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Italy/Expert Profile

P L Byrne

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Expertise

Traveling with Kids in Italy

Experience in the area

I travel to Europe annually with my school-aged children and their cousins. I am an American and have lived in Italy, Germany and France.

Publications

Italy Discovery Journal www.KidsEurope.com

What do you like about this subject?

I love the way a focus on aspects of popular culture such as food and sports can draw children into the fun of travel. You can start with anything that engages them and draw them into enjoyment of Italy's culture, art and history.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

A great idea for touring Rome from my book Italy Discovery Journal (www.KidsEurope.com) is an ?Obelisk Odyssey.? There are more obelisks in Rome than anywhere else in the world. Kids love finding them in busy piazzas and quiet gardens. They tell tales of Egyptian kings, Roman plunder, medieval neglect, artistic rivalry and drama. ?Collect? the obelisks by taking family photos in front of each.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Traveling in Italy with kids can be a shock to families who are used to Disney-type vacations. There is little set up especially for kids. The historical sites fascinate some kids, especially if you have prepared them in advance, but it leaves others whining on the vestibule floor of a magnificent cathedral. I wrote Italy Discovery Journal (www.KidsEurope.com) to make Italian travel fun.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	T	P	Comments
Christine	08/30/09	10	10	10	10	Wonderful explanation to my question. I already .....
Chantelle	08/25/09	10	10	10	10	Thank you for the quick reply and .....
tictacgo	07/01/09	9	9	10	10
Lynn	06/04/09	10	10	10	10	Thank you. I think I will purchase .....
Lynn	06/02/09	8	7	10	7

Recent Answers from P L Byrne

2009-09-03 overnite parking in naples ferry station:

There is a car park near the ferry terminal in Naples. I don't know how you would guarantee you could find a spot and, even more importantly, that the car would be there when you returned. Same for any

2009-09-01 Touring with a toddler:

Thanks for your question. You are so right, lots of walking over cobblestones with limited curb cuts. Fun, eh? My suggestions are a) if your child fits and will ride in a backpack, have that as an alternative

2009-08-29 teens travel to Rome alone:

Dear Christine: I understand the dilemma, I've got a 19 year old myself. Sometimes he's such an adult, but others, well, just inexperienced. At that age I was living in Rome with my family, but going

2009-08-25 Train tickets:

That's a lot of traveling! Should be fun, but very busy. The fast trains between Venice and Florence fill up in advance best to book ahead if you can. Trenitalia.com is very difficult to work with;

2009-08-18 travel between Positano and Rome:

Dear Allan: You can never get the ferry schedules in advance in my experience, so you have to get that bit while you are there. Here is how I would plan it, myself, by working backwards. Flight

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