With two international trips with four kids 12 and under, here are a few highlights for what made the trips actual vacations... and a few, "well, we made some memories," moments.
From Italy to the Bahamas...
This summer has been delicious and decadent! We were lucky enough to add a few more stamps in our passports and share countries and places with our children that we love and have ached to return to. While the summer of 2025 was full of fun and adventures and experiencing new places and cultures, we also had some mishaps like ear infections in remote Italian towns where I had to draw upon my shaky college Italian explaining, "my babies have infections in their eyeglasses!" The words for ear and eyeglasses are verrrry similar. Popped tires on rental cars, almost peeing in our pants on prop planes and fights over who slept where, also figured into the "memory making."
Things I did that made the trips actual vacations for all:
1. Norse Airlines- check them out! Discount flights to Europe in the premium economy rival some major airlines business classes for a fraction of the price. We had a great experience flying with them from LAX to Rome.
2. Airport Lounges- a game changer, especially with kids. A lot of credit cards (AMEX platinum, Airline credit cards) will grant access with an annual fee. Considering the overpriced and overcrowded nature of restaurants/cafes in airports, you will more than make that fee up feeding a family of four on your way their and back. And they are less hectic, nicer bathrooms, etc that make a layover actually pleasant.
3. Golf Cart Tours/Fun Modes of Transportation- We did a golf cart tour in Rome and rented a golf cart in the Bahamas! Not only is this preferable for little legs in sweltering temps, it makes getting around part of the fun.
4. Rent or stay at hotels with accessible pools or beach access- this made all the difference both in Italy and the Bahamas. The kids could have a little autonomy (obviously be close by if swimming is involved) and it eliminates the stress of having to get everyone dressed/transported when you can just run back and forth. And a lovely way to unwind at the end of the day! Poolside/beachside for all.
5. Carry On- I am sure some of you who knew me when just gasped! I used to always have an overweight gigantic suitcase. Proud to share I had a carry on for two weeks in Italy! With long airline bag drop lines, missing luggage and long waits at baggage carousels, carrying on is the way to go. If you need to do laundry at a hotel, think of that expense as what a checked bag would have cost.
You're also not going to be able to do all of the things you might do on an adult trip... and enjoy them. Being on the trip you're on-- family trip!- and going with that flow helped me embrace the fun of seeing a place through their eyes, their tastebuds, boogie boards, and too much gelato. xoxo