ROME FAMILY TRIP - 25 Tips and Facts Before You Go!

[@q8ee59]

I absolutely love these reviews, and I really need you to give yourself a pat on the back. They're so informative, packed with useful advice and there's not a bunch of useless waffling. Thank you for these videos! You and the missus also seem like you're winning at parenting, what a great childhood you're giving your kids.

[@bradball]

Very kind words… glad you liked the video.

[@yeidycacho9736]

Súper helpful! We are skipping Disney (original plan) and will be doing this instead, going in December with my 15,17 and 19 year old ❤️🥰❤️

[@alliepettola3808]

We stopped doing Disney years ago and never looked back. Money much better spent in real historical cultural places

[@schoonerdog44]

Thank you for the practical advice! So useful! Can you share what web site you used to buy your Colosseum pass?

[@chrissycheerflyer]

So well summarized! Thanks for this!

[@shawntricethomas3057]

This was a great video!

[@bradball]

Thanks for your kind comments.

[@commonsenseIndia]

Thank you for this very informative video :)

[@bradball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sarahswales8810]

This is so super helpful!! We are a family of 6 going in spring- Please please could you let us know which skip the queues link to use so we can book? Thanks so much

[@bradball]

For the coliseum I recommend booking directly with the coliseum web site www.thecolosseum.org/visit/ For the Vatican I recommend booking through a reputable third party and NOT the official Vatican web site. You may also want to watch my Vatican video for info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LLnXmCZbulrNk Good luck!

[@sarahswales8810]

Thank you - I managed to find out who you used and have gone with them as well. Heads up - if you go over Easter weekend then the Vatican museum appears to only be open on the Saturday for the public 👍🏻

[@MimiM7387RU]

Thank you for this very informative video. My family and I will be going to Italy this summer. We are six and I would like information how , where and if you have any advice on renting a car. Hope to hear from you! Thanks!

[@bradball]

It’s difficult renting a large vehicle that can accommodate a family of six (in our case 7) plus all luggage. In our case, we rented a 9 person van. Our trip was 6 weeks. It started in Paris - we rented a van at CDG and drove over 4000 km down to Italy, up to Prague/Berlin and then back through Amsterdam/Belgium. I did a significant amount of research and booked one van for the entire trip. It’s always best (you will save money) if you can return the vehicle to the same location. I would use an aggregator tool (such as Kayak.com) to search what vehicles are available and to find the best cost. Not exactly sure where you’re from.. but in Europe you wont find minivans like you do in the USA (Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan). You will find some 8-9 passenger diesel powered vans (that look a bit like a minivan) and get exceptional fuel economy. I’d definitely focus on getting one of these… typically there made by Mercedes or Ford. Also (there not especially luxurious - don’t let the Mercedes name fool you) they’re most often very basic, but they work very well and they’re easy to drive. Many like to take trains in Italy and Europe. I will confidently tell you that driving is in many ways a FAR better option, and will provide you with much greater flexibility and comfort (particularly if you’re taking a large family). Trains are OK if you’re a young traveler and just hitting the big cities… however, taking a van throughout Italy will (IMHO) be worth the extra cost and effort. Good luck !

[@qain08]

Hi Brad, found your videos on italy to be very informative. I am planning a family trip (4 adults and 3 kids) in sept and visiting milan, como, bernina express, Venice, Florence, Rome in 8 days (+2 days flights) from Canada. Is this doable or too hectic? Have booked a van but posted on tripadvisor and everyone is telling me not to drive. What would you advise since you went with family and rented a car as well. How easy is it to find parking near ztl zones in major cities?

[@bradball]

Here’s my thoughts… 8 days is probably cutting it close with such a stacked itinerary.. but it is possible. You’ll be “bucketlisting” essentially meaning you’ll be quickly visiting places, checking them off the box, then quickly moving onto the next thing. Not much time for relaxation… but still… very possible to see all of those places. I’m a big advocate of renting a vehicle and driving when in Italy (and Europe in general). Most Americans (and possibly Canadian’s) are quick to recommend the train… but trains can be stressful. The timetables can be tricky… and there’s a whole lot of waiting around and trying to figure out kiosks, etc. renting a car (or van) gives you space and flexibility. You’re also not confined to a small area in the central part of each town (near the train station). You can save on accommodations by staying on the outskirts of town if you wish… something that you can’t really do if you’re relying on trains. Yes… the rental can be pricey… and yes… parking can sometimes be tricky… but you can almost always find a parking garage in any city and I’d rather deal with that than waiting at a hot and crowded train station. Good luck on your trip… sounds like fun!

[@popcornncoffee4916]

I also have 5 kids so your video is very much appreciated. What’s the best way to travel to the different cities in Italy? We would like to also go to other countries in Europe, would train be best for that?

[@bradball]

I am a firm believer in traveling by automobile when in Italy and (quite frankly) most places in Europe. It’s easy to rent a car and just drive to your destination on your own schedule and have space to store your belongings and luggage. Many Americans have this romantic idea of traveling via train when in Europe.. it’s a phenomenon I don’t understand. Trains are slow and a hassle in most cases… and there’s still a whole lot of places you can’t go on a train. Example: Many of the towns in Tuscany are inaccessible via train… and even with the larger towns… the logistics of traveling on foot from train station to hotel (or hostel) with luggage in tow can be added stress. I spend 8-10 weeks per year in Europe for both business and pleasure and I rarely take a train. Budget airfare is cheap in Europe… often cheaper than the price of a train ticket. When I’m with my entire family in Europe… we rent a van… and it works great. I’m not the only one who’s skeptical about traveling via train in Europe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2rNmqV8psqrbMksi=bPjuD8fCnNsNtLUt

[@youseennothing8432]

Great video! Can you please share the hotel? We have a big family and need some good ideas for hotels.

[@bradball]

We stayed in a Airb2b near a metro stop… about 10 minutes from the coliseum. With a larger family I would always recommend renting an airbnb or vacation rental if you plan to stay more than three days. I find that Rome (and most of Italy) is reasonably priced in the offseason… and somewhat ridiculously priced between May-September.

[@tipan6910]

Nice video! It definitely looks like you and your family had a blast! I’m flying with my family (My wife, daughter 4, son 2 and myself) next month (May) to Rome, Florence and bound to WarsawPoland for a total of 15 (5 days/city)days!Any recommendations?!? Transportation? Did you guys bring a car seat? Stroller?

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching. I don’t have any tips as far as stroller/car seat as my kids are out of that phase (my youngest is 9). I’m sure a reputable car rental company can work out something for you. 15 day trip sounds fun. I’ll only say… 5 full days in Florence seems a little long. Florence really isn’t that big. I presume you’ll also spend time visiting some other nearby towns in Tuscany? I’d consider Cinque Terra or maybe even Venice for a day or two rather than for a whole five days.

[@luciamoniz689]

Any recommendations on hotel or air b n b?

[@bradball]

Rome has a great Metro system. There are a lot of hotel / air bnb options available in every price range… but I would make sure to get something close to a Metro station (within a couple of blocks). It will make it easier and more enjoyable to explore the city.

[@sarahswales8810]

If you are going as a family with kids then I’d recommend staying at a Eurocamp - it’s about an hours bus ride into Rome - also conveniently located not far away from the beach!

[@CarloRossi54523]

I would also suggest to visit churches, going before to Wikipedia and learning what their artistic treasures are

[@bradball]

Great comment... I wholeheartedly agree.

[@angelareynolds9818]

Worried about taking phone out to take pics due to crime there. Any advice on how it was for your family taking pictures?

[@bradball]

My opinion… I really wouldn’t be worried much at all. You need to be careful of pickpockets and use common sense. I wouldn’t leave a bag or phone unattended or put valuables where they can easily be snatched (such as putting your phone in the side pocket of a backpack when on a subway). All this being said, violent crime against tourists is extremely rare and being robbed or having something stolen right out of your hands is also rare. Guns are illegal and banned throughout most of Europe as well, so you’re not likely to get held up or threatened either. Common.sense wins the day!

[@jannadrawz8590]

What month did you guys visit?

[@bradball]

We were in Rome in late May / early June 2022.

[@tharukavi8495]

hi.i am sri lankan .your videos are awesome. I love your country very much. I am still 17 years old. My future hope is to become a chef. Someday I will be a cook in your country. Tell me what is the average salary of a chef in your country. It would be nice to meet you sometime. Keep making videos.

[@bradball]

Thanks for your kind comments… I have been to Sri Lanka before… very nice place. I wish you the very best.

[@jr4elena]

Personal question…. How much money did you use on all transportation, hotel, and food?

[@magdalenasobczak1152]

Where did you stay? 😊

[@bradball]

Air BnB in Rome... about 3 stops from the Colosseum

[@sammiche]

❤

[@AlexanderLittlebears]

Are your kids manifesting a desire to grow large families as well?

[@bradball]

Not especially.

[@KL-md9ey]

5 kids! You must be Catholic! God bless you and your family!