Germany itinerary with a 1 year and a half old

I realize that people do travel to Europe with young children, but honestly think that a trip like this would be better for a 12 year old - old enough to appreciate it, but still interested in hanging around with the parents.

We did a trip to Germany, Switzerland and France when our granddaughter was 13 months old. It was nice to have lodging arranged in city centers so we could return to our hotel or apartment if we needed to after exploring. She enjoyed strolling or backpacking around (cobblestone and trails) for much of the day and even napped well on the go. She also really enjoyed parks and playground swings. While your original trip looks well thought out you could stretch out the more kid friendly parts by making some big cuts/sacrifices. It will not be a popular opinion but you could look at your first 6 days (Berlin to Dresden) and spread those out in the other locations, especially the alps or a lake south of Munich. You’ve got a good plan started and time to dream and see how easy of a traveler your little one will be. Enjoy the process.

@bob thanks so much. That's something that crossed my mind. The other idea might be traveling with my sister in law to take care of the baby whenever we want to do other things.

@mona, that's awesome! Was this your grandaughters first trip? How did you move around those countries, did you have any help?

We took our daughter to Rome and Florence when she was 15 mo old. My in-laws went too and they were a big help-we would take turns going to museums without her.

Thanks Cala, that sounds great! Did you end up getting an apartment? Or different hotel rooms?

@dsauna It was our granddaughters first month long trip to Europe. Her parents went too so there were 4 adults and one toddler but most days we all went together to historic sites, restaurants and always a park. We traveled by train between countries but had a car in Switzerland. She was a perfect traveler and we’ve been back to Europe two more times with just her or she and her little sister. All wonderful trips!

We had different hotel rooms.

Looks like a nice itinerary although I haven't visited Nuremberg or Rothenberg. I would suggest leaving your baby at home if at all possible.

I’m a mom to two (9&15) and we’ve lived internationally their entire lives, so taken many, many trips.

First, I count 22 days. Pick 3 locations as moving hotels/apartments with a small child is tedious. In Austria, Kinderhotels which provide childcare are very popular. Next, stay in an apartment when not at a child-friendly hotel. You’ll want to make and store your own food and European hotels rarely have a fridge. Finally, plan to do 50% of what you’d do without a child. There will be naps, moments and snacks along the way. Tip - bring a portable high chair and portable changing pad as these are not commonly found in public areas.

Not a bad plan, but you only need one full day in Rothenberg. Also, include Dinkelsbuhl, on the Romantic Road. It is another Rothenberg, yet with few tourists.

My son is 21 months old and we did some traveling just before the epidemic so I have recent experience traveling with a one and a half year old :)
First I will say this: after 18 months of selflessly dedicating yourself to your child, you will deserve a vacation! Honestly consider leaving your child at home if you have a trusted relative or friend. Spending time alone with your partner will be very good for your marriage- and for yourself.

If the child is definitely coming on the trip, this is my advice:

• Your child will probably be down to one nap a day, so you and your partner can alternate days going out to explore while the other stays in for a couple hours with the baby. You can each make a short list of sites that you would like to experience without the baby (such as museums) and try to accomplish those during nap times. I wouldn't plan on having them nap in the stroller - this will likely result in shorter naps and a grumpier kid.

• You definitely want more than a single hotel room! Otherwise you and your wife will be hanging out in the bathroom every night while your child sleeps. An apartment is ideal. As others have said, the fewer hotel changes the better.

• Buy them an airline seat and bring an FAA approved car seat. Your child is infinitely more likely to sleep on the plane if they are in their familiar, comfortable and safe car seat. It really is the safest option.

No matter what you do, I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Here is a list of Munich area suggestion that I can personally recommend were popular with a toddler:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/itinerary-ideas-traveling-to-munich-salzburg-with-an-11-month-old

My general advice is similar to what others have said:

• With 22 days I would suggest you narrow it down to 3-4 places max. The short stays (Dresden, for example) you will spend most of you time just getting to your accommodations, changing diapers and trying to eat a meal without making the biggest mess possible than seeing the city. You current itinerary would be stressful for two adults alone, throw in a cranky toddler and it is 10x more so. If cutting cities out is not ideal for you I suggest picking some cities as bases and doing day trips instead of changing locations, for example Munich could be a based for Salzburg, Nuremberg and the Alps. Yes, these might be long day trips but they are possible and save time over changing hotels with a child.
• If possible book accommodations with a kitchen. It take a lot of stress out of the trip to not have to take a toddler to a restaurant every time you eat.
• Bring a high quality stroller with bigger wheels (or purchase one there), I can not stress this enough. The umbrella strollers most people take on holiday usually have wheels that are too small to make it comfortable to push and are not ideal for the child to nap in. It is best to get something like a jogging stroller that will make it over rough streets, curbs, trails, etc. I can personally recommend Phil & Ted brand strollers. Light weight, fully recline and easy to fold up. You will be able to see so much more with a good stroller.

DJ