Adventurous family travel in Europe that works in the school holidays

I’m Bea (pronounced Bee). I’ve been working in the travel and outdoor industry since 2006, and I now use everything I’ve learned to help families plan adventurous, independent trips in Europe – which work in the school holidays, without theme parks, tour groups, or canned entertainment.

In 2025 I was named one of Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling, an award celebrating women who inspire others to get outdoors on two wheels. It’s a huge honour; cycling has shaped so much of my life and still guides the way I travel with my own family today.

I started Wild Bee Outdoors after decades of planning our own trips. I’m always looking for the good stuff that’s easy to miss:
🚲 traffic-free cycling routes and family-friendly hiking trails
🌲 free or low-cost outdoor adventures
🏡 simple places to stay that help you get to know a place, not remain apart from it
🚆 Train routes (overnight trains are my favourite), and local buses that take you straight to trailheads and mountain villages

A woman and two kids smile while walking on a wooded trail in the mountains, dressed in tie-dye shirts and hiking gear. A serene scene that reflects the joy of travelling adventurously as a solo parent with kids in nature.

I know how hard it can be to:

Everything I share here is based on trips we’ve actually done. I provide route notes, maps, transport guidance and practical advice so you can travel independently and confidently – exploring the Alps and beyond at your own pace, often without needing a car.

If you love the idea of family travel that’s outdoorsy, culturally curious, and properly adventurous – but still the sort that fits into real life and school holidays – you’re in the right place.

And if you’re curious about what inspired this blog and why it can help with your own adventures, you can read more here.

Start your research here:

A close-up of a person holding a detailed route map outdoors, ideal for travel and exploration themes.

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Recent Posts

My favourite family adventure travel destinations

A child and an adult on bikes smile as they ride along a paved path bordered by vibrant green fields. Behind them, a picturesque village sits at the foot of a densely forested mountain range under a clear sky.

Austria

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A stunning sunset view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks in the Dolomites, with the moon visible in the sky and soft orange and pink clouds stretching across the horizon. The rugged terrain and grassy patches create a dramatic backdrop for a hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites with kids.

Italy

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A hiker descends a dirt path flanked by vibrant green meadows and wildflowers, heading toward the quaint village of Granges de la Vallée Étroite.

France

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Two hikers walk under blooming purple flowers and lush trees near Finca Son Mico on a rural Mallorca trail—this vibrant path is part of a family-friendly hike in the Tramuntana mountains.

Spain

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Disclaimer

I’m not a mountain guide, just a passionate hiker and cyclist. I want you to use the information I provide here, but please, always double-check your plans. Trails can change and snow can stick around even in the height of summer. Take ownership of your adventure. Do your homework, plan your routes carefully, double check the weather forecast, and never head out unprepared. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, pack essentials like maps, navigation apps, food, water, cash, a phone and a battery pack. The mountains can be unpredictable!