Sicily, Italy’s sun-soaked jewel, blends history, culture and natural beauty for the perfect family getaway. Thanks to the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus and, most recently, Jo Piazza’s new bestselling book, The Sicilian Inheritance, Sicily — just off the toe of Italy’s boot — continues to dominate as the “it” summertime Italian vacation. […] The post 3 Unique Things to Do in Sicily with All Ages appeared first on Ciao Bambino ..read more

An ancient and elegant city of temples, shrines, imperial palaces and gardens — 17 of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites — Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years during the Heian period. (The original name was Heiankyo, or Capital of Peace.) Cultural traditions thrived through the centuries and they live on today in the form of omotenashi, a deep sense of hospitality toward guests; kaiseki ryori, a style of cooking where food is presented almost as art; and, of course geisha, female entertainers trained in music, dance and conversation. Along with all th ..read more

When most people think of Ireland, their minds drift to the lively streets of Dublin or the rugged beauty of the west coast and its Cliffs of Mohr. But during my visit to the Emerald Isle, we decided to drive around the country, and in doing so we discovered a different gem: Cork! The second-largest city in Ireland, Cork rests on the River Lee and combines traditional Irish culture with urban sophistication. Nestled near the southern coast, Cork and its namesake county offer a blend of history and adventure, a wealth of ancient castles and a seafaring past rich with tales, including two of the ..read more

Nestled along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is an historic city that blends old-world charm with a cosmopolitan and youthful modern environment. It’s known for its towering bridges as well as its world-famous port wine, and it makes an ideal destination for families seeking a mix of culture, adventure and relaxation. Very different from the Algarve’s dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches and Lisbon’s bustling urban expanse, this city features a cooler climate and moodier hues. While younger travelers may not appreciate the viticultural history, there are plenty of things to do in ..read more

In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca is perhaps the best-known of Spain’s sun-soaked Balearic Islands, brimming with natural beauty, rich history and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its stunning landscapes, from the rugged Tramuntana mountains to its pristine sandy beaches, it’s an ideal island getaway for kids of all ages — whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Alcudia, exploring the vibrant capital of Palma de Mallorca or simply building sandcastles on the soft sands of Cala d’Or. Mallorca’s calm blue waters and shallow coves draw families in search of a beach va ..read more

Family travel is an evolving art. There is no better travel tool than experience, but as kids grow older, there’s a natural progression in the hows, wheres and whens of traveling as a family. Trouble is, it’s sometimes hard for parents to grasp until they find themselves on a family trip that doesn’t quite go the way they hoped. Destinations like the Galapagos Islands captivate every age — including teens. Photo by VirtuosoBest Tips for Traveling with Teens A good family vacation should have something for everyone, including parents. When my girls were infants and toddlers, I looked for and tr ..read more

Just a short 2.5-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Osaka offers a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere that is truly worth experiencing, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth to the Land of the Rising Sun. Despite its unique charm, Osaka is often overshadowed by the more traditional destinations of Kyoto or Nara — wonderful in their own right but nothing quite like the port city, known for its incredible architecture, nightlife, and amazing food. Ready to embark on the ultimate 72-hour adventure, uncovering Osaka’s must-see sights, bites and unforgettable experiences? Here’s our recommended iti ..read more

When travelers think of visiting Italy, the big cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome are the first thoughts. But the boot-shaped country is practically surrounded by water with stretches of picturesque seaside villages overlooking the Mediterranean, Ionian, and the Adriatic Seas.   In the northwest, the Italian Riviera is one of the most scenic coastlines, offering breathtaking views, terraced cliffs, and vibrant colored houses. One of the most stunning of the Riviera is Cinque Terre, which means “Five Lands” in Italian.   View of Riomaggiore from the water- credit Raul Taciu ..read more

One of the great things about taking a family vacation to Rome is the food. Most kids love pasta, pizza, and gelato, and most restaurants are welcoming to children, so there is no need to stress about finding a restaurant with kid-friendly food.   Yet sometimes finding good, authentic Roman cuisine around the most popular tourist attractions can be a challenge.  Ask any tour guide in Italy where to find good food and they will tell you to walk three blocks and then pick any place that doesn’t have a menu in multiple languages out front. But sometimes, you want a bit more specificity ..read more

Italy has a dizzying array of high-end accommodation options, as Italians do luxury well. Fortunately for families, more than a few of these extraordinary experiences are kid-friendly, and all ages can appreciate pampering La Dolce Vita-style.  Secret garden at the Hotel de Russie in Rome ItalyFavorite Kid-Friendly Luxury Hotels in Italy Hotel de Russie | Rome  Hotel de Russie’s Secret Garden, a sweet urban oasis from the busy streets of Rome, is wonderful for children. Meanwhile, the gorgeous interior is stylish but approachable, in line with the persistent happy, social buzz in the ..read more