Can you PLEASE help me :)

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Nov 6th, 2002, 01:26 PM

Iris

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Can you PLEASE help me :)

I have just come across this site and I am so overwhelmed with all the knowledge everyone has. My husband and I are both in our late twenties and we would like to go to Europe for New Year with our 10 month old daughter. We both have been to Europe a few times before but this will be the first time at that time of year and with a baby. I know many discourage taking a baby but we both decided that we do not want to change our travelling style after a baby and just take her with us. My question is where Shall we go? My 19 year old sister in law will be joining us in this trip as well as helping with the baby. WHere do you sugguest we go? We are taking BA from Isreal to London and are open to anywhere in Europe. We also have to leave thru BA in london. WIll it be too tiring to fly to london stay there for a few days and then go to naples, florence and Venice? I really need HELP wit hwhere is a good place to go with a baby.

Nov 6th, 2002, 01:41 PM

elaine

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Iris You know your family better than anyone, but with the logistics required, I'd limit myself to no more than 2 locations,although I don't know exactly how much time you have in total Travel from one location to another, even when everything goes as planned, takes up time, energy, and patience. Which locations did you like when you were in Europe before? Do you want to repeat them or go to new places? I will recommend that you choose centrally-located hotels, so that it is easier to pop back to the hotel when your whim, or the baby's dictates, for a diaper change or feeding, or just for a nap for any of you. With three adults, you needn't all stay joined at the hip all the time. You and your husband could go somewhere while your sister babysits for an afternoon, or any combination of two of you can go one place and the rest another place. With potentially cold weather, you will need to be concerned about keeping everyone warm and dry, especially since rain is likely in most of Europe at that time of year. What about London and Paris, or London to Rome and Florence, or Venice and Florence? Naples, Florence, AND Venice all in one short trip, IF it IS short, is all over the map to me.

Nov 6th, 2002, 05:47 PM

francesca

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We've done a lot of travelling with our two toddlers and I really recommend against city trekking, especially if you have already been to Europe several times. A better idea is to base yourself somewhere interesting--the Loire valley, the Cotswolds, Umbria--and rent a house. That way, you can have a comfortable base and take short trips and your child gets used to sleeping in one place. Have a great time.

Nov 6th, 2002, 06:00 PM

Rex

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My wife and I traveled a certain amount before our first daughter was one, but not overseas (several cross country trips though). You probably WILL change your traveling style if you end up with more than one child under six (at the same time), so I think you might as well go ahead and try to scratch the itch now, if you feel up to it (and especially since you have a willing "assistant&quot

. And, so, as a corollary, I think this question is really no different from anyone else who asks "where should I go in Europe?" It all begins with the "WHY" - - do you THINK you want to go to europe - - except that it is different for NON-first timers, than it is with first-timers. You undoubtedly DO have an idea whether you want to see all new countries and cultures than you have seen before - - ot would you rather "extend" a bit into areas that scratch a "similar" itch, compared to those you enjoyed before? Is England a place you have been more than once? Do you feel the need to include Italy (or any other place on the continent) to feel like you are "really" in Europe? Why BA to London? Is that part already locked in? Have you traveled much in the past four months with your baby? Did any thing cause you anxiety? I know some young parents that think "the city is dangerous" or "farm animals might cause her to get sick" or "we wouldn't like shlepping her on and off a train". Remember that she is like an extra piece of luggage (with regard to physically having your arms full), so train travel would seem especially difficult to me. That reason alone would discourage Italy (or at least the major cities) in my mind. Personally, I could not imagine traveling with an infant and NOT having a car. And so, likewise, I would choose a place where winter-time driving will not add to your challenges. Provence or other South of France. Spain, especially coastal areas or the south. Portugal. Sicily. All these would be better ideas in my mind. Best wishes, Rex

Nov 7th, 2002, 08:31 AM

Tom

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If you don't like these answers, perhaps you could post again, and this time put something in your message header that gives a clue what information you are seeking. Every single message posted here could be labeled "Please help me". Just imagine the effect of EVERY message posted here having such meaningless titles! "Do you know?" "Has anybody seen?" "I have been wondering" "Trying to find out"

Nov 7th, 2002, 10:35 AM

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topping

Nov 7th, 2002, 11:31 AM

kindly, Susan

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For Iris, Since you are new to this site, I'll agree with a poster above. Make a new post with a title such as "Italy itinerary w/ Baby?" or "Couple, Infant & Nanny where to go?" That way you'll get people who have traveled with kids interested & they'll share ideas with you.

Nov 7th, 2002, 11:34 AM

mother of two young teens

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Gosh, at least you won't have to listen to the kid's lip if she doesn't like your choices! Seriously, though, I agree 100% with whomever said you better do this trip with a car. For the millionth time on this website, avoid London for New Years when it is cold, dark, short days, etc. Who is going to babysit when the others get to go out to dinner. I am not sure where you live (Israel?) but if you live in the States I would strongly recommend a Caribbean destination with child care services. 10 months is too young to begin skiing, so that is out. Even southern places in Europe can be chilly and nasty in January. If you do live in Israel, why not head for Mauritius or Australia or the Goa state of India. More info please.