Virtual Spring Break Around the World: A City a Day

• an easy recipe to bring the taste of place home
• a virtual tour to make you feel like you are really there
• a book to keep the story of your journey alive
• common phrases for the destination

Each day focus on a different city and encourage the kids to use the local phrases and taste a new dish inspired by the flavors of the place. If you have a local restaurant that features cuisine from one of these places consider ordering take out (taste of place + local small business support). Encourage your children to ask questions and do a little of their own research about the destination. Have fun with it and find out where they might be interested in visiting in the future.

Barcelona

• Recipe: Tortilla de patatas
• Tour: Take a virtual tour of one of the most popular spots in Barcelona and a beautiful example of Gaudi’s work.  Head to Park Guell
• Book: A Stroll with Mr. Gaudi
• Phrases: Hello – Hola    Goodbye – Adios    Please – Por favor    Thank you – Gracias

Florence

Florence is one of my favorite places on Earth and a great spot for families. It is easily walkable and a little less hectic than Rome.

• Recipe: Antipasti picnic or Italian Apple Cake
• Take a virtual tour of one of the most art galleries and museums in the world – The Uffizi Gallery
• Book: Renato and the Lion
• Phrases: Hello – Ciao or Buon giorno    Goodbye – Ciao or Arrivederci    Please – per favore    Thank you – grazie

London

London is a great city to introduce children to international travel with interesting history, approachable culture, and plenty of kid-friendly sites and activities.

• Recipe: Sausages and apple mash
• Tour: The Tower of London is one of the most popular sites in this packed city and has plenty of stories to keep the whole family entertained.
• Book: A Walk in London
• Phrases: (a few fun phrases)   Goodbye – Cheerio    Bangers and mash – sausage and mashed potatoes    Chips – french fries   Crisps – potato chips

Sydney

• Recipe: Bircher muesli
• Tour: The Taronga Zoo is a phenomenal facility and the staff is so knowledgable and caring the kids are sure to fall in love with this place.
• Book: Captian Kangaroo and the Big Bush Bash 
• Phrases: (a few fun phrases to add to your repertoire) Hello – G’Day   Goodbye – Hooroo   Barby – barbecue/grill   Bikkie – cookie   Good on ya – great job/well done    Brekky – breakfast

Marrakech

A vibrant city combining cultures from different regions including French, African, Middle Eastern, and Spanish. The kids are sure to be fascinated by this place.

• Recipe: Moroccan Date Cake
• Tour: The whole city is a beautiful tapestry – Marrakech Tour
• Book: The Street Cats of Marrakech
• Phrases: Hello – ssalamu lekum    Goodbye – Ila yemsek’la khir    Please – afak’    Thank you – shukran bezzef

If there are other cities you are interested in showing your children just search online. There are so many ways to bring a little international exploration to your everyday life.