traveling with a one year old

Personally, as a great-grand mother, I would never leave children with strangers while on vacation or home, especially in a foreign country. Do you have parents or sisters that could watch you daughter while you and your wife enjoy some time together?

Your hotel may offer babysitting service, e.g. the Rome Cavalieri, which I think you could depend upon to be reputable and safe for your daughter. You might want to take that into account in your trip planning.

" has anyone ever left there child with a sitter while in a foreign country." Never did, never would.

We did this 27 years ago at a large hotel in Jamaica. The babysitters were all full time employees of the hotel who earned a little extra money this way. Hotel provided the list, and made the connection. Now when I think about it, I sort of can't believe we did it. But the world did not feel so unsafe and suspicious then.

I think a one year old is a bit young to be on this trip. If there is a family member(s) you could leave her with here, I think you and your wife would enjoy your trip a lot more. We left our children with their grandparents for a week or two several times. We made sure they had medical power of attorney before we left. If you do decide to take her with you, I would plan on taking her everywhere. I just would not be comfortable leaving her with a stranger. Not worth the risks.

Rick's done it in the past, when his kids were little. Many hotels offer sitters. I've never used them, I'm too anxious about leaving my kids with someone I don't know. Another option would be a staying-in date bring some dinner and wine back to where you're staying, put your daughter down, and enjoy a little alone time. We did this in France when our son was 22 months old. Our place had a little kitchenette and sitting area with a window overlooking a courtyard. Not quite the same as a night out, but nice nonetheless.

hey there everyone thanks for the replies, i knew the risks but i thought i would ask, as much as we are looking forward to travelling with our litte princess, we are planning a 5 week trip and we live in Australia so leaving her behind is not an option, but we thought surely we could get away with one night off! :-)
thanks for the tips!

Is there any chance you could bring someone along on the trip who could babysit for you? I'm lucky, my mother loves to travel, we like her company, and this way we have an extra adult who can stay with the kids if we want to go out at night. We too will be going to Europe for five weeks in July and grandma's coming along to enjoy the fun!