From Strollers to Limoncello: How Travel Turns Friends into Family
Remember those friends who turned into family during our Lake Placid trip? Turns out they were up for an even more epic adventure—their first family trip to Europe. Every time we came back from traveling abroad, we couldn’t stop raving about how much it changed us—how incredible it was to experience new cultures and how adaptable and joyful our kids were while traveling. We’d talk about how traveling with little ones had reshaped our perspective on what was important and what was possible. It must have struck a chord because, for our next trip to Italy, we had quite the crew joining us!
This wasn’t just a "family trip"; it was a multi-family, multi-generational adventure. My dad, my aunt, cousins, our friends and their three kids, and our family of four all packed into an apartment in Rome for a 10-day whirlwind tour of Italy. It was as chaotic as it was magical.
We tag-teamed carrying strollers up what felt like endless steps, strapped kids way too big for carriers onto our backs to trek through towns, and hiked up steep hills with sleeping toddlers just to reward ourselves with limoncello. We marveled at ancient ruins while our kids repeatedly asked where the next gelato stop would be. And we learned—the hard way—that high-speed trains going in reverse are not kind to kids with motion sickness.
Watching my dad soak it all in was one of the trip’s highlights. It was his first time in Europe, and as a history buff, he was in his element seeing pages of what he’d read about come to life. Sharing those moments with his grandkids made it even more special. Seeing his face light up while walking through the Colosseum or standing before the Vatican’s grandeur was unforgettable.
Of course, the food played a starring role. Caden declared Italy his favorite place on Earth, largely because of the pasta. We discovered our favorite dishes, shared family-style meals, and even tried pig leg for the first time. In Tuscany, while the adults sipped wine and admired the countryside, the kids braided grass and ran through the fields, creating their own magical memories.
And then there was Positano, where we overpaid for beach chairs but couldn’t care less because the views were worth every cent. The Amalfi Coast’s steep cliffs and sparkling waters were like something out of a dream. We even survived the logistical nightmare of navigating those narrow streets with strollers, proving that teamwork (and a lot of patience) makes the dream work.
This trip taught me something important: people often use the excuse not to travel with little kids because "they won’t remember it." But I can assure you, this was a formative experience for everyone who came, regardless of their age. The memories weren’t just about the places we visited—they were about the relationships we strengthened along the way. Lifelong friendships were forged through all the teamwork it took to make a trip like this successful.
We left Italy knowing we had friends and family who would drop everything to be with us if we needed them—a gift far more valuable than anything we could bring home in a suitcase. That trip was proof that the magic of travel isn’t just in the destinations, but in the connections it creates and the stories it leaves behind.
Lessons Learned:
Teamwork is Key: Whether it’s carrying strollers up stairs or wrangling kids through train stations, traveling with a group requires patience and collaboration.
Kids Are Resilient: From trying new foods to adapting to jet lag, little ones are capable of much more than we give them credit for.
Don’t Skip the Big Moments: Sharing history, culture, and iconic sites with your kids and loved ones is worth every logistical challenge.
Embrace the Chaos: Things won’t always go smoothly, but the mishaps often make the best memories.
Travel Strengthens Bonds: Shared experiences—especially the tricky ones—bring people closer in ways that everyday life can’t.
Practical Tips for a Multi-Generational Trip to Italy:
Rent an Apartment: Having a home base where everyone can gather, cook, and unwind is a game-changer for large groups.
Pack Light: You’ll be navigating stairs, cobblestone streets, and public transportation—keep it simple.
Plan Gelato Breaks: When in Italy, gelato is not optional. It’s also a great motivator for tired kids (and adults).
Be Flexible: Kids get tired, plans change, and that’s okay. Leave room for spontaneity.
Book Group-Friendly Activities: Guided tours, family-style meals, and scenic walks keep everyone engaged.
Italy wasn’t just a trip; it was a testament to the power of travel to bring people together. The sights were stunning, the food was unforgettable, and the memories we made will be cherished forever. Most importantly, it reminded us that the best part of any adventure is sharing it with the people you love.
