Travel Tips
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Taking the Train
Planning a family vacation in Italy, but not sure how to get around? Traveling up and down the beautiful boot-shaped country can be intimidating, especially because foreign tourists are sometimes unaware of the differences in services between different regions and cities. Fortunately, we're here to help! Listed here are three options you and your family can consider.
If you are planning to visit multiple cities, we recommend that you take the train. The national railway company, Trenitalia, features an extensive rail network that connects the major cities thanks to intercity and high-speed trains (known as “Frecce”, such as the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento). Trenitalia has plenty of regional trains as well: those are slower, less expensive and usually serve minor cities and towns.
The private company Italo also offers a number of high-speed routes. If you book your tickets in advance, you may find special offers for weekend trips or discounts dedicated to families with children and/or the elderly. Italian high-speed trains are comfortable and offer a variety of services, such as Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks, as well as access to streaming services.
If you and your family plan on exploring Italy by bike, remember that many trains have a special carriage with plenty of room for bikes.
Driving a car
Renting a car is another useful option. Make sure that your driver’s license is valid in Italy and remember to book the vehicle in advance, especially if it’s peak tourist season. Remember that in Italy, just like many other European countries, manual cars are by far the most common.
This choice may be appropriate if you and your family want to customize your trip and enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere you like, especially off the beaten track. However, if you want to visit a major city, such as Rome or Naples, be aware that the traffic can be overwhelming, parking is very hard to find and many areas in the historic center are “ZTL”, which means that it’s not possible to drive there unless you have a permit.
Hiring a private vehicle with driver
Do you want the freedom to travel by car but would also like to relax in the passenger’s seat? You may then rent a car with a private driver. This can be very useful if, for example, you need to travel between the airport and your hotel in the city center.
This way, you don’t have to worry about getting around in unfamiliar places and dealing by yourself with the traffic, which can be intense. Of course, keep in mind that this is the most expensive option, so it might not be suitable for everybody.
Be Part of Our Online Community
Get the latest tips and ask outher moms in our online community! It is free and you get access to all the info you need for your family travel planning.
