Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

I think it is totally doable - the worst part might be the flight. You might have to tailor your trip to suit him - more outside walking letting him play - less museum, shopping time, esp if he gets fussy. If you have family there to help out I would say go for it! Whenever I traveled or studied in Europe there are tons of babies out and about. I bet he would love riding in the stroller with new sites to see. You can always do beach time etc. Just don't expect the adult vacation you would take if it was just you and DH and you will be fine.

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

It sounds too good to pass up IMO. We are taking a 9 day cruise Dec 14th-23rd with my parents and DS because they offered to pay and babysit. Not quite as difficult as Italy, but still trickier then when it was just us.

I've decided to start bidding wars between our parents. Whoever offers the best trip wins the opportunity to babysit their Grandson.

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

Also, it might be worth your while to purchase a seat for him, I stood up for 4 hours on a 7 hour flight to NY last month. He loved sitting in his own seat and pressing the call buttons for the staff. The air steward actually came and put a bandaid over the call buttons!

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

GOOOO!!!

We're bringing Justin to the Bahamas (I know not the same as Italy) at the end of August, he'll be 17 months.

I wouldn't even think twice about going.

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

I have a VERY high energy DD who will be 13 months old when we go to Mexico with my parents. Its their time share so we only had to pay for airfare- we couldn't pass that up.

Now this thread has me worried- I hope swimming in the pool all day will tire her out. Luckily my parents are happy just to hang in the room at night and play cards so DH and I can get out one night.

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

i was that age the first time my parents brought me to italy. i say don't overthink it, just go for it!! i'm sure he will do just fine

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

It looks like enough people have already convinced you but, absolutely go!!!!!

This is a great opportunity for you and the baby.

We are going to Aruba next week with our 15 month old. This will be his 4th vacation (Curacao at 3 months, Florida at 5 months, 10 day cruise at 9 months) Just don't forget to get your little one's passport in plenty of time (not too far in advance though since he won't look anything like his picture! ).

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

I would totally do it!!!!! what a great family vacation! as far as people on the plane- you cant please everyone and if we worried about what other people thought or cared about half of us wouldnt do the things we want to.
You live once! go and have a blast- you will def NOT regret it!

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

I never liked traveling with young kids/ toddlers. That said, in your circumstance I would do it anyway. I think its a chance of a lifetime and a trip you will always remember. Your son will be ok and you'll make any necessary adjustments. I think in this circumstance the pros outweigh the cons.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

I can tell you I would not want to do it. We went to Fla. with DD when she was 15 months old. Between her naps and trying to keep her occupied, we didn't get much done. She is not the type of baby who will sleep in her stroller. She has to be in her bed to sleep, so it was a real pain. Oh, she'll sleep in the car but the minute you stop she wakes right up. I can't imagine going to a foreign country and wanting to sightsee while toting her with me. Honestly, I really think it would be hard with any baby of that age. They just want to get around on their own, climb all over if you're holding them on your lap for a long time (like on a bus tour), and they definately have their own schedules. I think if you were going to visit family and taking day trips, you could probably do it, but taking a "regular" European vacation I think would be difficult.

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

The worst part would be the flight and the time difference. Our flight to AZ was almost as long and they weren't walking. Jack will be walking by then which might make it easier. Bring a portable DVD player for him too.

I would definitely not pass this opportunity up!!!! Go, relax and have fun!

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

While it is no Italy we took Kerri to the Jersey shore for a week at 14 months and she did great....I say go for it

Re: Be honest - vacationing with a 14 month old

Girl, go!!!!

We went this year with Alia when she was 2 and she absolutely loved it.

I'm so jealous, I wish i could go back again, i would do it in a heartbeat.

Just make sure to bring stuff to entertain him during the flights, you will be fine.