From London Sights to Belgian Treats to Parisian Magic: Three Cities, One Epic Family Eurotrip

Although I had travelled to London a couple of times before, my mom really wanted to visit our family there and as she’d never travelled outside of the Caribbean, I was happy to oblige her request so she could see more of the world! She wanted to take all of her grandkids (ages 4, 4, 8, 11, and 13) and then my sister also wanted to come so it ended up being 8 of us! Logistically, it was a pain to plan with that many people because we would need to get either 2 hotel rooms or a big Airbnb (spoiler alert: we opted for the latter). And of course, since we were already going to be over there, it wouldn’t be a “Toya Trip” if I didn’t add on a couple of other countries as well so needed to figure out at what point in the trip we would do that as well 🙂

Although it used to be pretty easy peasy flying to London in the past, now you need an electronic travel visa. It costs about $22 and the approval is pretty immediate (within a few minutes you’ll get an email with the approval). However, if you don’t get it quickly then you probably got rejected. That is exactly what happened to my friend who was heading to London separately around the same time. She never received an approval and found out (through her own detective work) that she was rejected. Somehow, her passport was reported missing or stolen unbeknownst to her! 

Fast forward to the day of departure. Although there were flights to London practically every hour, I strategically chose the flight leaving at 9:30pm since that is around the younger kids’ bedtime. I figured with the 7-hour flight time, if they go to sleep as soon as we take off then it’ll be enough rest to hit the ground running when we land. Some listened, while others didn’t (and paid the price for it that day!).

Day 1: Settling In

Since it ended up being 9 of us on the flight as my sister’s ex husband was on the same flight, we decided to take a taxi Instead of trying to figure out where to meet an uber. We ended up needing two taxis because UK cars are SMALL! Brixton is about an hour away and one taxi was about 120 pounds (read: we should’ve just trekked to the Uber spot!)!

The Airbnb was perfectly sized with four bedrooms and three and a half baths. We were able to drop our bags at noon but since the house was still being cleaned, we walked to nearby Brixton Village to find lunch until we could check in at 3pm. We were starving so we didn’t get to explore too much before running into Canova Hall which looked like it could work for everyone. Unfortunately, the food ended up being just mediocre. 

The highlight of our lunch was our cousins popping up at the restaurant! It was a total surprise and so good to see them! And then when we got back to the AirBnB, there was a thoughtful gift basket full of British goodies and snacks from them! 

Since the first day was designed to be pretty low key to help get the kids acclimated to their new surroundings, the time difference, etc., my sister and I left the kids with my mom and went to a British grocery store called Sainsbury for some essentials for the house. Since no one felt like venturing out for dinner, we went to Maureen’s Kitchen, a local spot literally located in the back of Maureen’s house. Everything is cooked in her own kitchen, and there’s a small outdoor eating area. We ordered the platter which comes with three meats (we tried the curry goat, sweet chili chicken, and oxtail), peas and rice, plantain, coleslaw, and macaroni pie. We actually met Maureen and chatted with her for a bit. I had high hopes because I heard such good things about the food, however, nothing lived up to the hype…except for the mannish water, which reminded me of goat water from Nevis. That was SO good!

Day 2: East End Food Tour

Whenever we visit a new country, I love starting with a food tour. It’s the perfect way to explore the culture, meet locals, and eat amazing food. So, we joined Eating Europe’s East End Food Tour. We had to get to Spitalfields so took the train which was a 5-minute walk from our AirBnB.

London is notoriously expensive, and this tour (Eating London: Brick Lane, Shoreditch & Spitalfields Food Tour) was no exception with a cost of $115 for adults, $101 for teens, and $85 for children. Thankfully, CJ and Quest (both 4 years old) didn’t need tickets since they wouldn’t be eating (huge win in my book!). Even better, I found a promo code that saved us 90 pounds (over $100!), which made the price much easier to stomach.

The tour began at 11am at Old Spitalfields Market in East London, an area known for its diverse communities, vintage shops, street food, and art galleries. In addition to our guide, we also were joined by three fellow New Yorkers, which made the experience even more fun. Over the next three hours, we stopped at six different places.

Stop 1: Funky Cellar – Our first bite was a croque monsieur—a warm, toasted ham and cheese sandwich with creamy béchamel sauce. Rich and delicious, it was a strong start to the tour.

Stop 2: Swan Bakery – Here we sampled egg custard tarts. I went for the taro flavor, which was subtle and pleasantly sweet. I’m not usually a fan of egg custards (bad memories from a trip to Macau!), but this one was surprisingly enjoyable.

Stop 3: Poppies Fish & Chips – No London food tour would be complete without fish and chips, and Poppies delivered. The fish was perfectly crispy and flavorful. The mushy peas, however, were not a hit for me…though I didn’t mind them as a dip for the fries. Poppies Website »

Stop 4: Aladin House – Often touted as one of the best curry spots in London, we tried a few different curries and sipped on mango lassi. While the flavors were great, I was surprised that none of the dishes were actually spicy, despite some being labeled as such. Aladin Website »

Stop 5: Beigel Bake – Open 24/7, this small shop is a London institution famous for its salt beef (corned beef) bagels. It’s always busy, with a line out the door. It sits right next to The Beigel Shop, its so-called “friendly rival.” Whether the rivalry is real or not, the bagels are definitely worth the wait. Beigel Bake Website »

Stop 6: Humble Crumble – We ended on a sweet note at Humble Crumble, where we tried their classic apple crumble. It was super sweet, rich, and satisfying – exactly the kind of dessert you’d want after walking and eating all afternoon.

Along the way, we passed some fascinating historical landmarks, including The Ten Bells—a pub dating back to 1666 that is famously connected to Jack the Ripper because two of his victims, Mary Jane Kelly and Annie Chapman, were rumored to have had their last drinks there. The pub is even said to be haunted!

Despite the higher price tag, this tour was an excellent way to experience East London’s food scene. The tastings were generous, the guide was knowledgeable, and the company (both the hosts and fellow foodies) made it a memorable outing. We were sooo full at the end of it so well worth the money spent!

Given how close we were, we decided to walk across the iconic London Bridge. What we didn’t anticipate, though, was just how long of a walk it would be—especially with kids in tow! About halfway across, we opted for a classic London experience and hopped on a double-decker bus. The kids were excited, but unfortunately, there was no air conditioning (which seems to be the norm in London!).

We rode it to the end of the bridge, then walked back across. Of course, we had to snap a few family photos on the bridge before catching the train back home to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 3:  Iconic London Landmarks and Unexpected Twists

Today’s adventure in London was all about soaking in the city’s most iconic sights. Instead of hopping on the train, we opted for a classic double-decker bus ride, which instantly set the tone for a quintessential London experience. Our first stop was Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you’re planning to go, the best viewing spot is right in front of the gates for an unobstructed view. My sister and the kids opted for higher ground and found a pillar to climb to get a better view.

From there, we wandered through St. James’s Park – a serene escape in the heart of the city. The park is dotted with ducks, lush greenery, and even a playground, making it a perfect spot for families or anyone looking to slow down and enjoy nature.

Next, we passed Big Ben, one of London’s most famous landmarks and a true symbol of British identity. Fun fact: “Big Ben” technically refers to the massive 13.7-ton bell inside the tower, not the tower itself. Another fun fact: its timekeeping is adjusted by adding or removing old pennies on the pendulum!

Then, we walked to Victoria Embankment, a riverside promenade along the Thames River. While there are plenty of red phone booths scattered across the city (and we probably passed three other on the walk over!), I wanted to go to Victoria Embankment for the photo so I can capture the London Eye in the background 🙂

After snapping photos, we embarked on a 40-minute walk to Borough Market, excited for some foodie exploration… only to discover it’s closed on Mondays! Lesson learned: always check opening days before you go. Luckily, Honest Burger came to the rescue with juicy burgers, crispy fries, and refreshing drinks. I enjoyed a blueberry mule, while Avery loved the mint lemonade.

To wrap up the day, we headed to Tower Bridge Quay for the 4:45pm Horrible Histories Terrible Thames tour. At just 45 minutes, it was short but packed with entertainment and quirky historical facts. A fantastic way to end the day on a fun, educational note!

Day 4: Brussels Bound 

Our fourth day of vacation started bright and early with a 7 AM train ride from London to Brussels. If you’re planning this trip, arrive at least an hour before departure because immigration and security lines can be surprisingly long.

After a smooth journey, we grabbed a taxi to the Moxy Hotel (great location and reasonably priced), dropped our bags, and hit the streets to explore Belgium’s capital. The first stop was the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official administrative residence of the King. Interestingly, the royal family doesn’t live here. They reside at the Palace of Laeken. Instead, this palace serves as the King’s workplace, hosting state visits, official receptions, and political meetings.

Next, we walked to the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably one of the most beautiful squares in the world (see Brussels post for pics of Grand Place). Surrounded by ornate Baroque guildhalls and cobblestone streets, the square hosts cultural events like the Flower Carpet (every two years in August) and festive celebrations during Christmas.

Just a short walk from the Grand Place is Manneken Pis, the famous bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain. Created in 1619, there are several legends about the statue: one claims the boy saved the city by extinguishing a burning fuse with his urine; another says he was punished by a witch for peeing on her door. Over the centuries, the statue has been stolen, vandalized, and restored multiple times, but remains a beloved symbol of resilience and joy.

Fun fact: Manneken Pis has a huge wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes, which are displayed at the GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum nearby. During festivals, he’s often dressed up—and sometimes his fountain even flows with beer or chocolate. The day we visited, he wasn’t wearing any clothes at all!

From quirky statues to sweet treats, our next stop was a waffle-making workshop. I’ll admit; I usually avoid cooking classes (if I don’t like cooking at home, why do it on vacation?), but this was a blast! The kids loved mixing batter and decorating their waffles with chocolate, fruit, and whipped cream. It was hands-on, fun, and delicious. The perfect family activity!

After lunch, we headed to Mini Europe, a unique park near the Atomium that showcases over 350 miniature models of Europe’s most iconic landmarks at a 1:25 scale. The park even features interactive elements like an erupting Mount Vesuvius and moving trains. It was both educational and entertaining, making it a hit with both the kids and adults.

And, the cherry on top for me was that I was able to view the Atomium, a structure I had wanted to see since my first visit to Brussels a couple of years ago. Although I didn’t get to walk through the futuristic corridors and ride the high-speed elevator to the top sphere, I was happy enough just getting a picture in front of such a unique looking structure.

By the time we got back to the hotel, we only had a few minutes to shower and change before our dinner reservation. We actually ended up changing the reservation to a bit later because we wouldn’t be ready in time (they were not too pleased about that!). Located in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (a shopping center in the heart of Brussels), The Lobster House offered seafood, Belgian specialties, and traditional dishes…and was walking distance from our hotel (about a 20-minute walk). While the service at the restaurant left much to be desired (slow, inattentive, and oddly rushed when the food finally arrived), the dishes were excellent. We indulged in lobster bisque, mussels in cream and garlic, prawns, sea bass, waterzooi lobster, escargot, and steaks for the boys. It felt like we ordered half the menu—and loved every bite. Great way to end a jam-packed day!

Day 5: A Day of Parisian Icons: Eiffel Tower & Louvre

We kicked off the day with another early-morning wake-up call – because nothing says vacation like rushing half-awake to catch an 8:19 a.m. train. We left from the same Brussels-Midi station as before (pro tip: there’s more than one major station in Brussels, so double-check you’re heading to the right one unless you want early-morning cardio).

Two hours later, we rolled into Paris with zero fuss—no immigration, no stamping, just a smooth glide into the city of lights. We found the line for the taxis outside the train station but we had to wait for a van since there was 8 of us. The attendant told us it could be a long wait… unless we wanted to take a “friend of his” who just happened to be parked nearby with a van ready to go.

My spidey senses were screaming no, but with a gaggle of restless kids and stomachs growling, I caved. Desperate times, desperate decisions. And that’s when the “fun” began.

After arriving at the hotel, the taxi driver claimed his credit card reader had no Wi-Fi, which conveniently meant he only accepted cash—despite having no meter and no explanation of the fare. When I told him I didn’t have cash, he offered to drive me to an ATM.

Sir, absolutely not.

Then he suggested I pay in USD and gave me a conversion so outrageous it would’ve cost over $100. I told him the most I had was $50 and that was all he was getting. After getting the hotel front desk involved, he ended up taking the $50 US. Welcome to Paris indeed (insert eye roll here!).

Once checked in, we took a short five-minute walk to L’Inspiracion restaurant, and the food made up for the taxi annoyance ten times over.

We ordered:

• Candied eggplant – surprisingly delicious, soft and sweet
• Spring rolls with escargot – yes, snails in spring rolls, and yes, it worked
• Grilled duck with truffle pasta – rich, decadent, perfectly cooked
• Crème brûlée – because if you don’t order crème brûlée in France, did you even go?

You’d think one transportation hiccup was enough for the day. Nope. When we called an Uber to head to the Eiffel Tower, the driver pulled up, took one look at us, and announced he was “only taking three people”… despite the app clearly showing the car had room for four. His explanation?He “works with Uber, not for Uber.” Crazy! We let him go and called another one.

Once we finally arrived, the sky started teasing us with a light drizzle. Umbrellas up, cameras out! We took our photos like the dedicated tourists we are. The Eiffel Tower amazes me every time…despite this being my fourth? fifth? time visiting it.

Because the drizzle turned into a steady sprinkle, we grabbed a couple of Ubers and headed to the Louvre. Of course, the drivers dropped us at different entrances because why would anything be easy?

We walked around, regrouped, and somehow ended up paying a random guy outside the Louvre to take photos of us.

For dinner, we decided on a barbecue spot called Melt that was already buzzing with a long line when we arrived. Thankfully, the line moved fast and we only about a 30-minute wait. I honestly didn’t have high expectations for Parisian BBQ but the food was surprisingly good. We had the potato salad, coleslaw, smashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with feta, pork belly, brisket, ribs, and hot Thai wings. There was still a line out the door when we left, which tells you everything.

Day 6: Disneyland Paris

This was the day! The one the kids had been counting down to since we left home: Disneyland Paris! My original plan was to take the RER A train straight to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, the station right at the park’s entrance. However, when I checked Uber prices that morning, the ride was only 55 euros and about 40 minutes. With multiple kids, bags, and the chaos that comes with large family travel, the decision was instant and easy: Uber it is!

Disneyland officially opens at 9:30 a.m., but we rolled in fashionably late around 10:30. Since we had our luggage with us, our first stop was the SNCF train station just before the park entrance. It was the same station we’d be leaving from afterward. They had lockers big enough for our bags and the XL one was only 9 euros.

We had purchased our tickets online weeks ago, but naturally… technology chose violence that morning. I couldn’t download the tickets no matter what I tried. So off to Guest Relations I went…only to find a line that was absolute madness. Thankfully, a kind Disney cast member took our booking reference, disappeared into the back, and reemerged with printed tickets like some sort of Disney-themed angel. Crisis averted!

Once we finally entered the park, we explored, went on a couple of rides, navigated crowds, and tried to keep track of kids who kept getting distracted by everything. We also found our extended family who were also visiting Disneyland that day!

We blinked and suddenly it was 4pm, which meant it was time to head back to the train station. While we waited for our train, the kids were getting antsy so we got snacks which then meant bathroom runs. Side note: Using the bathroom in the station is NOT free and actually costs 1 euro. A very important detail when traveling with kids! Thankfully, we could use a credit card.

Our train was delayed, and all the announcements were in French—so we were basically absorbing the information through context clues and vibes. The train itself wasn’t anywhere near the comfort of the Eurostar, but it got us where we needed to go. We had to transfer trains (and stations!) in Lille which meant a 10-minute walk from one station to another. There, we went through French customs, then UK customs, then airline-style security. It felt like catching a flight… just without the airplane.

We went through the Channel Tunnel (the railway tunnel beneath the English Channel that connects the UK with France) – which explained why it was dark for what felt like forever – and finally arrived at St. Pancras train station. From there, we grabbed a taxi back to Brixton for 49 pounds. Everything always sounds reasonably priced in pounds until we do the conversion and watch our eyeballs fall out! British pounds have a special way of humbling you!

Day 7: A Day Packed with Fun, Food, and Family

One of the big things on my London bucket list was experiencing Notting Hill Carnival, and not just watching from the sidelines. I wanted to play mas (per usual). Months before the trip, I registered with the Reign Mas band and prepaid for my costume, which was scheduled to be ready a few days before Carnival. Picking up the costume sounded simple enough… until it wasn’t. We took an Uber from Brixton all the way to Dagenham, which took about an hour. Then we waited another hour for the costume to actually be handed over. Then, another hour back to Brixton. Three hours for one costume! Despite us being gone so long, when my sister and I returned to the Airbnb, no one was ready and they were all moving at glacial speed, so we didn’t leave again to really start our day until around 2:30 pm.

We hopped on the tube and headed straight for Hamleys, the largest and oldest toy store in London. As expected, the kids absolutely lost their minds as soon as they stepped through the door.

• Five floors of toys
• Live demonstrations
• Bubbles, drones, magic tricks happening all around
• Salespeople who were basically professional entertainers

If you’re under 12 (or honestly, under 100), Hamleys is heaven.

After escaping Hamleys with our wallets only slightly damaged, we wandered around Oxford Circus looking for somewhere quick to eat. We ended up at Coqfighters, and was not disappointed. We ordered wings, mash with gravy, and corn on the cob. Everything was flavorful, affordable, and surprisingly satisfying for a quick stop.

Then it was time to head to Luton for our cousin Donniece’s barbecue, so we headed back to St. Pancras train station and bought tickets for the EMR train. Here is the funny part: one-way was £20.80 and roundtrip was £20.90. For 10 pence more, you get a whole return! Why wouldn’t I buy the roundtrip? No brainer. The express train only made two stops and got us to Luton in about 25 minutes. The intent of the barbecue was to introduce us to more family members and friends in the UK. It was such a warm, fun evening filled with good food, good music, lots of laughter, and even more new faces.

By the time we were ready to head back, it was near midnight, and with several kids guaranteed to fall asleep instantly, we weren’t about to juggle trains and connections. Getting an XXL Uber was impossible at that hour, so we split up into two regular ones which was about £42 each. Not a bad price at all for a 90-minute ride back to Brixton.

Day 8: Fetes & Food

As mentioned, part of the reason we chose this specific time of year to visit London was for Notting Hill Carnival. In the days leading up to the parade, there are tons of soca fetes and events held across the city. But with all the kids in tow and our itinerary already bursting at the seams, we decided to do just one fete: the Ruk-a-Tuk Premium Morning Boat Ride.

We took the train to the O2 Arena and grabbed breakfast at All Bar One. I also made the questionable decision to try a sausage roll from Gregg’s (a popular British bakery chain with grab-and-go food), but let’s just say it was not very good. Once we boarded the boat, though, it was pure vibes. Good music, great energy, and meeting lots of strangers turned friends.

The boat docked at 3:30 p.m., and I immediately looked at the time and thought, If we move fast, we can still make it to Borough Market before it closes at 5pm. Challenge accepted.

And we did it! At the market, we divided and conquered, grabbing bites from all the must-try spots: La Bomba Paella, Shellseekers Oyster Bar for fresh oysters, La Tua Pasta for burrata and truffle tortellini (living rent-free in my mind!), Bread Ahead Bakery for crème brûlée doughnuts, Turnips for black truffle risotto and fresh juices, and The Black Pig for a gourmet pork sandwich.

We did all of this in one hour and every single bite was worth it. Borough Market is officially a must-do for any London trip. I am so glad we squeezed it in!

Day 9: Brunch in the Clouds, Climbing the O2, and a Fancy Finale

We had a jam-packed itinerary which started with brunch at Duck & Waffle, located on the 40th floor with sweeping views of central London. We lucked out with a prime table right against the windows. It is known for its traditional Sunday roast, but I had my eyes on the Duck Benedict (I’m always a sucker for an eggs benedict!), and it did not disappoint. I paired it with a fun twist on an Old Fashioned which was tasty as well. Our table turned into a mini tasting menu with blood pudding (not like my country Nevis’ version!), polenta balls, waffles, French toast, pancakes (which was a bit thick), sausage, bacon-wrapped dates, and a lobster roll. Everything was absolutely divine!

Next on the list was Climb at the O2. The O2 Arena is essentially London’s entertainment dome, and yes, you can actually climb over the top of it. After a briefing video and getting strapped into our harnesses, we made the 90-minute ascent (longer than I’d imagined!) and enjoyed fantastic views from the top. They provide the climbing shoes, but you do need to bring socks. The minimum age is 8 years old and for climbers aged 8–17, there must be at least 1 adult per 5 children. Since the littlest ones were too young for this activity, my mom stayed with them outside. There is actually so much to do in the immediate area, I figured they wouldn’t be bored (though after a quick snack, she reported that they both fell promptly asleep, lol).

For the final event of the day, we had a private room reserved for afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel, an absolutely gorgeous, old-money-feeling boutique hotel. The room was stunning. The tea experience was interactive and very kid-friendly:

• First, the kids made their own fizzy lemonade in a mini “experiment”
• Then came the tea (and “hot chocolate” for the kids)
• Sandwiches arrived next with dry ice poured in the container for a full smoky, magical effect
• And then more food and drinks kept appearing

It was such a perfect ending to the day and felt like a really reasonable cost at 40 pounds for kids and 60 pounds for adults for everything we received, including the private room for 2 hours (which was plenty of time).

Day 10: The Big Day – Notting Hill Carnival

Today was the day! The real reason for this entire trip, besides visiting family and bringing my mom along: Notting Hill Carnival! Notting Hill Carnival was created to celebrate and preserve Caribbean culture and attracts over 2 million people over the two-day celebration with Sunday being Family Day and Monday more so for “big people” (i.e., adults).

We took the train to our band meeting point (I forgot what stop we got off but ultimately, we just ended up following everyone else!) and waited until the masqueraders were ready to move out. The energy was high, the colors vibrant, and the basslines nonstop. It was fun, but definitely a different vibe compared to other Caribbean carnivals I’ve participated in. Although the parade route was 3.5 miles long, the crowd was massive everywhere you turned and at times it felt like entirely too many people in a very small space. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised given it is the second largest carnival in the world, after Rio. While I’m glad I experienced it once, I don’t think I’d return for Notting Hill specifically. Next time, I’d love to try Leeds Carnival, which is smaller, more intimate, and better represented by the smaller islands.

Day 11: Heading Home

Since we had to check out of the Airbnb by 10am, there wasn’t time to do anything but pack last minute items and call the Uber to Heathrow airport. It was about 49 pounds and took about an hour. I was exhausted from all of the activities we fit in with 5 kids in tow but it was an amazing experience with memories that will last a lifetime.  

Random thoughts:

• In London, the Tube is your best friend. It is fast, efficient, and easy to navigate, even with kids. We used Uber occasionally for convenience, but honestly, the trains beat driving almost every time. Even traveling to other cities (or countries!) was simple, usually with no more than one connection.
• What is the difference between England vs. UK vs. Great Britain? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Here is what I discovered:
  • England = just England
  • Great Britain = England + Scotland + Wales
  • United Kingdom (UK) = Great Britain plus Northern Ireland
• Oyster card vs. Bank card: You don’t actually need an Oyster card for the train. Most visitors can just tap in/out using a contactless bank card (which is what we did) or Apple/Google Pay. However, be careful if travelling in a large group with kids. Only two kids under a certain age are allowed to enter with one adult on a single card so you’ll need to use multiple cards to cover everyone.
• The Eurostar was incredibly efficient, comfortable, and fast. Easy border control, smooth boarding, and a great alternative to flying – especially when traveling with kids.