Traveling Italy with kids is a dream come true. Not only is the country beautiful, but the welcoming people, gorgeous weather and delicious food make it a natural family-friendly vacation choice.
Here’s a few quick tips for planning a family trip to Italy:
Language | Italian; brush up on the basics with an Italian phrase book.
Currency | Euro (€); we use our travel rewards credit card to make purchases without foreign transaction fees, and get cash from a secure ATM after arriving for the best conversion rate (skip the airport currency exchange!)
Plugs | Modern buildings might utilize the standard European type C plug, but we found in most older buildings a type L plug was necessary.
Weather | Summers can be quite hot, while winters are more wet and cool. Keep in mind northern Italy will have much cooler temperatures during the winter and even snow in the mountains. In contrast, Southern Italy stays pretty mild year-round.
When to Go | To avoid the crowds while still getting nice weather, visit Italy during the shoulder-season: April-May and September-October.
What to Pack | With Italy’s climate being quite temperate, it’s best to dress in layers to be prepared for any kind of weather. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for city breaks, as well as a solid carrier for babies and toddlers (strollers will have a tough time on the cobblestone streets)! And skip the shorts and opt for skirts or cropped pants to avoid looking like a tourist.
Getting There | Milan and Rome have the country’s largest airports, and therefore will be the cheapest places to fly into. We use Google Flights to find the cheapest routes.
Where to Stay | We nearly always stay in Airbnbs, and you’ll find lots of affordable and family-friendly options all throughout Italy. If hotels are more your thing, Hotels.com and Booking.com are two of our places to book through.
Getting Around | Once in Italy, trains and smaller European airlines are both efficient ways to travel throughout the country. The country has an easy-to-use rail system that makes moving from city to city quite effortless! Be sure to book your tickets in advance for major city-to-city routes. If your travel plans include a trip the countryside, rental cars are more flexible option. And while all major cities have good public transportation networks, we found that walking was often the easiest way to get around.
A family trip to Italy sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it? Delicious food, a rich history, a warm, welcoming culture: they're just a few of the reasons to start planning an Italy read more
Without a doubt, Italy is one of the most kid-friendly countries in Europe. The weather is gorgeous, the food is perfect for picky little eaters, and there's a treasure trove of history read more
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