You already know that family vacations make lasting memories. You cherish the memory of your chubby little cherub on the beach. Your princess’ eyes still light up when she remembers breakfast with Belle at Walt Disney World. And the whole family giggles every time someone recounts Dad falling out of the raft on the first mild rapid. Now you think the kids or grandkids are ready for their first international trip. But where to go?

Whether this will be the first international trip for just the children or everyone in the family has a brand new passport, Great Britain is an excellent introduction for an American’s first trip abroad.

No Language Barrier

Travel to a foreign country can be a bit intimidating if you don’t speak the language. Fortunately, that’s not an issue for Americans going to Great Britain, although you’ll find that British English uses some words differently than American English.

My kids embraced the new words immediately. They delighted in the fact that we put the suitcases in the boot of the car and wore trainers on our feet. By day three, my then 8-year-old son proclaimed that he was feeling “a bit peckish and would fancy some chips.” My then 5-year-old daughter begged me to let her “hoover the floor” when we got home (I gleefully let her!). Travel Maestro tip: These different word meanings are easy to understand, yet they expose children to a new culture.

Low Culture Shock

Residents of the United Kingdom live lives not so very different than Americans, compared to say, herders of the Masai Mara in Kenya, the crush of people and poverty in India, or the complexities of a Japanese toilet. But some differences will stand out and offer a learning opportunity.

Cars in Europe are generally smaller than American cars and public transportation is used more. Instead of jumping in a family-sized SUV, the kids will love “minding the gap” on the tube in London.

You’ll be using pounds instead of dollars for purchases. Your first order of business is to learn to identify the different bills and coins and to calculate the exchange rate so you know how much you’re spending. Travel Maestro tip: Math practice becomes fun when shopping for souvenirs!

Tasting a country’s food is a great way to learn more about their culture. In Great Britain, the food isn’t so foreign that picky kids will go hungry, but different enough that it will be memorable. Travel Maestro tip: My kids were thrilled to find the prize of a sausage buried in their mashed potatoes, so bangers and mash became one of their favorites.

Sense of History

With 2,000 years of history, Great Britain has plenty of engaging stories to tell. In London alone, you can learn about mummies on a kids’ tour of the British Museum, hear dark tales of imprisonment and beheadings at the Tower of London, and learn about the Guy Fawkes gunpowder plot at the foot of Big Ben.

Across the United Kingdom, other historical sites are plentiful, making it an engaging first international trip. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon, see the mysterious prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, and tour the historic Edinburgh Castle. Travel Maestro tip: Ask your vacation advisor for advice on sightseeing passes, private tours, and the best times to visit popular attractions to maximize your time.

Royalty Reigns

Being a princess is the stuff of dreams for little girls the world over and Americans of all ages have an infatuation with British Royalty. Grandparents have admired Britain’s beloved Queen Elizabeth II for over 65 years. Baby Boomers fell in love with Princess Diana, and in recent years the “Fab Four” of the next royal generation has captured our attention.

The pomp and circumstance around British Royalty is certainly a sight to see. The precision of the changing of the Guard is a must-see and a view of the incredible Crown Jewels at the Tower of London will take your breath away. You can also see the royal coronation chair at Westminster Abby where many kings and queens are married and buried.

And then there are castles. Lots of them. 900-year-old Windsor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world and the Queen’s weekend home, should be at the top of your list to visit. Enjoy medieval re-enactments and joisting competitions at Warwick Castle, and envision the court of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. 1,000-room Hampton Court was a palace of Henry the VIII with amazing gardens. Travel Maestro tip: The kids will love trying to navigate the famous hedge maze.

There are few things better in life than spending quality time with the ones we love while we experience new things. Without question, traveling to new places and opening our eyes to different cultures is a brilliant way to do just that. Great Britain is an excellent choice for a first international trip for families because of the low stress and interesting sites for all ages. Get in touch with a Covington vacation expert to find out more and customize your trip.

You might also enjoy these other Travel Maestro blogs about Great Britain:

4 Proven Ways to Explore Interesting England

Exciting Filming Locations in the UK That Will Put You in the Movies

The Royal Residences of Britain

Visit Highclere Castle for a Taste of the Real Downton Abbey