Ciao, Baby! Traveling to Italy: Lessons Learned
Even a family-friendly country like Italy can be tough to navigate with young children. Fear not. With a little preparation, you can come through unscathed. Written by Tracey C. Velt
Our family took our first trip to Italy when our daughter was 2 years old and our son was 12 years old. We took our second trip to Italy the following year. Guess you can say we’re gluttons for punishment, huh? In reality, I don’t care how old my kids are; if the opportunity to travel presents itself, my husband and I are in.
From 10-hour flights to motion sickness on water taxis, the one thing I wished I had before the trip was advice from other moms who’ve traveled overseas with young ones. Fear not; that’s what I’m about to give you. While my perspective is on Italy only, much of Europe, and even Latin America, is similar, so this savvy advice can help you navigate an international trip with kids in tow.
PICK THE RIGHT STROLLER Leave that big, bulky stroller at home. Oh, and ditch the umbrella stroller too. You need something light enough to carry over bridges (Venice is not handicapped-accessible!) and with big enough wheels to travel easily over cobblestones. The most important aspect: It must have a seat that reclines. I chose a Baby Jogger City Mini, and it was perfect.
FORGET THE EARLY BIRD SPECIALS Italians eat late — like 8 p.m. late. In fact, many restaurants don’t even open until 7 p.m. Stop by a local coffee shop for a sandwich around 4 p.m., but order at the counter and then sit down. It's cheaper! And while restaurants are family-friendly, don’t expect crayons or a children’s menu. Children are expected to order off the regular menu or share a meal. A plus: Many of the restaurants have the whole family working, including children, who are wonderful at entertaining your little ones so you can have a leisurely meal.
SWEAT IT OUT OK, I admit that I take air conditioning for granted. So, when our four-star hotel in Rome didn’t have it, I was shocked. Actually, the hotel did have it, but it's only turned on during the summer months. We were there in the spring, and leaving a window open wasn’t an option — too many pigeons and no screens! So, do your research to ensure your room has air conditioning. Most four- and five-star hotels have it, but you never know.
SLEEP TIGHT I was relieved to know that the hotels we were staying in had cribs. However, the condition of some of them was sketchy. I wasn’t worried about the safety of my 2-year-old, but I might have felt differently if she was younger. Again, call the hotel to find out what the crib situation is, or bring a small, portable crib if you must. The less you bring, the better, but it’s totally worth it to bring your own crib sheets and some Lysol wipes to clean the crib.
PLAN ACCORDINGLY In most of the small Italian towns and even some of the big ones, stores and attractions (not restaurants) shut down for at least two hours at lunchtime. In fact, if you travel out of season, some stores never open at all, or have very limited hours. But it’s the perfect time for a leisurely lunch, gelato and a nap. And remember, many Italian towns are built on hills, so there are lots of steep walkways. You'll get a workout, trust me!
POTTY TIME The first year we went, my daughter was still in diapers. Finding a spot to change her was no big deal. Italy has very nice, clean public restrooms. But be prepared; you usually have to pay to use them, and rather than the toilet seats you’re used to, it’s like sitting on the potty rim. Yikes!
6 Must-Haves 1.
Diapers and
wipes — they can be expensive in Europe.
2.
Crib sheet, blanket and your child's favorite bedtime story.
3.
Travel-size delicate wash soap is a necessity, as kids will get messy.
4.
If you have a picky eater, pack some favorite individually wrapped snacks.
5.
Sticky toilet liners and Lysol wipes are invaluable!
onestepahead.com
6. A lightweight
stroller with large wheels and a reclining seat.
PLAYGROUND Summer 2011 41
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