When it was just us, traveling was easy.
Traveling with kids, certain modifications had to be made. We hoped that how we planned was good enough to make through the whole trip.
The longest part of the trip, which was from Toronto to Barcelona had to be considered.
The plan was to give the kids Benadryl to help them sleep during the trip to Barcelona. What we learned during the flight is that Benadryl only worked with our son.
My daughter had the opposite effect.
I mentioned this to my sister afterwards, she said that she had the same experience with her kids. I guess, the next time, we will do a test run with it at home to see how it works prior to going on a long flight.
The weather in Europe during the time frame of May and June was humid but the humidity there is nothing in comparison to the humidity in Missouri, which is brutal during the summer.
While it was difficult with the kids, there was plenty of examples to express gratitude and to learn from challenges.
Barcelona
While in Spain, we visited Sitges. A beach resort town with plenty of beach area to enjoy a tan and get some good food. While at the beach, it’s typical to see women topless. Nobody makes a big deal about it at all nor stare.
While in Spain, I highly recommend eating paella.
This is Paella arroz negra. It is very delicious!! The coloring is derived from squid ink. There are various forms of paella for you to choose from.
While in Sitges, I noticed that the town supports LGBT with the display of pride flags in the streets. This is in preparation of Sitges Pride 2025 to begin June 8, 2025.
While in Barcelona or anywhere in Spain, you can enjoy tapas. It’s a smaller meal, which is ideal if you are on a budget.
When you are with friends, each person pays for his/her meal. That rule doesn’t apply if married.
Italy
Roma
Where to stay
Recommend Hotel GiuGiu. Website is www.hotelgiugiu.it. It is reasonably priced and within walking distance to Roma Termini. You can find it on the same street as Teatro Dell’Opera.
Where to get euros
Recommend going to Credito Cooperativo di Roma because of the exchange rate. Bank is located within walking distance from Hotel GiuGiu. It is located on Via Torino.
We visited the Vatican. Be sure to arrive early but expect to spend some time in line waiting. Visitors must go through metal detectors prior to entering St. Peter’s Square.
Spanish Steps
You can enjoy a meal, café/ cappuccino or gelato. Afterwards, you can sit on the steps and just people watch.
Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Burial site of the late Pope Francesco. The basilica is located near the Roma Termini. Recommend going in the afternoon. Less crowd line and you can spend more time viewing the tomb.
Fontana Di Trevi
Very large crowds throughout the day. Unless you want to go early in the morning, to avoid the crowds would be the ideal time.
Roma Colosseum
Must be added to what to see while in Rome. Roman ruins are nearby.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
Unknown Italian soldier from WWI buried there.
Napoli
Centro di Napoli (Downtown Naples) is recommended to visit while in Napoli. To get there, best to take the metro. Helps with fighting with traffic and trying to find a parking spot. When you buy the ticket at the train station, be sure to validate the ticket prior to boarding the train. You can validate (time stamp) the ticket with yellow devices located in various locations throughout the station. This helps any issues with train security should it not be validated. You can be fined if not followed.
While downtown, visit Piazza del Plebiscito. Opera theater, along with bars and restaurants are nearby.
Should you have transportation, a visit to the Costa di Amalfi. It is a nice drive north from Naples. To enjoy the water below along the wavy roads that hug along the hills is breathtaking. The roads are narrow and the driver, along with passengers, will get a scare here and there from oncoming traffic. While at Positano or any other beach area along the Amalfi coast is costly and not worth it. For 3 beach chairs and an umbrella cost 120 euros.
During our stay in Napoli, we stayed in Arco Felice which is in the Pozzouli region. I recommend Kira Suite and Rooms. Breakfast is included and the owner cares for the place on her own. She maintains it very well. There are two parking spots available for an additional fee but you can use street parking for free on Via Miliscola. Just park in the spots that have the blue boundaries.
During the summer months in Napoli, the food is more seafood based. You’ll get dishes with octopus, squid or clams.
On our flight home, neither child was given Benadryl.
Conclusion
Visiting Europe, whichever part should be on your bucket list. Especially when traveling with kids.
Planning is essential for the flight over. There are many ways to prepare for a trip but we learned from mistakes and made the most of our trip.
To learn more about me, you can go to my “About Me” page.