Kat
thanks for taking the time to post all of this! I'm now reconsidering the backpack (which we bought specifically for our upcoming trip) after your comments. However, we will be touring so many ruined castles and abbeys, a stroller would be impossible for those trips.
We have a "Me Too" collapsible high chair that we take everywhere and I think we will bring that as well (it folds flat, to about 15 inches square-did you find you used your booster quite a bit?
I'll also look into the baby b'air although I can't imagine my daughter tolerating being strapped to me-at least for our return daytime flight.
Still up in the air about the carseat. We will be driving a LOT, but could rent one along with the car and the thought of lugging that thing, even to the gate to be checked, etc, with all of our other stuff is not very appealing.

I'm having such a fun time reading your trip report and I'm only on day three!

Ani, we took the inflatable booster seat from The First Years... it's bright blue nylon with an inflatable seat... and we used it a lot.

Also, since you're going to be driving A LOT, as you say, then I'd say bring your own carseat. I was truly shocked by the shoddy two carseats that were provided to us by taxis... like something from 25 years ago in terms of safety and construction. Surely, a car rental would provide a newer one with all the safety standards we expect here, but I'd personally opt for using my own. Not only the reassurance that we know how it installs and we know its history. But also, it'll be comfortable for your child... remind them of home a little... especially if they are particular about sitting in the car ayway. Just my 2 cents...

Thanks, Kat...good advice. Anything to say about the backpack? ( I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that with all of the rough terrain we'll be visiting it would be of great advantage.).

Also, we rented a car seat from a car rental place in CA and it was horrible-very old, dirty, ick...so I think its a good call to bring our own.

Oh yeah, on the backpack... if you're doing hiking or long walks, then, for sure, I'd bring it. Especially if your toddler is used to it. Bonus if she'll sleep in it.

We actually borrowed one from a friend, and hadn't ever used one, and had only put her in it for one or 2 trial walks before the trip. So it wasn't something she was really used to. And, we were in the two big cities instead of the countryside. And, she is a tricky napper. And, she only wanted me to carry her, not her daddy, and daddy has the stronger back. So all those factors conspired against us.

If you think your toddler will ride in one, and maybe even sleep in it, then it's probably worth trekking it along with you.

So, yes, the list of big items you might be bringing IS staggering... stroller, backpack, carseat, luggage. But of course they're necessary sometimes.

Thanks again! Riley has been sleep trained since about 8 wks of age, so I have no idea if she will be able to sleep anywhere besides a crib! Wish us luck.
Funny thing about the backpack, we bought it so far in advance to "train" for the long periods of time we would have it on our back. DH and I are both very fit but I swear the most amount of time we've walked with her in it is about 25 minutes and that maxed us out! The prospect of even a few hours is VERY daunting.

One trip I read (maybe here?) was to get them used to sleeping in the pack n play for the week or so before the trip. It seemed to help us.

My husband and I are traveling to Italy in November with our daughter (who will be 17 months at departure.)I have read many postings about traveling with toddlers but yours has been especially inspirational. After spending last night unsuccessfully consoling my crying baby (she is cutting two teeth)I needed to hear your encouraging words about traveling with a toddler! We are also flying out of SFO so I will look into Virgin Air.

I can't read the entire string right now -- 11 month old is vying for my attention. But am most interested in which Maclaren stroller you took. We are about to purchase the Quest with no shock absorbers on the wheels and wondered if you had a step up or would recommend step up for napping on the go? Plannin Germany for May with our little one.

Thank you for this post.. It's just what I needed for my next trip overseas- london & paris...

Sudhin

Great report, especially the part on how your child did in London/Paris!