August 30, 2007
The rest of what you need to know about traveling in Rome with Kids: interview with J.M. Pasquesi
Yesterday we published the first 6 questions and answers from the author of Rome with Kids. Here's what J.M. Pasquesi wrote in answer to #7:
QUESTION: 7. I would love to see a discussion of your 'possible topics' listed in your introduction above particularly the first five. I'm planning on taking a trip to Europe with my then 6 & 9 year old next summer and Rome is right up there at the top of the list. Posted by: Todd Harris at July 21, 2007 4:25 PM
ANSWER: Each topic on the list is huge and many of them were briefly answered by me in the other Q&As I have already responded to (ie. Family friendly accommodations/ how young is too young/safety etc.)
Any dialogue on family travel abroad is best served by beginning with “how and when” to start planning. Each family is different: they have different wishes, needs, vacation schedules, and ages of children. However, for every family planning early is the best start. Just as soon as you get nail down the dates, begin looking for airfare bargains and then accommodations. High season sees the best locations filling up months and months in advance – and with a family, you want to shoot for the best locations. That means finding accommodations as central as is affordable for your family. Since adjoining rooms are rare, especially in Rome, you will do well to explore apartments, B&B’s, modest but central hotels, and even convents at the earliest. Such places are snapped up for good reason. You may pay a little more for a small place in the center of town, but it pays off by practically eliminating the need for transportation.
Shelling out for several cab rides each day can really add up. In addition, you’ll gain flexibility, like the convenience of ducking in and out of your room for naps, rest periods, or to drop shopping bags. It feels a lot more like a vacation when you can simply fall out your door to sights and restaurants without worrying about logistics like directions, transportation, and having to plan how much you can do before you “can go back to the hotel.” Finally, you gain the flexibility of splitting into groups: Teens may wish to “chill out” for an hour or so while adults tour an additional museum, for example.
Once you finally make it to your dream location, keep kids in mind for a truly special xperience. History and art are not boring; following behind adults on tour is very boring. It is simply a matter of presenting everything in fun and dynamic ways. You can do this in Rome by simply buying and following my book, Rome with Kids: an insider’s guide, since I’ve already done the work for you but, you can also create the same experiences in other cities with a small bit of homework. Just keep in mind that kids like to be active and they love dramatic stories, so present art and history in dramatic and active ways. Get to know a few people: pick a small group of historical figures who shaped the city you’re visiting and give the kids a thumbnail biography. I like to pick a major artist, a colorful patron (whose family symbols will likely be all over the city (bees, dragons etc.) and other such major players.
In Rome, for instance, Barberini Pope Urban VIII’s bee adorns many famous structures, fountains, and sculptures. Imagine the kids spotting it first: They will actually be able to tell you something for a change!
And remember to stay active. Don’t just drag them to the Spanish Steps, make them count how many there are; take a “Where’s Waldo” picture by letting them pose somewhere in the crowd and taking their picture. Blow it up when you get home for a great memento. Do not go to the Roman Forum and try to identify rubble; tell a story about Caesar’s murder and bring flowers to place at his temple. Whether touring the Louvre in Paris or the Pitti Palace in Florence, balance art museums and other confining visits with outdoor activities so kids can blow off steam. You get the idea.
Finally, always be mindful of children’s major needs: play, food, and bathroom breaks! With a little heads up, you can avoid the meltdowns caused by the absence of any of these three “deal breakers.” I like to include bathrooms on any of the custom maps I have made since it is a necessity for families. Small babies need to be changed, toddlers constantly have to make a trip when you’re least prepared, and having to cut a tour short in order to wander in search of a loo is no fun for anyone. Pepper your day with small treats to keep energy high and stomachs happy. One of the best reasons to choose Italy as an American Family destination is the food! What kid does not like some form of simple pasta (butter only, salt and pepper, tomato sauce), pizza, and gelato (ice-cream). Use small portions for quick snack breaks. Kids may not want to walk from the Pantheon to the Trevi fountain, but give them a cone of gelato and they won’t even
notice the march!
I have been traveling with my Grandchildren all of their lives. Where ever we go we plan ahead by looking at books . I let the children take turns by picking one activity a day that child wants to do . Now that they are teenagers they also pick where we will eat.I find if you get their input than they are more likely to enjoy the day . At the end of each day we disscuss what was the favorite thing we did.
We have been all over the world and done all kinds of trips from camping to organized tours, car trips, and cruises. When asked what has been their favorite so far they both found it hard to pick one and even when asked what was the worst the responce was it has all been fun!!
Pretty sucessful for almost 17 years of traveling together!