You’ve spent much of your early life traveling and being adventurous. But now you’ve settled down a bit and had a family. All those visions of traveling as a family together are now right at your doorstep.
Are you panicking a little? No worries. We all do that at first. However, families that travel together, really benefit from the quality family time and learning experiences.
So in your years before you had kids you got really good at knowing how to be an adult traveling. Now, as an adult traveling with a tiny human completely relying on you it can be intimidating. Some people think they need to just wait it out until their kids are grown. No way!
Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to give up on being adventurous. While some aspects of your adventures might need to be adjusted to accommodate your child’s needs and safety, there are still plenty of ways to have exciting experiences as a family.
Ideas on How to Take The Kids on Fun Adventures
Here are some tips on how a parent can still be adventurous with a child:
Family-friendly adventures: Choose activities that are suitable for all family members. Hiking, nature walks, picnics, and visiting child-friendly attractions can be enjoyable for both parents and children.
Travel with kids: Explore family-friendly travel destinations that offer a mix of fun activities for both parents and children. Consider destinations with kid-friendly attractions, parks, and nature reserves.
Outdoor activities: Engage in outdoor activities that are safe and suitable for children, such as camping, fishing, biking, or playing sports together.
Adventure within your community: You don’t always need to go far to have an adventure. Explore local parks, museums, festivals, and events that offer unique experiences for the whole family.
Adventurous storytelling: Encourage your child’s imagination and creativity through adventurous storytelling or reading adventure-themed books together.
Teach and learn together: Involve your child in learning about nature, wildlife, or history during your adventures. It can be a fun and educational experience for both of you.
Safety first: Prioritize safety during your adventures. Plan and prepare adequately, especially when trying new activities with your child.
Embrace spontaneity: Be open to embracing spontaneous moments during your adventures, which can lead to unexpected and delightful experiences.
Set a positive example: Demonstrate your own enthusiasm for exploration and adventure, as your child often follows your lead and enthusiasm.
Balance and flexibility: Find a balance between adventurous activities and family responsibilities. Be flexible with your plans to accommodate your child’s needs and moods.
Remember, being adventurous as a parent doesn’t have to be extreme or risky. It’s about exploring new experiences together, fostering a sense of wonder, and creating lasting memories as a family. Your child’s presence can add a new dimension of joy and discovery to your adventures, making them even more special and meaningful.
I didn’t learn to ski until I was 19 and that was only because I had a few friends who dragged me along. But as soon as I hit the slopes I was hooked. Within a few years I had a job at a local mountain ski school and I was teaching little kids how to ski.
I vowed then that when I had a kid I was going to teach her early. That’s exactly what I did. I love taking your offspring skiing with you. There’s nothing better than spending a day out in the great outdoors in something as pure and wonderful as a ski resort setting. Granted you may not be able to hit all the hills you want and have to come in a lot more often, but it pays off. There’s something satisfying about passing the love of skiing on to the next generation. Taking the kids skiing when they are little also ensures a way to connect with your kids long into adulthood. So get those skis waxed because there are some great family friendly ski destinations to be had.
Mammoth
Located in the southwest corner of the volcanic Long Valley Caldera on the eastern edge of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range; Mammoth Mountain reaches over 3,500 skiable acres and a 3,100ft vertical drop.
The mountain is blessed with over 400 inches of snowfall a year and it’s the highest elevation in California at a neck-bending height of 11,053ft.
The modern resort has world class terrain options, and an ski season that can sometimes last into July.
Alta is one of the oldest ski areas in the United States and has been running the lifts since 1939. Sorry snowboarders, Alta Ski Area restricts access to skiers only.
Located only about a mile up the road from Snowbird in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta Ski Area features 2,200 acres of prime skiable terrain with average snowfalls each season of 560 inches.
Alta Ski Area is renowned for having excellent snowfall combined with some of the most diverse and challenging terrain in North America.
Breckenridge is a world-class destination for Colorado vacations with kids who are looking to experience a fun Colorado family vacation in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. There are tons of activities and restaurants on and off the mountain and lots of options of where to stay.
Parents can also watch their kids excel on the hill after a day of lessons at their world renowned ski school. Adult, Child, and Private Lessons are available for all family members.
Need a break from skiing? Take the kids ice skating, sleigh rides or snowmobiling. You can even enjoy a ride on Breckenridge alpine slide or just relax in the historic Town of Breckenridge.
When fortune seekers flocked to Breckridge back in the 1800s little did they know they found something better, the perfect ski mountain town.
Taos Ski Valley is located in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in Northern New Mexico, with access to 1,294 acres of skiable terrain, and receiving an average 300 inches of snowfall annually. The ski area has a great mix of terrain combined with a distinctive mix of European, local Native American and Spanish cultures. It’s also home to one of the country’s highest rated ski schools.
Nestled in the southwest corner of Colorado, 100 miles from the nearest stoplight, Telluride encompasses 2,000 acres of lift-accessible terrain. Once dubbed “To-Hell-You-Ride” from its mining town days, Telluride is now a chic, modern town.
Telluride Ski Resort boasts some of the steepest, deepest and most diverse terrain of any ski resort in North America.
Stowe Mountain resort is just totally lux and I got very used to having the ski valets run up to me at the end of my run and grab my skis, tag them and whisk them away to storage. The next morning they were magically waiting for me. At $400 a night the rooms were not cheap, but the views were stellar, the restaurant food superb, and the spa was ultra relaxing. Our in-room fireplace made it the perfect evening with a blustery snow storm just outside.
Stowe Mountain Resort, is the definition of the luxury Eastern resort, and provides quality skiing and riding for all levels of family abilities. The area’s lift system includes a gondola to shuttle guests between Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, and its “sister” mountain, Spruce Peak.
Mt. Mansfield gets 333 inches of average annual snowfall that falls over it’s 2,360 foot vertical drop and 485 acres of skiable terrain.
The Stowe Mountain Lodge, located in the base village, is a 312 room luxury hotel and spa that has been recognized as one of the greenest, most sustainable luxury hotels in the world.
Zion ha some of the most amazing hikes and views. It will remind you why you like being on this planet.
Are you an adventure family? Then you’ll loving going to Zion together. Before I had my daughter, I went with my then husband at the time, to hike Angel’s Landing. I’ve never forgotten it. I was amazed to see babies in backpacks along that trail but everyone came home in one piece that day. It’s a beautiful hike and highly recommend it. Just make sure everyone understands this is the real deal and they have to stay focused on a hike like that.
So here’s more about Zion. Zion National Park is a popular destination for families seeking adventure and outdoor recreation. Located in southern Utah, the park offers a variety of activities and sights for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best family adventures to experience in Zion National Park.
Hiking in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its stunning hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the park’s diverse landscapes. The park has a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the easy Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River and leads to the iconic Zion Narrows. The Emerald Pools Trail is another popular trail that features a series of pools and waterfalls.
For more adventurous families, the Angels Landing Trail is a must-do. The trail offers sweeping views of the park from the top of a 1,488-foot peak, but requires some steep and narrow sections that may not be suitable for younger children.
Scenic Drives At Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to two scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park’s landscapes. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a 6-mile route that winds through the park’s main canyon and offers spectacular views of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and cascading waterfalls.
The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive is another popular drive that offers views of the park’s less-visited northwestern section. The drive features stunning vistas of towering peaks, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations.
Wildlife Viewing at Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. Families can take a guided wildlife tour or explore the park on their own to spot some of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Camping in Zion National Park
Camping is a popular activity in Zion National Park, with several campgrounds located throughout the park. Families can choose from tent camping or RV camping, and enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery under the stars.
Zion National Park Rock Climbing
For adventurous families, rock climbing is a thrilling activity that offers a unique perspective of Zion National Park’s towering sandstone cliffs. There are several guided climbing tours available in the park, as well as designated climbing areas for experienced climbers.
Zion National Park is a wonderful destination for families seeking adventure and outdoor recreation. With a variety of activities to choose from, families can explore the park’s stunning landscapes, spot wildlife, and enjoy quality time together in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.
Give a shoutout to Karan Chawla on social or copy the text below to attribute.
Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a stunning destination for families with children of all ages. From hiking and biking to wildlife viewing and hot springs, there are plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Banff.
Hiking
Banff National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in the world. With trails for all levels, families can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike to the top of a mountain. The easy trail around Johnson Lake is a popular choice for families, while the trail to the top of Sulphur Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Here’s our How to on Hiking in Banff, Canada
Wildlife Viewing
Banff is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears. Families can take a guided tour or explore on their own to spot these magnificent creatures. The Bow Valley Parkway is a great place to start, as it offers easy access to prime wildlife viewing areas.
Hot Springs
After a long day of hiking and exploring, families can relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The hot springs offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are a great way to soothe sore muscles.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Families can explore the beautiful lakes and rivers of Banff National Park by canoe or kayak. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at several locations in the park, including Lake Louise and the Bow River.
Skiing and Snowboarding
During the winter months, families can hit the slopes at one of Banff’s three ski resorts: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. The resorts offer a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Banff National Park is an excellent destination for families looking for an adventure. With hiking trails, wildlife viewing, hot springs, canoeing, and skiing, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies.
Give a shoutout to Krista Joy Montgomery on social or copy the text below to attribute.
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, is a hiker’s paradise. With over 1,600 kilometers of hiking trails, there are endless opportunities to explore the stunning scenery and diverse landscapes of the park. From short walks to multi-day backpacking trips, there’s a trail for every level of hiker. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking in Banff.
Trail Difficulty Levels
Banff’s hiking trails are divided into four categories based on their difficulty level: easy, moderate, difficult, and very difficult. Easy trails are suitable for families with young children or for those who prefer a leisurely walk. Moderate trails are a bit more challenging, while difficult and very difficult trails require experience and proper equipment.
Hiking Safety Tips in Banff
While hiking in Banff can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience, it’s important to take safety precautions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the trails:
Always check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out.
Bring enough food and water for the duration of your hike.
Dress in layers and bring rain gear, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it in case of a bear encounter.
Stay on designated trails and follow all park regulations.
Best Hiking Trails in Banff National Park:
With so many hiking trails to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to start. Here are some of the best trails in Banff National Park:
Plain of Six Glaciers
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a moderate hike that offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and turquoise lakes. The trail is 14.6 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete.
Johnston Canyon
The Johnston Canyon trail is an easy hike that follows a picturesque canyon and leads to two waterfalls. The trail is 5.2 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Sentinel Pass
The Sentinel Pass trail is a difficult hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of mountains and glaciers. The trail is 11.6 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass trail is a very difficult hike that offers stunning views of fall foliage and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 20 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.
Hiking in Banff National Park is an incredible experience for all levels of hikers. With a variety of trails to choose from, hikers can explore the park’s stunning scenery and diverse landscapes. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Boating can be a great adventure to do with your family. You can spend long days on the lake or sea and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are just going for a day trip or a longer term water-bound adventure, it’s important to remember the basics and always use common sense. Here are ten things you really need to think about in order to have a safe and fun time boating with your family
1) Safety on Boats Comes First
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking kids boating is safety. Make sure everyone is wearing a properly fitting life jacket and know the rules for boating safety. Talk to the kids about not goofing around on board and that things can happen. Make sure they always have those vests on and that everyone understands this is not just playing in the backyard. Also make sure they are wearing shoes that are appropriate to grip the deck and no running on deck!
2) Always Use Sun Protection
The sun can be intense on the water, so make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your children from harmful UV rays. Sun that is reflecting off the water can be extra intense so make sure you bring a fairly high sunblock and re-apply often. Make sure to buy sun block that is waterproof and also look for the kind that does not affect reef life. Also, bring plenty of hats and a good rash guard will also help keep away those painfun sunburns that are no fun for anyone.
And in case someone does get a sunburn, make sure you have plenty of cooling products to reduce the pain and peeling of a sunburn.
3) Check the Weather When Boating
Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. Avoid boating during storms or high winds. It’s super important to understand what the forecast is for that day and for your planned route. Weather on the water can change fairly quickly, so check before you leave and then make sure you have a working device, whether a radio or phone, and keep checking on it throughout the day.
4) Bring the Water and the Snacks
Bring plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep your kids hydrated and energized throughout the day. Along with water it’s good to keep handy drinks and powders that include electrolytes since you can lose alot of them through sweating all day on board. Healthy snacks that keep the kids energized but not weighed down are the best bet. Fruit, carrot sticks, pretzels, nuts, popcorn are all great snacks for a day on the boat. And if you have a kitchen on your boat, make sure to stock it with the usual kid friendly food like chicken strips, turkey and cheese for sandwiches, and OK, can’t forget the mac and cheese.
5) Choose Fun Side Activities for Boating
Choose age-appropriate activities for your kids, such as fishing, swimming, or water sports. If you have a speed boat or a boat that can tow people, there are tons of water toys you can bring along. You can bring along a tube that can pull multiple kids, waterskis, snorkel gear and even mermaid tails.
6) Get Educated About Boating
Consider taking a boating safety course before heading out on the water with your kids. Knowing the basics of boating safety can help ensure a fun and safe experience.
7) Don’t Forget the Life Jackets
Make sure that your children are wearing life jackets that are the correct size and fit snugly. It’s best to spend the extra money on the right gear. Ones that are easy to swim with and still give you good buoyancy are the best to have on board. If you are renting a boat and the life jackets come with it, then make sure they are secure and pulled tightly around your child. Make sure the belt is also secure around the legs so that when in the water, it will not ride up too high around your child. And most importantly, don’t only rely on the life vest, Make sure your child knows how to swim and tread water before even going out on a boat.
8) Boating Rules and Regulations
Be familiar with the local boating rules and regulations, including speed limits, no-wake zones, and boating licenses. If you are renting a boat, make sure you go over all the details about how to operate the boat, where the lights are, and how to keep an eye on the gas. Also where to fill up and how to fill up the boat with gas is also important.
9) Always Have an Emergency Plan
Develop an emergency plan before you go out on the water with your children. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Know where the first aid kit is, make sure it’s stocked. Make sure all your phones are charged and it would be a good idea to have an extra charger. And go over it ahead of time with the kids so they stay calm and understand what to do in an emergency. Make sure they keep their life jackets on the whole time they are on the boat.
10) Never Take Your Eyes Off Them
Always supervise your children when they are on the boat or in the water. Keep an eye on them at all times, especially if they are swimming or playing in the water. Make sure you can reach them if you need to. If they are young don’t let them go into the water without you. Also, it’s best not to rely too much on floaties. Make sure they at least have had a few swimming lessons and are comfortable in water over their heads before taking them out on a boat.
My daughter and I went to the US Virgin Islands for Spring Break and I managed to find this nice resort at the last minute. It’s about a half hour away from the airport on a quiet side of the island and right near the ferry.
When we got to the Crystal Cove Resort we missed the entrance at first and had to drive back. There’s a little building in the front of a gate where you pick up the keys. The lady was very nice and gave us our keys and some beach towels and explained how the gate worked. Make sure you keep the gate number. I just put it on my phone and that’s all I needed.
Our Unit
Our unit was clean but I have a feeling this was probably the last one available because of the decor. They are privately owned units that the resort handles renting out. They are condos and you can either get a studio style place or a larger one with a master bedroom. The studio though is actually a Murphy bed with two single beds that come down. Not as comfortable as a full bed. The condo was dated and while it was great to have a kitchen, the utensils were a little cheap and the stove was old and the whole thing would get super hot.
The Twin Murphy Beds We Slept on For a Week. View from the Kitchen
I joked to my daughter that the Ropers must have left this to us for the weekend, but she didn’t get it. I had to explain Three’s Company to her but she didn’t get it. Anyway, totally Mr’s Roper’s kitchen. The porch was also not usable and clearly where they stored some things. But the price was reasonable and the place was clean and everything worked. The resort itself was very nice and right on the beach. I think we’d be happy to go back, but just be a little more discerning about which unit I’d get. I spoke with some other guests who talked about how beautiful their units were.
Hey, Mrs. Roper called and she wants her couch back!
The Caribbean Vibe
When we arrived it was Sunday and there was a great party vibe going on down by the bar and restaurant. We went and got something to eat and I had my first Pina Colada in awhile. It was great. The beach was beautiful and it has some great views. The only downside was that the bar closes at sundown, so I had thought I’d go home, take a nap and come back out. However, when I got there it was all closed down and each day it closed early. I had envisioned making dinner for my daughter, and then walking down the walkway and grabbing a Mai Tai in the evening with the adults but it was completely quiet by 7pm. Oh well. It was still relaxing.
The Wildlife
One of the first things we noticed was the free range chickens. It’s a thing in the Virgin Islands. It’s not like pigeons but these chickens just roam around freely and the chicks are so cute. Also, iguanas are fairly common so my daughter was in her glory. My daughter told me on the plane she’d love to see an iguana close up so mission ACCOMPLISHED!
Talk about free-range, cage-free chickens. If I were a chicken this is where I would want to be.
The Beach
Each morning I got up early and went out to the beach to watch the sun rise. It was so relaxing and of course, I would have brought my daughter along but you just try to get a teenager up at dawn to sit on a beach on their week off. So one of our days there I just got to the beach in the morning, took a swim and when I came out of the water there was a woman hanging dresses in a tree. So for $20 I got the loveliest tie-dyed beach coverup/dress. I wish I had bought a few more.
You can tell that the resort got hit hard during the Hurricane but they have done a lot of work to restore everything and focused on the areas where people would use most. There’s also another resort next store that shared Sapphire Beach with us that has a nice pool and also looks really nice. So when booking I’d take a look at both of them.
The Kitchen in Our Unit at Crystal Cove Resorts
Either way if you are looking for a clean, chill, quiet beachfront condo, this is the place for you. But make sure you know the specific unit you are getting and what it looks like so you can avoid the dated rooms with the ancient VCRs and resin utensils.
However, no matter what condo you get you absolutely can’t beat the sun rises. Check out my pics and also go here for more info about Crystal Cove Resort
So my daughter and I needed to get out of the city and get in some beach time. I thought the US Virgin Islands would be the easiest thing for us to do because it’s not a long flight, and there were several direct flights to St. Thomas. We went for Spring break.
Renting a Car
The best move I made was rent from Paradise Rental Car instead of going through a more well-known rental. I set the whole thing up by email and a nice man was waiting for me right at the airport with the keys to our car. In true island style we got in the car, pulled to the side in the parking lot and exchanged paperwork. It’s not a big airport and doesn’t have a lot of parking so it was great to be able to hop in and get going. I highly recommend renting a car. It made it a lot easier to go where we wanted to go. Yes the roads are a little tight, but just take it slow.
Morgan’s first discovery dive in the Virgin Islands.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Crystal Cove Villa on Sapphire Beach, which is not far from the ferry to St. John’s. It was a nice clean beach and reasonably priced. Our condo was pretty dated, with all the wicker furniture and the ancient utensils I felt like the Ropers had left it for us for the weekend. That said, I think each condo is different as they are rented out through the resort. So before I stayed there again I’d ask about the unit itself. It was a nice quiet resort though. The beach is chill, perfect views and there’s a restaurant on the premises. Just know that it closes around 6 so don’t plan on getting drinks at the bar unless it’s the weekend. The location was great though. Close to the ferry, beaches and grocery stores and a bit away from the main city part of St. Thomas.
We could see the damage still left over from the Hurricane a few years ago so I was happy to spend our money there and put some back into the economy.
We did a number of awesome things while in the Virgin Islands so I’ll I’ll focus on scuba diving here
Scuba Diving at Coki Point Beach
I am a certified scuba diver and I wanted to introduce my daughter to the wonderful world of diving . So it was important for me that we find a good spot and she had a good enough time that she’d want to go back. She absolutely loved it. We did a Discovery dive with Coki Dive Center and it was perfect. We got there about two hours early, which was perfect because they gave us some snorkel gear and we snorkeled around, getting my daughter used to using the goggles and flippers in ocean water as it had been awhile.
Putting on our scuba gear at Cokie Point Beach thanks to Cokie Dive Center.
The guy I worked with at the Dive Center couldn’t have been cooler. He hooked us up the day before and had everything waiting for us when we got there. And the instructor was very patient. We had another girl in the group who just was too afraid to try and so she backed out. No big deal but I thought the instructor was very good about it while not holding up the rest of the group too much. As for the man who set up our reservation, he also set us up with an underwater rental cameral so I got some really great shots of my daughter snorkeling and feeding the fish. By the way, SO MANY FISH!!!
Morgan getting acquainted with the local fish
And what a brilliant idea. They gave us each a big dog biscuit and the fish went nuts over them. I can’t believe I’d been scuba diving for thirty years and never thought of that. So we got some amazing shots. My daughter is now completely hooked on diving and is planning on getting her open water cert. shortly.
Close by there’s also Coral World maybe 500 feet away. After you dive, you can hang out on Coki beach itself. It’s very chill. There are some food shacks, good places to get some good drinks and a couple of spots to buy some things like T-shirts and sun tan lotion. Also, during the day they were playing some music. Very relaxed, cool place and different than the rawness you’ll find at most of the beaches at St. John’s for example. Parking can be a bit tricky so get there early if you can.
No Morgan, that means you want to go up. But glad everything is OK. Discovery Dive at Cokie Point Beach, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Here we are downhill mountain biking in Chamonix France.
We went to visit friends in Geneva Switzerland and took a drive out to Chamonix, France to get some downhill Mountain biking in. Amazing views, great trails, psychedelic mushrooms growing trail-side and all, I could do this every day.
Morgan Prepping Downhill Mt Biking Chamonix France
When my fourteen-year-old daughter Morgan told me she wanted to be an art major, I said well if that’s the case we’re going to do it right. So I started hunting for cheap tickets to Italy.
She’s only fourteen but she got into an art and design high school in New York City, so I knew she was serious. So if you have a little artist in your family I highly recommend a trip to Italy to tour the museums, see the Sistine Chapel, check out the architecture and eat great food. By the way, my daughter is now completely spoiled when it comes to spaghetti and wants to go to art school in Florence. I’m all for that. We went back to school shopping in Florence, how is that for serious Mom points?
My daughter Morgan and I started our trip in Rome. While I knew it was going to be hot there, because we were going in August, we dealt with it. It wasn’t too bad if you embraced it and packed for it. The hot weather also meant smaller lines and less crowds.
Landing in Rome
While I have a dual EU passport (Thank you Grandpa), when I’m traveling with my daughter I usually keep my EU passport handy but use my US passport. We already have different last names so I don’t need any hiccups. But when we got to Rome we discovered there is an agreement in place between the US and Italy to allow US passport holders that are fourteen years of age or older, to fast track through immigration the way they Europeans can. We were brought to a different line, put our passports in a scanner, had our pictures taken and were sent through. We never even had to speak to a human. This was a great thing to discover because there was no need to pull out the permission to travel from my daughter’s father because it was just my daughter and I. We’re divorced and sometimes it’s a hassle to ask him to go out of his way to provide a document with permission and get it notarized. But I think it’s still best to get it signed and have it with you. I know the one time I don’t bring it will be the time I need it. I did bring the letter, and even though we flew into Italy, Switzerland and Germany we were never asked. Still, why risk it if you don’t have to?
So anyway, first night in Rome. We stayed near Trevi fountain and Spanish steps in this cute hotel called the White Hotel. It was in a perfect location. A friend of mine had recommended a few hotels near the Pantheon, but I liked this area way better. The little streets and shops were perfect for finding a good spot to eat or shop and wander.
I saw a number of cute hotels in the area, so my recommendation unless you really want to focus on the Vatican or Coliseum, consider staying near Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Rome is not very big in actuality, so we walked to the Coliseum from our hotel and back. There are also those hop on and off buses. By the way, I used my Chase Sapphire points not just for my hotel but also, since it’s really a white-labeled version of Expedia, I was able to use my points to buy our hop on bus tickets as well as the tour of the Vatican. That came in really handy.
We spent three days in Rome and did all the usual activities. We didn’t tour the Coliseum weirdly enough but we did walk around it. My teen was in a mood and didn’t want to go in, so we walked around the outside. Fine, there was plenty to do. And she was far more interested in the gelatto at times than the sites.
Italian Breakfast and We’re Off
On our second day there my daughter discovered what an Italian breakfast was. Coffee and a pastry. We had tea because the two of us with our Irish roots never managed to get used to the taste of coffee. So we had our tea and pastries and off we went. Morgan got used to saying Grazie for everything. I laughed when she said it on our layover in Dusseldorf. 🙂
In Rome we saw the Trevi Fountain and then walked to the Spanish Steps. New thing to know about the steps, don’t sit down on them or you will be fined. They are really serious about that now. Afterwards we went to the Vatican and signed up for an English speaking tour. Of course, there was a family there from Iran and so the Italian guide had to say, “we have Americans here, you don’t have a nuclear bomb do you?” Har Har. It’s always fun to be the easy target for cracks when traveling. There’s something about being American that just makes people have to make cracks whenever they get the chance. What are you going to do?
Hitting the Vatican
So the Vatican was phenomenal and we got to see the Sistine Chapel. Watching her face as we walked through the door and the room just opened up to her, was priceless. I looked at Morgan and thought, “yes, mission accomplished.” We stared at the ceiling for awhile and listened to people get yelled at for taking pictures of the ceiling. The people that paid for the restoration hold the rights to the ceiling, or the Vatican does and they hold it for them. Either way, no photos. Morgan was very disappointed there that the Raphael rooms were closed so she could not see the school of Athens painting that she was dying to see. But what can you do. That will give us an excuse for another visit.
The Castle
Another great spot I admit I missed on my other trips to Rome, was the Castel St. Angelo also known as the mausoleum of Hadrian. It was well worth the entry fee and the views are spectacular. Morgan loved the little cafe at the top and sat there enjoying her tea as she looked out through the thick portico windows out at the Vatican, complete with pigeons peeping in at us from the outside. There’s a museum inside with some pretty cool armour and frescos, and just a good all around stop before heading to the Vatican. Make sure you get some good pictures on the beautiful bridge right before the castle.
After we had our fill of restaurants, gelato and walking, we took a taxi to the train station to head out to Florence. So I’ll write about that in my next article.
Travel Scams
One thing I want to tell you about though is the scams they try to pull on tourists. Several times during our trip an African man would approach me and ask me where I was from and tell me I look like I’m from East Africa. And he kept trying to talk to me. As a female traveler with a child in tow I don’t need to stop for conversation in a fairly remote section of the tourist area, so I voiced a firm, “No Grazie,” and he went on his way. I wasn’t sure what was going on but found out later, the scam is the men will walk up to you chatting with you and when they get close enough will slip a cheap “friendship” bracelet on your wrist that you can’t untie and then demand ten Euros. So just stay clear.
Taxis
And for the taxis, check that the meter is on. If the driver tells you the meter isn’t working, get out and get in another one. The meter will tell you exactly what your fare is and sometimes they turn it off and tell you it’s broken and then overcharge you. And they sometimes round up without asking you first. If they have to move luggage for you, a tip is fine, otherwise it’s not necessary, so ask for your change back please. Better yet, use your credit card.
Also, make sure to bring an debit card if you are coming from the states. In many of the ticket machines, it will ask you for a pin number. If you are using a credit card and don’t know the pin, or it doesn’t have one, you’ll get stuck. So bring a debit card that requires a pin with you as backup. Or make sure you know the cash pin on your credit card.
