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The last time I travelled to Italy I was 20 weeks pregnant and it was 35 degrees out, even mid September. I thought that was challenging but in retrospect we easily walked the 15-20 km a day while taking in the scenery. Now, with a kid under two, travel has become a bit more of a gargantuan feat.

The luggage alone requires a bit of jenga-esque maneuvering, like a puzzle that just won’t quite fit. There are all the ‘maybes’ to pack too, the will we need this? The favourite blanket that takes up space. The car seat for the plane ride.

So there is of course a simple solution to this. Invite the grandparents.

And we do plan on doing this but want to still travel as light as possible. Stroller and light car seat are unfortunately a must, but the rest of the bags will need to be as small as possible. A few summer dresses here, a few t shirts there, things than can easily be washed in an airbnb.

So I’m asking you all, what recommendations do you have for travelling with your little ones? What has been a headache to bring, what has been a lifesaver?

I plan to walk down those busy streets of Rome, Florence and Naples with a gelato in one hand and a busy toddler’s sticky hand in the other. Let me know your thoughts and ideal itinerary that have worked or things that you wish you had thought of.

And to all of you who have done this, kudos to you, you’re superheros.

MJ