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Traveling with your children can be fun and exciting, but at the same time requires careful planning. Families from around the world pick Italy as one of their favorite destinations and with some good reasons. After all, there is plenty to do and see in the country well amours for its magnificent history and architecture. The country is safe, fun and one need not wait until the kids are grown to visit Italy. After all, it is one of the most kid-friendly cultures in the world, and a trip here can be immensely educational for the children. All you need to do is look for suitable rentals in Italy and break through cultural barriers. You would be surprised to see how your young ones are able to mingle freely with the locals who are warm and friendly. This is the best way to introduce them to new sights, experiences, and tastes of Italy.
When to Go
Traveling with children in Italy requires little extra planning and one of the first most important decisions is when to go. July and August should be avoided as this is the time when both crowds and prices soar. Pack light but keep all the essentials you would need for your children.
Getting the right accommodations
One of the big favorites among families traveling in Italy with kids are the rural accommodations in Italy. One can rent out apartments with kitchens or stay in a resort and plan itineraries accordingly. Bigger villas are suitable for a few families traveling together. Most family-friendly accommodations are at a walking distance to town or the transport hub. Most hotels are close to many local eateries and the main attractions.
Travel around with children
A great starting point is to fly into Rome and explore other major cities from there. One can either choose the rail system or rent a car and explore the spots on their own. Global Pass from Eurail is popular with the tourists. If it is stressful to drive in large Italian cities, it is best to hire a taxi.
Kid-friendly sightseeing and activities
As Rome was not built in a day, it is not possible to cover it in just a few days. One would need to make several trips to explore the entire history and major attractions and cities of Rome. When visiting Rome with your kids, keep in mind what your family would like to do. Many cities are not kid friendly way and thus should be avoided. While Venice is truly magical, it is too crowded for the children. Still, there is something special in each city that should not be missed.
- Spend a few hours in Milan and thanks to the excellent transportation system; you can cover up much of the city. You can make a trip to nearby Lake Como.
- Cinque Terre is a favorite with families and is a region of 5 fishing villages. There are hillside trails, and one can hop from one village to the next. However, if you have toddlers, you are likely to get tired early.
- Visiting Florence is like walking straight into a museum. There is plenty to do and see here such as Mercato Centrale, Piazzale Michaelangelo, Boboli Gardens, Della Reppublicca and the carousel at Piazza Della Reppublicca.
- Rome is, of course, the top city and rightfully so as it is home to some of the most iconic places in Italy. It is chaotic, crowded and busy but boasts of many attractions and tourist spots.
- Some of the most popular destinations for kids in Italy are Tuscany and Amalfi Coast which is beautiful and makes for a scenic drive. However, avoid self-driving down the Amalfi Coast because of the narrow road full of hairpin turns and drops.
- Escape to the “Green Heart of Italy,” the Umbria region which is famous for its greenery and natural surroundings.
- If you have active and grown-up children, you can climb a Volcano in Sicily or Naples. The whole family can have a thrilling outdoor adventure.
- Kids of any age group would love a Venetian boat ride, and it would indeed make for a unique experience.
Some tips
- It can be troublesome to use a stroller in Italy because of its rough streets and narrow sidewalks. It is better to wear your little one in a carrier. As there’s a good chance, you’ll be walking quite a lot in Italy, pack light and wear light clothes. Carry water bottles and light snacks.
- Most Italian restaurants don’t have kids’ menus but are willing to make different kinds of pasta for your little ones.
- Italian pharmacies provide excellent baby food and other baby supplies.
- The food is extremely kid-friendly, and there is sure to be pizza or pasta on nearly every menu.
- Enjoy Gelato, or Italian ice cream, which is a favorite thing to do with kids in Italy.
- Families often enroll in cooking classes, and there are many options offered all around Italy. You can learn to make your own pizzas and pasta.
- Always use a guide if visiting Roman Forum or Pompeii to get useful and live information.
- If looking for authentic Italian food, you would need to get off the beaten paths. You will be amazed to find fantastic food in certain spots that are not so well known to the tourists.
- It is a good idea to learn a bit of the language, and simple Italian phrases and words will allow you to get around.
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