You're Taking Kids to Europe?!
When we told people that we were taking our girls to Italy, some people thought we were absolutely crazy. How would a 7, 10 and 13 year old handle an 8 hour flight, ridiculous jet leg, hours of touring and European dining? I’ll be honest…It did worry me, but my conviction to “carpe diem” was stronger than my fears. Many who are contemplating a trip to Italy with the bambini (or to any international destination) have asked my advice, so I’ll share my personal experience.
I spent months researching and planning and taking every step possible to create an itinerary and experience that would make everyone happy. One of the hardest parts was deciding where to go as first timers and with only 10 days. Rome was a given, but we were torn between heading north or south. We ultimately decided upon the former, renting a home in northern Tuscany. In the end, it was the trip of a lifetime - one that I reflect upon so fondly, so often. As we approach our one year “anniversary”, I can still say it was the best vacation we have ever taken (NOTE: The food situation from Italy deserves its own dedicated post. Stay tuned…). But I do feel that this was mainly due to the amount of legwork I put in beforehand. Such as…
Do Your Homework
Do some research and talk to others who have been. This will help you narrow down where exactly you want to visit, and then you can work on accommodations and itinerary. It’s important to consider factors such as weather and holidays/events.
“Prep” Your Children
This may sound odd, but I truly feel it was a key component to the girls’ interest level and engagement at many points of the trip. In education, before we teach a new skill, we immerse children in the topic and develop their schema (background knowledge). This research based practice heightens their motivation and willingness to learn. So…the teacher in me researched materials and activities that would serve as a springboard to the educational components of our trip. In addition to practicing Italian words and phrases with the girls, as well as encouraging (a.k.a. forcing) them to try some more truly authentic Italian dishes when dining out here in the U.S., I ordered some books to bolster their understanding. I also managed their expectations with realities (such as, no ice cubes for drinks in Italy!)
Utilize a Family Focused Travel Expert - It feels as though there are hundreds of tour and travel companies specializing in Italian/European vacations, but through my research and experience, I highly recommend the following two.
Ciao Bambino is an award winning full service travel agency. Ciao Bambino can book full vacation packages, or just help with part of your vacation planning via itinerary assistance. Mandy was wonderful in helping me fill in parts of the trip of which I was unsure. Since their expert agents have vetted all accommodations, and assessed the child-friendliness, they can find you the best lodging to suit your family’s needs
www.ciaobambino.com
Livitaly Tours provided us with our most fun tour in Rome! Rachel, our knowledgeable guide, escorted us around the city via golf cart! I knew nothing about this unique and thrilling experience until Mandy from Ciao Bambino recommended it! Rachel customized our tour based on the girls’ interest and. energy levels throughout the day, and also knew exactly when it was time for a gelato run. She also taught us how to identify the best gelaterias!
www.livitaly.com
Boat ride through the Cinque Terre
Making pasta in our Tuscan villa’s kitchen
Tuscan breakfast on the veranda
Aroma Ristorante with a not-too-shabby view
Overall, as with any vacation (or, let’s be honest… really any day of the week), I hope for the best, but keep my expectations low. Inevitably…flights will be delayed, luggage will be lost and the kids will still fight (just in a different location!)…but right alongside of those events will be some of the most memorable family moments.
