This story first appeared on the Union County Moms Network.
People say traveling with kids is just parenting in a different location. Well, I recently did Italy with kids, and here are my 5 tips to make life a little bit easier if you do the same!
Hot Tip 1: Take the latest flight available.
We flew on the 5pm flight out of Newark. Prior to leaving, we did apply and receive Global Entry which provided us with TSA precheck as well. Global Entry is free for the kids, but they do need to have it. We were reimbursed using American Express and the United Credit Card.
Looking back, I wish we took a later flight which would have allowed our kids to sleep longer on the plane. It was an 8 and half hour flight but our kids only slept for about 4 hours before arriving in Rome where it was the morning. It took the kids a solid 4 days to adjust and stop waking up at 4 am.
Hot Tip 2: Request the bassinet when flying with an infant
After booking our normal economy seats I called the airline and requested the bassinet for the baby. Getting the bassinet also meant getting upgraded seats because you need the seats that are near the bulk head (where the bassinet attaches). Having the bassinet meant I did not have to hold the baby for the entire 8 hour flight. It also allowed him to get sound sleep on the plane (pictured below)
Hot Tip 3: Bring the stroller
You may think your child is too old for a stroller, but you will want it. We brought a double Zoe for the two oldest and borrowed a Doona for the baby. Rome and Tuscany are long days of walking and many towns/villages in Tuscany are on steep hills. The cobblestone streets were great for putting the baby to sleep. The Zoe was incredibly light weight making it easy to fold when needed to get on and off trains or in restaurants and the Doona allowed us to not worry about a car seat when getting in and out of taxis.
Hot Tip 4: Book the Wine Tasting in Tuscany and bring the kids
Italians love children. When researching wine tasting in Montepulciano I found so many vineyards that were kid friendly. Some had farms or petting zoos, others had playgrounds and fields for the kids to run around. The one we chose is a small privately owned vineyard that while you are going on the tour they give the kids coloring sheet flash cards of each part of the wine making process.
Hot Tip 5: Be prepared to eat late
If you have specific places you want to eat I would check ahead of time if they are open before 7—many don’t open that early but some do. Restaurants overall are very accommodating. They were always able to make something out kids would eat even if it was not on the menu. My boys ate spaghetti, gnocchi, ravioli, pizza, and of course gelato.
Bonus Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle
One of the amazing things about Italy is their public water fountains. You can find them everywhere. Some even have both flat and sparkling water. It makes it easier to keep your kids and yourself hydrated in the heat.
For more from Union County Moms’ trip to Italy, read her Tuscany with Toddlers Itinerary.
Read more travel stories from the Local Moms Network:
Why I Travel with My Little Kids (Even Though They Won’t Remember It)
