Tips For Planning a Family Vacation to Italy
If you’re planning a family vacation abroad, Italy is the perfect destination! From beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine to interesting culture and traditional festivals, it will be an experience your family will remember forever. Plus, Italy is full of unique activities for everyone, adults and kids, alike.
Planning an Italy family vacation requires a lot of time, attention to detail and understanding of the destination so that there is something interesting for everyone to enjoy. When planning your trip to Italy; make sure to take into consideration what each person hopes to see and do and what they expect from their trip.
Italy4Real can help you plan a family vacation that will be the perfect combination of sights and budget. If one person wants to take a cooking class in Rome and another wants to take a walking tour through Venice with a local guide, we can design an itinerary that works for everyone.
When considering traveling with kids in Italy, here are a few of the best spots to include in your itinerary, depending on the age of the family members who will be traveling with you.
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A FAMILY VACATION WITH A BABY
Families with babies tend to gravitate towards Southern Italy because of the child-friendly beaches. The waters here are quite calm and the beaches are sandy instead of rocky, making a nice, safe place for babies to enjoy the coastline. The hotels in this area are used to accommodating babies as well, so you will be sure to find a coastal Italy vacation that works for your family.
While visiting museums or historical sites, consider carrying a baby backpack to explore hands-free, as some locations may have limited accessibility for strollers. Plan your itinerary with breaks and rest periods to accommodate your baby’s feeding and napping needs. Do your research ahead of time to make sure you will have the proper gear to make for a smooth trip with a baby no matter where in Italy you’re traveling on your family vacation.
A FAMILY VACATION WITH TODDLERS
Italy is known for its family-oriented culture, and it is a welcoming destination for a vacation with children of all ages. It is advisable with toddlers to plan your itinerary with shorter, manageable activities, allowing plenty of time for rest and play.
Aside from the natural beauty of Tuscany, this particular spot is great for toddlers. It’s a medieval town that is surrounded by historic walls and is mostly free of traffic. It’s spacious so that the children can play, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop off at for a meal. Lucca is mostly flat, making it easy for the kids to walk and for you to push a buggy. Toddlers will love to play at nearby Pinocchio Park too.
A FAMILY VACATION WITH GRADE SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN
Italy boasts numerous child-friendly places that combine fun, adventure and educational experiences. Besides the history of Rome, grade school-aged kids will love the adventures that await them in Sicily. There are family attractions everywhere, including puppet theatres, ice cream shops, swimming, castles, and fun rides. Hotels here will be more than happy to accommodate families, as will the restaurants and cafes.
The key is to plan age-appropriate tours and activities, incorporating interactive experiences and allowing for a mix of fun and educational exploration. Italy’s rich heritage and diverse landscape make it an ideal choice for a family vacation with grade school children.
A FAMILY VACATION WITH TEENS
Full of history and architecture, Rome is a great spot for teens to see their history lessons in action. Likewise, Florence offers enriching experiences for young minds. Climb the Duomo for panoramic views and introduce them to the world of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
In Pompeii, they can take a fascinating journey back in time by visiting the archeological sites, marvel at the ruins and learn about ancient Roman civilization through guided tours.
Throughout Italy, there are opportunities for cooking classes, sightseeing, beaches, and bicycle tours. Wherever you are in Italy, teens will fill their days with pizza, pasta, and gelato, while Instagramming some of the most famous attractions in the world. Plus, there is plenty of shopping so that they can impress their friends with souvenirs when they get back home.
From the canals of Venice and the famous Colosseum to the art, history and breathtaking scenery and amazing cuisine, there’s something for everyone! Taking the kids on a trip to Italy is an experience that they’ll never forget.
TIPS FOR A FAMILY VACATION IN ITALY
- Some shops and restaurants in Italy are closed in the late afternoons. Make sure that you pack some snacks or get lunch before the restaurants and cafes shut down to prepare for dinner.
- Italian families take pride in their clothing and the way they look. Make sure to also bring some nice clothing along with the more casual attire.
- Learn a few key phrases in Italian so that you avoid misunderstandings. If your children have any allergies or special needs, make sure to figure out how to convey that in the local language.
- Pack any essentials like baby food, diapers, and formula. While you can get these things in Italy, they may be more expensive and you might not find the kind that you usually use.
- Plan as much as possible. Make sure to work out the accommodation, transportation, and the itinerary of activities before you leave for Italy. Traveling can be hectic and it will be better for the kids if you keep your trip stress-free and running smoothly.
- Write down the name and address of your hotel as well as your phone number and put it in the pocket or backpack of each of your children. If you become separated, your kids can give the information to someone so that they can find you.
Our tours are completely tailored to your family’s preferences and interests. With our amazing local guides, you’ll experience unique sites and a truly authentic Italian culture. Contact us today to start planning your family’s dream trip to Italy.
