclaw, Poland: A Homage to Heritage and Gnomes
Following our sun-kissed Spanish escapade, we boarded a flight to Wroclaw, my cherished hometown in Poland. This European journey presented a precious opportunity to reconnect with my mother and the rest of my maternal family. Once again, we opted for an apartment in the heart of the city, specifically on the vibrant main square. Wroclaw’s historic center is renowned for its colorful facades and picturesque charm. This central location provided us with unparalleled accessibility to all attractions, and it also served as a convenient hub for hosting friends and family, many of whom I hadn’t seen in decades. The warmth of these reunions was truly priceless.
Wroclaw has gained considerable fame for its charming little gnome statues, which are playfully peppered throughout the entire city. These delightful bronzes are literally everywhere, and my oldest son absolutely loved embarking on a “gnome hunt.” There are even dedicated gnome information centers, offering maps that pinpoint the location of each and every one. It’s an incredibly engaging and super fun activity that adds an extra layer of magic to exploring the city, especially when traveling with children, transforming every corner into a treasure hunt.
The food in Wroclaw is, to my admittedly biased palate, simply outstanding. We savored some of the biggest and most flavorful pierogi imaginable, devoured our fair share of delicious Kielbasa (Polish sausage), and enjoyed copious amounts of refreshing Polish beer. A particularly sentimental highlight of our visit was making a pilgrimage to the very bench in the botanical gardens where my husband proposed to me seven years ago. In a beautiful full-circle moment, our six-year-old son proudly captured a photo of us on that exact same bench, creating a new cherished memory where an old one was made.
While Poland typically enjoys very pleasant weather during this time of year, our visit coincided with an extraordinary and somewhat challenging heatwave. Temperatures soared into the mid-90s Fahrenheit, accompanied by high humidity, which made our sightseeing adventures a bit more demanding than anticipated. Despite the heat, the vibrant atmosphere and the joy of family kept our spirits high.
Manchester and Wales, United Kingdom: A Cooler, Castled Finale
Our eventual flight back to the U.S. was scheduled from Manchester, signaling the need to make our way to Great Britain for the final leg of our incredible European journey. This transition brought with it a significant, almost stereotypical, shift in temperature and weather. We arrived to the familiar English embrace of rain and temperatures in the mid-50s Fahrenheit – a stark contrast to the sweltering heatwave we’d experienced in Poland! While the weather didn’t entirely cooperate for extensive sightseeing in Manchester itself, we made it a mission to seek out “the best” fish and chips in the city, complete with the essential malted vinegar. The quest was a delicious success, a true taste of British tradition.
This final stop also provided a precious opportunity to reconnect more intimately with the newlyweds, as we stayed at their home, and my cousin’s parents. Although we had seen everyone in Spain, the wedding whirlwind had been so intense that there wasn’t ample time for relaxed conversations and shared drinks. This quieter period allowed for deeper connections and cherished moments with family.
On our last day in the UK, we embarked on a memorable day trip to Wales, venturing out to its beautiful seashore. Fittingly, almost as if on cue, the clouds parted and the sun emerged as soon as we crossed the Welsh border, gifting us with lovely, pleasant weather. The landscape of Wales was utterly inspiring, with its rugged beauty and dramatic coastline. Our highlight was visiting Conwy Castle, a truly majestic medieval fortress. My six-year-old was absolutely captivated, convinced he had stepped into a magical realm. He immediately envisioned knights, kings, and dragons inhabiting its ancient walls – a clear sign that we might have another Game of Thrones enthusiast in the making! It was a truly fantastic, immersive experience for the entire family, sparking imagination and creating indelible memories against a backdrop of historical grandeur.
And with our visit to the majestic Conwy Castle, our whirlwind European travels concluded. We boarded a jumbo jet for our return journey home, an experience our six-year-old thoroughly enjoyed, marveling at the different sections of the massive aircraft. Throughout the trip, we encountered a few minor hiccups and scraped knees, but nothing truly serious or insurmountable. We all returned home feeling happy, healthy, and incredibly enriched by the experience. I must admit, traveling across continents with two young boys can indeed be a challenging endeavor, demanding patience and flexibility. However, the unparalleled exploration – culturally, geographically, and culinarily – made every single effort immeasurably worthwhile. These memories of discovery and family bonding are treasures that will last a lifetime.