Kealoha

We're thinking of bringing our son in June (he will be 4 when we travel) with us to Europe for 2 weeks. Anyone has an idea how realistic a jaunt to Rome, Paris, and London is? Too busy, too much? Our other option was just to stay in Italy but grandma is going to be in London so we thought we might hook up. Overall, our priority is to make it as pleasant as possible for our little one (hence, for us too). Thanks!

gabygail

If you break up the days and alternate museums and churches with time to run and play you can do 1 city as easily as 2 or 3. At 4, anticipating their needs is one of the most important elements to a good trip. Carry snacks and water and avoid the scramble when their blood sugar collapses. Bring a stroller even if you no longer use one at home.
www.kidscantravel.com

kdcwood

Our now 13-year old daughter has been to Europe nine times (soon to be 10), so I definitely think a trip like you propose is do-able.

I think your proposed itinerary is realistic and there would be plenty in all three cities to interest parents and a young child. If grandma will be in London, that definitely has an appeal, and I think London (and England) has a lot to interest a family. BUT, getting from London to Paris and then Rome can chew up precious days. For example, it's a 14 hour train trip from Paris to Rome! (You could try to do something on a budget airline, but that will likely take a full day also.) I'd encourage you to make your travel circle smaller to get the most from your trip.

An alternative would be to do a week in one of these cities and then a week in the countryside of the same country a few hours away. (eg. Rome, then Tuscany or Paris, then Provence or London, then the Cotswolds). A full week would also enable you to rent an apartment or cottage, which I think is a nice way to travel as a family.

You might find this piece on family travel that I wrote for another travel website helpful: http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/kw_children.htm

Kathy

gshandle

Bring new toys, coloring books, whatever you would normally use to distract/amuse your son. Give them to him piece meal on those long plane/train/car rides. The important words here are 'piece meal'.
Way back (1980's) when my boy was your boy's age I bought him a small Lego set for a transatlantic trip. Kept him happy for hours. Also, call the airline ahead and ask for a kid's 'lucky bag'. (Back in the olden days they used to have such things). Also reserve a kids meal.

W9London

When we travel with our toddlers, we bring one or two familiar toys but buy inexpensive toys and colouring books locally--which makes a good souvenir.

You might want to bear in mind that it would take longer for your son to get over jet-lag. So be prepared for a daytime nap for the family.
My kids had no patience for museums, historic mansions, so DH and I usually split and take turns doing the grown-up attractions and kiddie stuff.

June is a good season. 3 cities in 2 weeks would be doable, but I'm more inclined to stick to 2 countries, maybe do city and country. Let me know if you decide on London and want some more specific toddler-related tips.

Kealoha

Thank you so much for all the wonderful replies. I think we'll probably just stay in Italy to do a more leisurely trip. My son, fortunately, is a good traveler. I flew alone with him to Asia (from California) when he was 1 year and he did really well. Since then, we've criss-crossed the country via plane at least 6 times. The last trip we took was Hawaii in June, and again, he did as well as any active 3-year old. Some things I learned from traveling with a toddler was to take things slow, enjoy the moments, and always (always!) be flexible. I know he'll be too young to remember all these trips but his dad and I will always treasure these memories. Again, thank you for the replies and the wonderful websites.