Traveling Italy with Kids
photography by Rachel Moore
This past June, we brought our five kids—ages 8, 6, 4, 2, and just three weeks old—to Italy for an entire month, and it was awesome.
About two years ago, my husband Jeff launched his own pilgrimage and mission trip business, Encounter Travel. With the Jubilee Year, interest in Italy has soared. When Jeff booked two pilgrimages to Italy for June 2025, we began dreaming about the possibility of turning it into a family adventure and spending the month in Italy. Not long after, we learned we were expecting baby #5—due May 7th, just a few weeks before the trip.
I assumed the trip was off the table. But we decided to keep planning anyway, booking everything with full-refund options just in case. So many things had to align: the baby needed to arrive on time (or a little bit early!), both of us had to be healthy, and we’d need to bring a nanny since Jeff would be working most of the time. Incredibly, everything came together. Looking back, it’s clear God’s hands were in every detail.
Would I recommend traveling internationally right after having a baby? Not exactly. But here’s a bit of context:
We’ve traveled to Europe almost every year since becoming parents, so international travel with little ones wasn’t new to us.
My previous births and postpartum recoveries were smooth, so I had every reason to believe this one would be too.
I am married to THE travel guru. He’s been taking groups abroad for about 25 years (literally since he was 19 years old)!
We had an amazing friend and nanny with us (hi Amanda!)—which made the entire experience possible. There’s no way I could’ve managed five kids in a foreign country freshly postpartum while Jeff was busy leading pilgrimages.
This trip was special for so many reasons, but a few highlights stand out—like Damian’s pure joy and reverence in seeing the San Damiano cross (the cross for which he his named!), getting family photos taken with Rachel Moore at the most beautiful vineyard, the locals in Assisi inviting our children to help create floral murals for Corpus Christi, and watching the amazing pilgrims with Encounter Travel absolutely love on our kiddos (shoutout to the Daily Nothings ladies and the Emmaus Institute—you all are the best!).
While I hung back with the littles, the boys went on most of the tours with Daddy and, thanks to working with two groups, they actually got to do a bunch of them twice! It was so sweet seeing them be part of Daddy’s work—they soaked up everything.
Other unforgettable moments: Pope Leo locking eyes with me (twice!!), meeting Cardinal Sarah, and just enjoying all the sweet family time—especially over gelato.
Traveling with little ones is not easy, but it’s given us some of our most treasured memories. With the right mindset, careful planning, and plenty of grace (and caffeine!), it is possible—and beyond awesome.
In this post, I’ll share what worked for us—from what we packed to how we handled strollers, naps, and daily logistics.
For reference, our itinerary included three parts:
Pilgrimage 1 (Assisi, Rome)
Family Beach Vacation (Moneglia)
Pilgrimage 2 (Assisi, Rome)
Packing for a Month for a Family of Seven
Because of the nature of our trip, we were constantly on the move. Although we packed relatively light, juggling our luggage and kids made me realize how many things we really didn’t need. From now on, I’ll ask myself one simple question before packing: “Is this worth carrying on and off Italian trains while managing children?” That question alone will make me ruthless with my packing. When planning your trip, I’d recommend staying in just two different locations if possible. Less is more when traveling with kids!
Each child had one medium-sized packing cube for all of their clothes. We stuck to neutral, mix-and-match outfits, lightweight fabrics for the heat, and packed just two pairs of shoes: tennis shoes and sandals.
Our two older kids carried their own travel backpacks. (We’ve learned the hard way not to let the younger ones carry their own bags—one got left in a taxi a few years ago. Now we wait until they’re old enough to be responsible for it. The fewer loose items, the better!) Inside their backpacks they had their Owala water bottles, a change of clothes in a ziploc bag, snacks, a zip-up hoodie, hat, the yoto player, headphones, and I snuck these fidgets in a zipper as a surprise (these are a cool option we love too!)
The only toy the girls brought was this 6 inch baby doll. Perfect for travel!
I’m a big fan of the Vera Bradley large original duffel—it’s come with us on every trip since we started having kids. It is like a magical bag that holds everything, is durable, machine washable, and they have some really cute patterns now-a-days! Inside that bag I carried my canon camera, a change of clothes separated in ziploc bags for the younger children, snacks, simple activities, this darling baby blanket, and enough diapers + wipes for the flight and the first couple of days (don’t pack diapers wipes for the whole trip, buy them upon arrival!).
We used this zippered family passport holder to ensure no passport was left behind!
Since most Airbnbs abroad don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, we bring this portable and rechargeable one for extra peace of mind. Probably not necessary, but we travel enough that we find it worth it.
For this trip we invested in Apple airtags for each child and used these silicone holders with pins to fasten inside their shirts. We had the kids wear them when we would be in busier locations like on trains or around Rome.
Since we had a beach portion of this trip we brought these inflatable swim vests for our younger kids, and they worked great for the week we were near the water.
For your sanity: make sure your checked bags have 360° wheels (Samsonite bags always hold up well). It makes a huge difference when you’re juggling everything, and they are easy enough for kids to help push if needed.
When packing for myself for the Italian summer, I’m always mindful of the heat and choose my outfits accordingly. Lightweight, breathable pieces like single-layer cotton or linen dresses, skirts, and tops are my go-to. Coordinated skirt-and-top sets are especially great—not only do they look effortlessly put-together, but they also make discreet nursing super easy. Some of my favorite pieces come from Christy Dawn, Opia, and so many gems from TJ Maxx! As for shoes, I kept it simple and comfortable with just two pairs for the entire trip: a cute, adjustable pair of strappy Teva sandals and some ultra-cushioned Mary Janes. Even with all the walking, my feet were happy every step of the way!
Use Chat GPT to create a packing list! I told it exactly what we’d be doing, how often we would have access to laundry, etc. and it did an amazing job of creating a solid packing checklist for me!
Flying Internationally with Kids
When United announced nonstop Denver to Rome flights we were giddy. Having no connections was a game changer! The less stops you can make, the better. If you have to make a stop, we prefer the domestic flight to be on the front end.
Because most international flying airplanes have personal screens in every seat, you don’t really need to bring a tablet of any sort, but for the little kids we brought an Amazon Fire Tablet and kids’ headphones (with cords so they can easily plug into airplane screens too).
If you have an infant, try to get bulkhead seats on the airplane. Bulkhead seats have more legroom because they are located directly behind a structural wall and divide different sections of the plane. If you get these seats you can call ahead to request a bassinet to be attached to the wall for your little one to sleep in.
The boys brought neck pillows and attached them to their backpack for the trip, but they only ended up using the airplane provided pillows, so next time that’s something we will scratch from our packing list.
We also didn’t bring any sort of flyaway bed for the little ones, mostly because we didn’t want to have to carry it around Italy. If we hadn’t been in bulkhead seats, I would have been very tempted to bring these inflatable cubes that fit in between the seats!
A quality neck pillow is a must for Mom and Dad.
These sticker activity books are really helpful when a little one starts to get antsy!
My baby carrier was essential for boarding, navigating airports, and settling the baby. I've tried so many different baby carriers it's actually embarrassing. The Malama Bebe baby carrier is the only one I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Airlines typically schedule meals and cabin lighting to match the local time where you’re headed. We used Hyland’s Kids Melatonin to help encourage sleep and begin adjusting to the new time zone.
If your kids are prone to motion sickness (mine definitely are!), it’s worth being prepared—especially with long flights, winding roads, and train rides. We used kids’ Dramamine, a bit of peppermint essential oil dabbed on wrists or behind ears for a natural remedy. We also have a roll of baggies within reach at all times.
As parents managing all the kiddos on a long flight we know that there will be limited sleep for ourselves. It helps to be mentally prepared for that, and we focus on keeping the kids comfortable and happy. I like to have an audiobook (may I recommend “Project Hail Mary”?!) and my airpods ready to go to help me through it.
Don’t forget to say a family prayer together before takeoff! Flying with kids is challenging, but Jeff and I often joke (yet are legit serious) that flying internationally with kids is easier than roadtripping with them. Haha!
Sleep, Naps, and Jet Lag
Sleep wasn’t perfect—but we survived, and even found a bit of a rhythm!
We are not regular melatonin users with our children at home, but for travel it’s necessary as they adjust to the new bedtime those first couple of days.
A portable sound machine (you could also use the free one on the yoto player app!) is helpful, especially if kids are sharing a room with Mom and Dad.
If you are traveling with a newborn, this collapsible travel bassinet is a good option.
Kids napped on the go—in the stroller, baby carrier, or during longer afternoon breaks. If one day they had a stroller nap, we would try to make sure to do our outing earlier in the morning so they could be back at our place after lunch to nap in bed.
We used this trip as an opportunity to transition our 2 year old from a crib to a bed because we were in no way going to pack the pack n’ play. Some Airbnbs had pack n’ plays available upon request, but many did not. We ended up making do with a bed on the floor for her with the linens provided in our rentals at first. By the time we got home she had no problem sleeping in her twin bed that we had been trying to convince her to sleep in for months! But if I had found this packable blowup toddler mattress beforehand, it would have definitely come along!
Stroller + Diaper Bag
Italian streets are not very stroller-friendly—there’s cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, lots of steps. But you still need one—or two if you have the extra hands to push them! We have tried a few different stroller options and by far the stroller that worked best was the UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller. It’s lightweight, folds easily, and it handles cobblestones like a dream. We brought two strollers (one for the two year old and the other for the 4 year old) and used this off-brand stroller cover for the flights, but it may be worth dishing out the extra money for the UPPAbaby travel bag because any damages incurred during air travel are fully covered by the brand.
I used the Freshly Picked Seoul Neoprene Diaper Bag and it was the best! I have a leather diaper bag, but leather is so heavy and I wanted a lighter bag for travel. This one is less than two pounds, fits so much, is washable, and of course, very pretty. I loved using these stroller clips so I didn’t have to constantly wear it as I pushed the stroller around. Inside my diaper bag I had diapers + wipes, a baby changing pad (included with the Freshly Picked bag!), a change of clothes for baby and toddler in case of pasta spills, snacks, Tubby Todd sunscreen stick, Tubby Toddy hand sanitizer (truly the best hand sanitizer out there!!), peppermint oil + roll of plastic bags (for dirty diapers, car sickness, messy clothes, all the things!), burp cloth, Tubby Todd diaper cream, a West Coast Catholic rosary, water bottle (this size was a perfect fit in my bag), slim notebooks and crayons (one for each kid to use as a travel drawing journal + activity while we are out to eat) wallet pouch (with euros and chapstick), sunglasses, baby hat for sunny walks, and a nursing cover (doubles as a church shawl).
Why We Didn’t Bring Car Seats
Lugging carseats around Italy was not a feasible option for us, but we really didn’t need them, and here’s why:
We stayed in walkable cities and used trains and taxis
Italian taxis don’t require car seats, and short rides were manageable with kids on laps
If you need to book a private transfer you can request car seats
If you’re planning to rent a car, you can also rent car seats there.
Laundry while Traveling
Most rentals have a washing machine, but usually no dryer. We did laundry often, and used drying racks that were provided.
I brought a ziploc bag full of Molly’s Laundry Powder (in a checked bag). You can purchase detergent at a grocery store in Italy, but the powder is easier to travel with.
Two 4 ounce Miss Messy Mouth Stain Eater’s spray was just enough for our month-long stay, and this worked perfectly to get all those gelato and pasta spills out.
A mesh laundry bag is very easily packable and helpful in organizing dirty clothes from the clean.
Assisi Tips
Assisi is my favorite place in the world—there I said it! This peaceful hill town in Umbria offers a deeply spiritual atmosphere that’s inviting for families with children. Assisi is small, walkable, and safe, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. We have spent several weeks here while Jeff learned Italian at a language school, and our son Damian is named after the San Damiano Cross, the very cross that spoke to St. Francis, calling him to “rebuild the Church, for it is in ruins.”
What makes Assisi especially wonderful for families is how calm and accessible everything is. There’s no need to navigate complex transportation or packed tourist crowds—just quiet, beauty-filled moments around every corner. It’s an ideal place to begin your journey, especially as you adjust to the new time zone.
Favorite Restaurants: Trattoria Da Erminio, La Stalla, La Lanterna (great for families), Hotel la Rocca (for affordable with a view), Le Terrezze de Properzio (for another amazing view).
Best Gelato: Leccapaletta, if going to Santa Maria Degli Angeli go to Pasticceria Caffetteria Vinti.
Must-see: Basilica di San Francesco, Santa Chiara, Santa Maria Maggiore (where Carlo Acutis is), Piazza del Comune.
If you have time: San Rufino, San Damiano (taxi unless you’re prepared for an epic workout), Eremo delle Carceri (hermitage of St. Francis), Chiesa di Santa Maria sopra Minerva (originally built as a Roman temple in 1st century BC!) and Santa Maria Degli Angeli (you’ll find the small church St. Francis rebuilt surrounded by a massive basilica).
Room to Play for the Kids, Exceptional Wine for the Parents—All with a Breathtaking View: Cantina Saio Vineyard (if I had to describe Heaven, this would be it.) This unforgettable experience begins with a wine tasting, followed by a peaceful stroll through the vineyard—complete with friendly farm animals to visit along the way. Your walk leads to a scenic picnic area where you’ll savor a delicious spread of meats, cheeses, and fresh bread, perfectly paired with your favorite Saio wine from the tasting. And the view—a stunning panorama of Assisi perched on the hilltop—truly unmatched.
And if you have even more time: Palazzo Bernabei (a museum that transports you to the Amazon of Brazil—random, I know! It was created by the Capuchin friars to showcase their work in the Brazilian Amazon. It is filled with engaging exhibits—perfect for kids curious about cultures, exotic animals, and immersive storytelling.) The Roman Forum Museum and the Diocesan Museum+Crypt of San Rufino are fascinating exhibits.
Supermercato Tigre Amico: This small grocery store is just outside the Assisi walls. A perfect stop if you’d like to grab some groceries to make your own meals! (Meats, cheeses, and fresh bread from the bakery are our go-to’s!)
Rome Tips
Oh Rome—rich in beauty, history, and energy! It’s an unforgettable place, though it can feel a bit intense at times, especially when traveling with kids. Here are a few tips that helped us enjoy our time in Rome:
Choose a well-located Airbnb. We love staying near Borgo or Prati.
Plan ahead for popular spots. Arrive early, allow time for security checks, and be ready for some crowds.
Keep essentials secure—especially on trains. Use crossbody bags or zipped compartments and avoid keeping valuables in back pockets.
Bring portable fans and umbrellas for shade to beat the heat!
Larger families: Uber vans can be a more comfortable (and often easier) choice than taxis.
Pace yourself. One main outing a day was perfect for us, followed by some downtime at our Airbnb or relaxing in a quiet piazza.
Let go of the pressure to see everything. Rome is best enjoyed at your own rhythm, especially with kids.
Daily gelato is a must! My go-to combo: coconut (cocco) and dark chocolate (cioccolato fondente).
Take prayer or quiet breaks. We loved stopping in churches to light a candle, sit in silence, or cool down.
You can request papal audience tickets online through the Prefecture of the Papal Household or through the North American College, and you must pick them up the day prior. However, when we went to the Wednesday Audience, no one was checking tickets. Tickets are always FREE; scammers will try to convince you otherwise. If you do a Wednesday Audience, get there early (like 7 A.M.) if you want a good seat. Security opens around 8 A.M., audience usually starts at 9:00–9:30 AM and runs about 90 minutes. Don’t forget a portable fan and umbrella for sunshade! No tickets are required for the Sunday Angelus, just show up in St. Peter’s Square.
Just a heads up, no strollers are allowed in St. Peter’s Basilica, and must be left at a designated stroller storage area.
Some Recommended Restaurants: Passpartout (hotel with an amazing restaurant—a reprieve from the Roman busyness!), Trattoria Polese (amazing food and has a little piazza for the kids to run), and L’Isola della Pizza (Pope Leo’s favorite spot).
A Final Note
I hope this encourages you to take the leap and go for the trip. One thing Jeff and I have found invaluable is talking through potential challenges ahead of time and deciding how we’ll navigate them together. Staying united as a team—especially during stressful moments—has made all the difference. Traveling with kids will absolutely come with its tough moments, but those same moments have often led to our most meaningful memories. It helps to know your own limits and be honest about what you can handle. And if you do choose to go, don’t just aim to be flexible—be fluid. The unexpected is part of the journey, and in the end, it’s the shared adventure that makes it all worthwhile.
