How To Prepare for a Trip to Italy with Children

Italy is a beautiful destination that offers a wonderful setting for a family holiday. There are many incredible places to visit all over the world, and many people have Italy as one of the top places to visit on their individual and family bucket lists.

Italy is the perfect family-friendly destination for a number of reasons. There is something for everyone here, from historical sites, delicious food, stunning nature, lively cities, music, and more. The locals are also very friendly and since family is such a prized value in Italy, it is a country where tourists are not only the 'norm', but there is also a lot more patience and support for family travel.

For parents going to Italy with their kids, here are 10 pieces of advice on how you can prepare for your family trip to Italy.

Talk about where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do as a family

Since there is so much to see in Italy, talking about what you'd like to do while you're there as a family is a helpful way to ensure not only everyone has a good time, but also so that the trip goes as smooth as possible. After all, if one person wants to go to all the museums and someone else doesn't like to go to museums… it might be helpful to choose which museums to go to. Bonus: This is also a great way to bond with your family and learn more about each other's interests. You can check out some of the most popular Italy tours to get a good idea what you might want to visit.

Buy tickets in advance

Tickets for museums and sites are available for purchase in advance, and doing so can help cut down on the waiting time in line. So plan ahead for where you'd like to visit and check for tickets available for purchase and a guided tour if you'd like one!

Use trains

Italy has a great system of fast (and regular) trains that you can use to cut down on travel time between the major cities. Keep in mind that the trains stick to a strict timetable, so you don't want to be even a minute late!

Learn some Italian. Knowing some Italian for your trip is a great way to not only respect the local culture, but to also help your trip run a little smoother. You can learn Italian online, or at least a variety of helpful phrases that will be useful on your trip as you make your way around cities and order in restaurants. For example, you'll want to know 'please', 'thank you', 'excuse me', 'where is the…', 'could you please help me?', 'I would like.. please', 'how much is?', etc. You and your family can learn Italian online by using a language-learning app such as Babbel and turn it into a fun family activity to do together.

Always stop for gelato

Gelato is plenty in Italy, and it makes for a great treat between all the wandering and exploring.

Walk around and explore

Some of the best spots you'll find in Italy are just off the beaten path, and you won't find them if you stick to the main roads where there is transport. So really explore the charming roads of Italy by walking and wind your way through streets that call to you!

Get everyone a pair of very comfortable walking shoes

With cobblestone streets, stairs, and so much to explore, your shoes can make all the difference for your trip. Achy tired feet can also quickly lead to grumpy kids… so prepare in advance to avoid this! Comfortable walking shoes can be stylish (as you'll see in Italy), and breaking them in before your trip will make you all the more able to walk longer distances.

Prepare to eat dinner in the late evening

Dinner for us can be anywhere from 5-7pm, and this is a lot earlier than when Italians eat. If you eat earlier in the evening, this is when you run the risk of only touristy restaurants being open or even having a different menu. Since the food is so incredible in Italy, it is worth picking up some fresh produce at a local market that you can snack on just in case so that you can truly experience an Italian dinner.

Get excited about the local foods

..speaking of dinner. When you plan out your trip to Italy, include a list of the local foods to try in each city and region you go to. This is a fun way to get your kids even more excited and also open conversation about local specialties, customs, dialects, and more.

Be mindful of the stair and elevator situation at your place of accommodation

In case you choose to stay somewhere other than a hotel, it is important to mindful of the amount of stairs that are at the residence. Many Italian homes have a set or two of stairs (with no elevator) that may just be too much for your family. So check details before booking!

While there is a lot of preparation you can do to make the most of your trip to Italy, Italy is a great vacation spot for families with children of all ages. The most important thing is to remember to simply enjoy your time there!

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