Remember when the secret to saving money on travel was simple?

Wait a few weeks after summer ended, head to Europe in late September, and enjoy lower prices, thinner crowds, and that wonderful feeling of having discovered a “sweet spot” in the travel calendar.

Looking back, I can’t imagine a better introduction to international travel with a young child. It had all the things I love about Europe: Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, cozy cafés, French being spoken all around us, Christmas markets, and storybook charm around every corner.

The best part was that we never had to deal with an overnight flight, major jet lag, or the cost of flying across the Atlantic. It also happened to be the trip that completely changed the way I pack.

Traveling with my family is one of the greatest joys of my life. Does it come with challenges? It sure does. The truth is, family travel is rarely perfect. There are tired feet, missed expectations, weather that doesn’t cooperate, and moments when everyone needs a snack and a little extra patience. But those are also the moments that make the memories real.

Our recent trip to Norway had all of those things, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Over the years, I’ve realized the parts of a trip that wear people down are rarely the actual destinations themselves. The breakdown is almost always in the transitions, whether that is the arrivals or the departures. The in-between moments are where things either flow smoothly or don’t, and it makes all the difference in whether the trip feels seamless or scattered.

Because of that, these are the things I prioritize when planning Europe trips, whether it’s a luxury itinerary or something much simpler.