Today we’re peeling back the curtain to highlight one of the lesser-known gems we’ve found in Europe: Montenegro. Not only does it offer stunning scenery and a historic and charming Old Town, it’s an affordable and lesser-known destination that’s ripe for family exploration. You can read exactly why below.

Plus, the $9 PB&J that I stumbled across in the airport got me thinking about all of the snack foods that we pack on our trips—including PB&J, which is totally acceptable to bring through a TSA checkpoint. We’re highlighting a few family faves, below.

And don’t scroll past this week’s directory highlight, the dreamiest English vacation home with an adorable bunk room that’s a designer’s dream.

Why Montenegro is worth a closer look

If I close my eyes and summon up a scene from our eight months of slow travel, the little balcony above—overlooking the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro—is what springs to mind. Barely big enough to perch a cafe table and two folding chairs when its two sea-green, wooden shutters were swung open, it’s tiny footprint only amplified the striking sea and mountain views that it gave way to.

You can read more about the Airbnb here.

Located a two-hour drive south from Dubrovnik, the town of Kotor is the farthest point from the open ocean within the expansive bay, its Old Town ensconced by protective stone walls and the sheer mountainside. Here, there’s a bit less polish than you’ll find in Croatia’s tourist-centric city centers. A bit more grit. And in that, we felt like we’d achieved a more authentic glimpse into the Adriatic everyday.

While there are a handful of equally appealing nearby towns that deserve a day trip, we found our rhythm in slow mornings overlooking the sea, trips to stock up at the daily farmer’s market, and post-naptime ambles through Old Town’s narrow streets, frequently punctuated by breaks for gelato or to pet stray kittens. Here, stunning cathedrals tower above open squares that invite kids to kick soccer balls or twirl aimlessly. Cafes filled with outdoor seating and massive umbrellas create shady spots to sip coffee or wine. Tiny shops, galleries and pubs fill the spaces in between. And above it all – snaking up the mountain in a defiance of gravity – is a wall that leads to the old Kotor Fortress.

Here are our top recommendations for a leisurely stay in Kotor:

• The climb to the Fortress of Kotor
  A dizzying hike that leads to the most stunning bay views

• Touring the Bay of Kotor by boat
  Leave early to visit Our Lady of the Rocks before the crowds!

• Old Town and the farmer’s markets
  A manageable but seriously charming historic and Medieval city

• Perast and other local exploration
  Across the bay, dozens of idyllic towns dot the coast

For more details on each of these, plus other reasons that Montenegro will forever be burned in my memory, read our full recap.

Travel-friendly snacks to pack

I popped into the Plum Market inside DTW’s MacNamara Terminal this week and rolled my eyes at the $9 sticker on a PB&J that didn’t even have enough filling to see. Just a little reminder for ALL of us that PB&J is totally allowed through TSA checkpoints, and so are tons of foods and snacks.

Here, we’re sharing our favorites that are easy to toss into a bag, almost always welcomed by the kiddos and a total lifesaver in a hungry (or hangry) pinch:

• Vitamin C Pops | Perfect for ascent and descent ear pressure on planes

• Kid’s Healthy Flavored Water Packets | Makes hydration way more fun

• Choc-Chip Oat Bites | Small but filling snacks that hold up in a backpack

• Fruit Gel Bar | These will last in the heat of a beach bag AND I like them too

• Toddler Whole Milk Packets | A total lifesaver if you’re still using bottles

• PB&J Maker | A bit of whimsy (and less mess) for an otherwise everyday snack

• Roll-Up Water Bottle | Ideal for airports and takes up so little space till needed

Cozy in Croyde

Beach Bay Cottage in England’s North Devon countryside is an ideal find for families with children, located just minutes from the amenities and beaches of Croyde. Guests will find a selection of books and games at the cottage and the children’s cottage cozy bedroom which comes with two bunk beds. For little ones, a cot and a highchair are provided.

Both beaches and restaurants are within walking distance, and a small back patio includes both a hot tub and pizza oven for al fresco dining. But can we take a moment for this sweet-as-can-be design? We love the nooks and crannies in this cozy country home.

Need more ideas? The Kid-Friendly Stays travel directory is the perfect first stop in your next family vacation adventure, wherever you wanna go(!), offering a curated collection of hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and VRBOs for your perusal.

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