{"id":1780,"date":"2014-01-16T05:04:38","date_gmt":"2014-01-16T10:04:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=1780"},"modified":"2020-06-13T06:53:29","modified_gmt":"2020-06-13T10:53:29","slug":"overseas-toddler-traveling-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/overseas-toddler-traveling-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"Overseas with a Toddler: Traveling in Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overseas with a Toddler: Traveling in Italy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

My husband and I and our two-year-old daughter spent July traveling in Italy. We wanted maximum enjoyment with minimum hassles, so we began planning six months in advance. \u00a0Most of the arrangements were made through the internet, which left me the slightest bit uneasy until we arrived.<\/p>\n

Happily, we had few surprises.<\/p>\n

Everything promised on the websites was accurate and, in some cases, exceeded our expectations. \u00a0Securing the major necessities\u2014plane tickets, accommodations, car rental\u2014beforehand allowed us to relax and enjoy making the smaller decisions of where and when to eat and what sites to visit.<\/p>\n

Getting There and Getting Around<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Flying<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We booked our flights in February, choosing Alitalia because it was the least expensive airline with the most direct flights. \u00a0This was not necessarily a wise choice. \u00a0Alitalia\u2019s planes are older without individual TV screens. \u00a0This made it difficult for my daughter to watch the movies (there was at least one Disney movie shown on each flight) and anyone who\u2019s flown more than a few hours with a child knows how crucial entertainment can be. \u00a0I came prepared, though, with several new small toys, books, stickers, crayons, playdoh and chocolate.<\/p>\n

I brought cheap toys that could be left behind (or under the seat) without worry. \u00a0The airports in Rome and Milan had a good selection of inexpensive toys. \u00a0Letting my daughter spend our leftover lire in the gift shops was a great time-killer. \u00a0I\u2019ve flown several times\u2014usually on very long flights\u2014with my daughter and I always expect and plan for the worst. \u00a0When everything goes smoothly, it\u2019s a nice surprise.<\/p>\n

With Alitalia we had some unpleasant in-flight experiences, but the Dubai office was very apologetic and assured us that our experiences were unusual. \u00a0They reimbursed us for our troubles and gave us a voucher toward future travel with Alitalia.<\/p>\n

Driving<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We spent our first week in Rome, then rented a car to drive to Tuscany. Car-rental-italy.com contracts with Sixt Car Rental, sending you a voucher which you present in Italy. You arrange the insurance fees directly with Sixt when picking up the car. Sixt rented us a new Renault Scenic with a car-seat for my daughter.<\/p>\n

The car was wonderful, a real necessity in Tuscany. We had some problems with both Sixt and car-rental-italy that are still pending. The car-rental-italy.com (a subsidiary of visititalytours.com) representative claimed that our experience was unique and that thousands of former clients have been pleased. \u00a0However, the representative only responded to me after I said I was writing this article.<\/p>\n

Taxis<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Taxis were not too expensive in Rome, usually around $4-6. \u00a0If you have a small child or more than one child, I would definitely recommend taxis over public transportation. \u00a0We tried buses and trolleys our first day but quickly decided it wasn\u2019t worth the hassle.<\/p>\n

The taxi system can be hard to figure out at first. \u00a0Most drivers won\u2019t stop if you try to hail them. \u00a0You need to find a taxi stand (most piazzas and busy streets have them) but don\u2019t stand under the sign. \u00a0This is where the drivers park to take a break. \u00a0You need to stand about 20 meters down from the sign toward the middle of the street. \u00a0It helps if you\u2019re close to the curb and looking out for a taxi. \u00a0Since it\u2019s sometimes difficult to figure out exactly where to stand, people may try to cut in front of you.<\/p>\n

This especially happens in the evening when taxis can be scarce. Twice we had older Italian women try to cut in front of us. \u00a0This wouldn\u2019t have been a big deal if we hadn\u2019t been waiting with a tired, hungry toddler who kept trying to dart into the street. \u00a0Just tell the driver that you are prima (first).<\/p>\n

Getting to\/from the airport can be expensive since taxis have mandatory surcharges for airport service, Sundays, and baggage (even if they never touch the bags). \u00a0There are direct trains to the airport that might be worthwhile if you have the time and energy.<\/p>\n

Taxis in Florence were more expensive than in Rome. \u00a0We used them sparingly. \u00a0The most useful time was when we were lost with our rental car in the maze of Florence\u2019s one-way streets and alleys. \u00a0We paid a taxi driver to lead us to our apartment.<\/p>\n

Walking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We tried to walk as much as possible. \u00a0In Rome some of the sites\u2014the Forum, Coloseum, and the Palazzo del Museo Capitolino\u2014are within easy walking distance of each other. \u00a0Florence, a smaller city where most sites are concentrated in one area, is even more conducive to walking. \u00a0Since we decided not to bring a stroller, we either walked slowly while holding our daughter\u2019s hand or carried her. \u00a0When this got tiring, we stopped at one of the numerous cafes. Luckily my daughter is both a good walker and light enough to carry. This might not work for everyone. \u00a0A stroller, however, might not be a very safe option in Italian cities. \u00a0Many streets\u2014especially in older sections\u2014are cobblestoned and drivers show little concern for pedestrians. A front- or backpack might be a better option.<\/p>\n

Trains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We only took one train, the Eurostar from Florence to Rome, but I was impressed by the experience. Trains, especially between major cities, tend to be inexpensive, convenient and clean. \u00a0As with most things in Italy children under 4 years are free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sight Seeing and Other Forms of Entertainment Part<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s face it, the sites that draw visitors to Italy\u2014the churches, museums, fountains, and ruins\u2014aren\u2019t as interesting for little ones. \u00a0We tried to focus on one site each morning, followed by lunch out and naptime. \u00a0There\u2019s only a two-hour time difference between where we live (Dubai) and Rome, so we got our daughter on an Italian schedule before vacation. \u00a0This worked out well because she slept during the midday siesta hours when many things are closed, and was able to stay up for a later dinner out.<\/p>\n

In museums and churches we held our daughter up (horizontally in the Sistine Chapel) and talked to her about the paintings or sculpture. \u00a0This helped keep her interest longer and gave me a new way to experience art. \u00a0It was exciting to share this with her.<\/p>\n

In and Around Rome<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Porta Portese<\/strong> \u00a0This outdoor market in Trastevere was our first stop. \u00a0It\u2019s hot, crowded and not really worthwhile, except for the cheap toys. \u00a0We picked up a baby stroller and doll for my daughter that kept her occupied for much of the vacation.<\/p>\n

The Forum<\/strong> \u00a0This is free, with no line, and lots of open space and places to climb.<\/p>\n

The Coloseum<\/strong> \u00a0We missed this one because the huge line didn\u2019t seem to budge. \u00a0You can pay extra for a tour at the green kiosk across the street, and you don\u2019t have to wait in line. \u00a0Tours leave at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30. \u00a0Buy your ticket early because they sell a limited number.<\/p>\n

Pantheon<\/strong> \u00a0This is free and walking distance from Piazza Navona.<\/p>\n

Trevi Fountain<\/strong> \u00a0Also free and a big tourist spot.<\/p>\n

Vatican City \u00a0Museum\/Sistine Chapel<\/strong> \u00a0The line can be two blocks long on weekends, especially Sundays. \u00a0We went around 9:00 am on a Monday and had no wait. \u00a0The museum is hot and crowded. They move everyone through small corridors with areas roped off, so it takes a long time to get through. \u00a0The Sistine Chapel\u2014everyone\u2019s destination\u2014is at the very end.<\/p>\n

Piazza San Pietro<\/strong> \u00a0We didn\u2019t make it to the Basilica because we went on a Wednesday morning when the Pope has his outdoor address and the Basilica is closed.<\/p>\n

Castel Sant\u2019Angelo<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0This is right on the river with a great playground\/grassy area in the moat. \u00a0It\u2019s well-maintained and popular with Italians. \u00a0Good for a soccer game. \u00a0There\u2019s a museum in the castle and a lovely bridge over the river. \u00a0They had a literature festival with stalls selling books, food, drinks and trinkets. \u00a0Summer is a popular time for outdoor festivals\u2014often free\u2014but many start later in the evenings.<\/p>\n

Tuscany<\/strong> \u00a0The towns in Tuscany were wonderful, but they all started to look alike after a while. \u00a0Most had a few piazzas, one or two museums, lots of shops (especially ceramics), places to eat, and narrow cobblestone streets, often on a hill. \u00a0We visited Siena (very hilly, but worthwhile), Cortona (great views), Arezzo (great shopping), Castelnuovo Berardenga (nice playground), and San Gusme (best restaurant, La Porta del Chianti).<\/p>\n

Florence \u00a0The Uffizi<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0Like most sites in Florence, there were really long lines to get in. \u00a0You can avoid this by going the day before and buying a reserved ticket for a bit more. \u00a0It\u2019s not a particularly child-friendly museum with much of the art inaccessible\u2014too high or grouped too closely. \u00a0My daughter set off the alarm in one gallery by trying to walk behind one of the metal barriers. \u00a0I ended up leaving with Annie after thirty minutes when she had a toddler meltdown, but my husband stayed since it was his first visit.<\/p>\n

Piazzale Michelangelo<\/strong> \u00a0This is a long hike up hundreds of stairs if you start at the bottom by the river. \u00a0Our apartment was about one-third of the way up and still we had to stop to catch our breath. \u00a0You get a beautiful view of Florence and there are a couple of cafes to rest in before the trek down.<\/p>\n

The Duomo<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0This was another site seen only from the outside because of long lines.<\/p>\n

Santa Maria Novella<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0This was the loveliest church I saw in Italy. \u00a0It\u2019s cool and peaceful, with no line.<\/p>\n

Traveling with small children for a month can be difficult; this is true whether you visit a different city or a different country. \u00a0It\u2019s not Disneyland, but with a bit of effort, Italy can be as enjoyable for children as for adults. It\u2019s the chance to experience life, not prefabricated kiddie fun.<\/p>\n

We used this vacation as a preview to life in Italy. \u00a0We\u2019d decided to move to Rome in a couple of years, and our month in Italy reaffirmed this desire. \u00a0The reasons Italy attracts so many visitors\u2014the food, wine, culture\u2014are among the things that draw us as well. \u00a0The main attraction, however, is the people and their approach to life. \u00a0Each day is like a vacation, to be enjoyed and savored.<\/p>\n

I hope you enjoyed reading: Overseas with a Toddler: Traveling in Italy. Here are some additional articles on traveling, enjoy!<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 3 M\u2019s \u2013 Mom, Mohammed, & Morocco \u2013 Part 1<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

5 Things You Should Know Before Traveling Abroad to Dubai<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Working and Traveling in Eastern Europe On a Budget<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Five Reasons to Visit Rome in September<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Finding a Job in Italy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Excerpted from “Overseas with a Toddler: Traveling in Italy” in Escape From America Magazine, Issue 30.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Overseas with a Toddler: Traveling in Italy My husband and I and our two-year-old daughter spent July traveling in Italy. We wanted maximum enjoyment with minimum hassles, so we began planning six months in advance. \u00a0Most of the arrangements were made through the internet, which left me the slightest bit uneasy until we arrived. Happily, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":33765,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[166,213,362,380,424],"yst_prominent_words":[5429,20201,20199,20200,15805,2521,5852,25083,25082,7833,4591,12976,2198,25085,25084,25081,9300,24976,2385,20202],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/canal-1209808_1280-2.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1780"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1780"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33767,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1780\/revisions\/33767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1780"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=1780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}