Europe

Visiting Ypres with kids is one of the best ways to introduce the difficult topic of history, warfare and the importance of remembrance with your children.
Belgium, Europe

Ypres with Kids: A Visit to Flanders Fields

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In the Great War between 1914-1918, Belgium became one of the main battlegrounds between the great European powers. A trench system stretching from the North Sea to Switzerland was built in the farmland and mud of Belgium and France. The trench warfare employed by military commanders resulted in over 8 million soldiers’ deaths during the four year span of World War I. As part of the British Empire, Canadian men enthusiastically volunteered to participate in what was assumed to be…

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Imagine being a princess for a day and living in the Chateau de Versailles, outside of Paris! (via thetravellingmom.ca)
Europe

Being a Princess for a Day at the Château de Versailles

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Some of you might have a daughter who constantly insists that she’s a princess (these days, likely one from Frozen). If you’re a mother, you may appreciate being treated like a princess (or queen) from time to time as well. Old World Europe has many castles, or châteaux, where it’s possible to dream of being a princess for a day. Of course, the ultimate castle fit for any princess (past or present), would arguably have to be the Château de Versailles in France. Breathtaking castle and…

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The beautiful Pieta by Michaelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica The gilded ceiling of the Gallery of Tapestries The view from the Dome of St. Peter's is magnificent (via thetravellingmom.ca)
Italy

Five Helpful Tips for Visiting the Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy

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I’ve read that it would take ten years to view every item found in the Vatican Museums. They would surely be worth a trip in themselves if you had the time and the interest, but if you’re travelling with kids, the odds are high you’ll only get one afternoon to absorb all of the magnificent history, art and architecture. Here are our top five tips on maximizing your visit to the Vatican Museums in Rome. Tips for Visiting the Vatican…

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Switzerland is filled with art, culture, food, and these 7 free things to do in Bern that won't cost you a dime while visiting the historic capital.
Switzerland

7 Free Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland

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Bern, the beautiful and historic capital city of Switzerland, is filled with art, culture, food, and – surprise – great things to do that won’t cost you a dime. This is no small deal when travelling in one of the most expensive countries in the world. Our list of 7 excellent, fun, and totally free things to do in Bern Switzerland includes some of the best attractions that money can’t buy. If you pair your visit with a stop at the Migros Marktgasse (Switzerland’s…

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Belgium, Europe

Remembrance: the Centenary of World War I

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The fields of Belgium and France are green and bucolic, filled with quaint villages, farms and church spires. It is nearly impossible to imagine the stripped trees, bombed-out towns and mud quagmire of those same fields, as they would have looked one hundred years ago. The year 2014 marked the centenary of World War I. It was one hundred years since the beginning of the Great War, the War to End All Wars. Tens of thousands of British and Canadian soldiers died…

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