After months of reading and researching...thanks to the board I feel confident that my husband and I are prepared to take on the task of escorting a toddler through Italy. Rick has an excellent write-up on traveling with young children, but I wanted to see if anyone else has attempted this. I am well-travelled, but this will be my husband's first trip outside the U.S. We are changing apartment/hotel only twice during our 13 day trip, which I think will help. Does anyone have any other advice on travelling with youngsters?
Posted by
Range di Polcenigo, V/F, Italy
16 posts
OK, we have lived in Italy for three years now. Our boy is 4 y.o., but was not quite 2 y.o. when we got here. We learned that letting him have "kid time" during our excursions made the day(s) more enjoyable for everyone. Let your angel chase the birds around a square (and take lots of pictures). Let him/her have pizza/gilato when ever he/she wants. Don't worry about your old schedule. You'll get back to that when you get home. Yes, indeed on bringing a stroller. Even if you have to purchase a new one, look for one w/a compartment underneath (for your packages) and a snack tray/cup holder (child and adult!!). We bought a very compact one for $40 that has traveled all over Italy, Germany, Austria, Croatia and Slovenia. He is almost too big for it now and we have done Venice w/out it (too many birds though ... not much fun). Sorry for the long response, but Italy can be lots of fun, if you remember this is a family vacation and you won't be getting many "romantic nights". Oh, one last thing, if your precious is not potty trained, Italy does not have an abundance of "changing stations". So, bring a changing pad and be prepared to change little one on a quite side street and LOTS of Purell and wipes. Hope this is helpful from someone who has done it. Salute!
Posted by
Atlanta
2 posts
Try to find a childrens play park, if possible. Running with other children is what most kids like to do, no matter where they are. Also a lightweight folding stroller kept our backs in alignment and our toddler could catch cat naps as we wisked in and out of sites and stores. (You can also hang your purchases on the handles) Also much easier to carry up and down "non handicapped" area's and subways. And last, an inflatable ball is an instant game or diversion. Don't forget, plenty of snacks.
Have fun!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Just a side question -- Why not let the two year have a great bonding experience with grandmother? (Understand if grandmother is not available). We didn't take our sons with us until they were around 8 or so when they could understand and participate in the trip. And some of the great family stories told are about these times. My mother was not the world's greatest cook. One of our older son's favorite dish is Beef Burgundy. She substituted bourbon when she could not find the red wine. Hey, it started with a B.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Just a note that children under 4 ride free on Italian trains but they don't get a seat. However, you will find that trains just don't fill up (some exceptions). You won't have a problem. I'm betting that you will hear a few "bella bambino" remarks.