Traveling To Italy With Kids – Complete Planning Guide

Planning a family trip to Italy can be both exciting and daunting, especially with little ones in tow.

With a 4-month-old Liam and our 6-year-old Livvy, we had to make sure that our adventure was properly planned and we were prepared for everything.

Well, not everything went according to our plans – they never do, but we were prepared for the most of it. 

Also Read: Traveling in Style – 3 Summer Airport Outfit

Want to know how we planned our Italian adventure? Here is how:

Checking Hotel Availability 

The first thing we did while planning our trip to Italy was to research family-friendly hotels. Selecting a single place to stay out of the hundreds of options was a difficult task. We prioritized places that provided amenities for kids families, such as cribs, high chairs, and spacious rooms. 

In Venice, we decided to spend our visit at the Albergo Marine. We booked a room for four and the pricing was adequate. The facilities in our package included free wifi, air conditioning and free breakfast every morning. 

On the other hand, we stayed at NH Collection Roma Giustiniano in Rome. They offered babysitting facilities! Trust me, having an experienced babysitter is the best thing a mom could ask for on vacation—especially with a 4-month-old.

Booking in advance was crucial, especially since popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice tend to fill up quickly. 

Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb were our go-to resources for finding suitable lodgings.

 

Food Considerations 

Being a picky eater’s mom is the hardest job ever! You have to carefully research all the food options available before going on any trip. 

If I’d have to describe Italy in three words, I’d say it’s a ‘ Food Lover’s Paradise’. Using food blogs and family travel sites, we planned our culinary adventures. 

Naturally, You don’t visit Italy without indulging in pizza – it’s practically a rite of passage in the birthplace of this beloved dish. We discovered that most restaurants offered fantastic pizza options that Olivia absolutely adored. From classic Margherita to fun, kid-friendly toppings, there was something for every palate.

Pasta was another hit. We sampled creamy carbonara in Rome, savory lasagna in Florence, and fresh seafood pasta along the coast. 

Gelato shops and bakeries on every corner meant that quick-fix snacks were available everywhere we went. Moreover, grocery stores ensured that we got milk and other essentials for Liam in cases of urgency. 

Places To Visit 

We planned our Italian adventure to include spots that everyone would love. We went through travel blogs, TripAdvisor, and family travel forums to figure out the best places to visit with our little monsters. 

Venice was the highlight of the trip, with our gondola ride being a magical experience, especially for our 4-years old Liv. 

We marveled at the Colosseum in Rome and explored the vibrant streets, taking in historical sights like the Roman Forum. Olivia loved Explora, the colorful, playful museum for kids under 12. 

Florence is another memorable part of our trip. The stunning architecture of the Duomo got Bryan talking about it all day long!

We also spent sunny days at beaches like Lido di Jesolo and Rimini. Bryan and Livvy had a blast building sandcastles and running in the waters, but I had to be under the shades with Liam most of the time. 

We made sure to include every place that Olivia would love to visit in our 18-day trip itinerary. Seeing her face light up with joy made everything worth it.

Transportation 

We opted for public transport in Italy, which was convenient and efficient. However, if you decide to drive, here are some tips for you.

Avoid driving in major cities like Rome and Florence, as they have strict driving and parking regulations that can result in hefty fines. Plan to park outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and take trains to get into the city. 

Parking can be challenging, so check with your Airbnb or hotel about parking options before your arrival.

In Venice, Florence, and Rome, a car isn’t necessary. We relied on trains, which were comfortable and scenic. Venice, accessible only by boat, requires using a vaporetto (public boat) or water taxi to get around. 

The narrow, winding roads to the Amalfi Coast can be daunting so you should consider taking a ferry from Naples instead. 

We personally relied on trains and buses, or opted for a taxi at places like Tuscany. Bryan does not feel comfortable driving in a foreign land. Therefore, not renting a car made our journey stress-free and enjoyable for all. 

Compilation Of Documents 

Traveling to Italy requires some essential documentation, especially when traveling with a baby. Here’s what we prepared:

1. Passports: We ensured that all family members have valid passports. For Liam, applying for a passport involved providing a birth certificate and a photo.

2. Visas: Check if your country requires a visa for Italy. The US offers 90 days in Italy visa-free so we did not have to worry about this one. 

3. Travel Insurance: We opted for comprehensive travel insurance that covered medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

4. Health Documents: We made sure to carry Liam’s health records, including vaccination history, in case of any medical needs while abroad.

5. Rental Car Documents: If you plan to drive, an international driver’s license may be required along with your home country’s driver’s license. Bryan opted not to drive himself, so we did not have to worry about this one either. 

Packing Essentials 

Packing for an international trip with a baby is no small feat. I had to start packing a week before our departure and maintaining a checklist was a must-do. This ensured that we did not forget any of the important stuff behind. 

We tried to keep the weight of our baggage low so that we do not get tangled up in managing our stuff rather than having fun. Here are a few essentials that we packed: 

1. Clothing: Italy’s weather could vary often and Bryan and I weren’t ready to get stuck up with two sick munchkins in a foreign land. We packed layers for Liam and Olivia. From onesies, to pajamas and jackets, we were prepared for every temperature. 

2. Baby Essentials: Traveling with Liam meant that we had to dedicate a portion of our bags to his diapers, wipes and bottles. We also carried a portable sterilizer along with us. 

3. First Aid Kit: Carrying a small kit with baby-safe medications, a thermometer, and basic first-aid supplies is crucial.

4. Power Banks: Our mobiles don’t care about the foreign lands we are in and so we need to be prepared to feed them when they are about to die. This is where power banks, chargers and adapters came in. 

Wrap Up!

Our Italian adventure, planned to the utmost details beforehand and full of exciting experiences, was unforgettable.

From breathtaking cities to delicious food and convenient transport, every moment was cherished. Traveling with kids in Italy was a joy, filled with laughter and discovery. 

Ready to create your own family memories? Book your trip now!

You may reach out to us if you have any other questions. Safe Traveling!