Some people plan days out around landmarks. Others start with walking routes. I've planned a few of ours around where I fancy a coffee. There, I've said it.
I pick an area, find a café I like the look of on European Coffee Trip, and only then see what there is to do nearby. I put the day together so we can stop there along the way or at the end. To the casual observer, an ordinary day out. For me, a quiet little triumph — that café didn't end up on our route by accident.
Parents need something to look forward to as well
When we're planning a day out with kids, we think about whether they can manage the walk, whether the pushchair will get through, where we'll stop for a break and what might catch their interest along the way. All important, of course. But somewhere between the snacks and the spare jumper, there has to be room for something the grown-ups can look forward to. If we're going to survive their childhood in one piece too.
That doesn't mean spending hours in a café while the kids count the gaps between the floor tiles. It can just be a lovely stop along the way. There's still plenty of room for a brilliant day out — walking, exploring and spending time together.
Coffee first, route second
I love coffee. I'm no expert, but I'd rather go without than drink instant. 😄 So when we do stop for a coffee, I want to enjoy it.
European Coffee Trip is my slightly unconventional map for planning days out. It's a curated guide to speciality coffee shops across Europe. For me, it's a handy way to improve the odds of finding a good cup. You can filter for kid-friendly cafés in the app too, which certainly helps.
Then I just look for interesting things to do nearby, so my plan for a great coffee becomes a great day out as well.
A day out can have more than one highlight
What I love about planning this way is that everyone has their own thing to look forward to — and it all fits together perfectly. The whole day doesn't have to revolve around the kids, or around me. There's room for everyone.
So while Cestoteka is all about giving little travellers something to look forward to, I sometimes spare a thought for their grown-ups when I'm planning, too. Parents deserve to come home with a lovely memory of the day as well. Preferably one that isn't cold or left over from yesterday.
I'm mentioning European Coffee Trip because I've used it myself. This is not a paid partnership.