Revisiting Italy as Parents: Design, Food, and Family Travel

We've travelled to Italy many times over the years.

Before children, our trips looked different. Days revolved around long lunches, spontaneous detours, and wandering through towns without much of a plan. We'd spend hours lingering over dinner, discover places by accident, and think nothing of changing course halfway through the day.

This summer, we returned with two children and a large group of family.

The country felt familiar.

Our experience of it did not.

Travelling with young children changes the way you move through the world. The pace slows. The priorities shift. Things that once felt important become less so, while other things suddenly matter a great deal.

And surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed Italy even more because of it.

You Notice Different Things

Years ago, I would have told you about the restaurants first.

This time, I noticed the piazzas.

The small playgrounds tucked into neighbourhoods. The beaches with calm water. The outdoor cafés where children were welcomed rather than tolerated.

I noticed how naturally daily life unfolds in public spaces. Families gathering in the evenings. Children playing late into the night. Multiple generations sharing long meals together.

There was a sense of ease to it all.

Not because travelling with children is easy—it isn't—but because family life feels woven into the culture rather than accommodated by it.

The Best Spaces Supported Real Life

As a designer, I never stop observing spaces when I travel. What changes over time is what captures my attention.

On previous trips, I was drawn to architecture and materiality. I still am. But this time, I found myself paying closer attention to how spaces supported everyday life.

The places that stayed with me weren't necessarily the most polished. They were the shaded courtyard where everyone naturally gathered during the hottest part of the day.

The restaurant terrace where six children could move around comfortably while adults lingered over another coffee.

The beach club designed for spending an entire day rather than an hour.

The homes, cafés, and public spaces that felt effortless because they understood exactly how people wanted to use them.

It's a reminder of something I often tell clients: good design isn't about how a space looks. It's about how a space supports the people living in it.

Travelling More Slowly

Children have a way of forcing you to slow down.

You don't see as much.

You don't accomplish as much.

You return to the same places more often.

And honestly, I think that's part of the gift.

Instead of rushing between destinations, we settled into a rhythm. We revisited the same beaches. Ordered from the same cafés. Walked the same streets at different times of day.

The trip became less about seeing everything and more about experiencing where we were.

In many ways, it felt more immersive than trips we've taken in the past.

Returning Is Different Than Discovering

There's always pressure when travelling to seek out somewhere new.

This trip reminded me of the value of returning.

The places we love don't stay the same because we don't stay the same.

Italy still inspired me through its architecture, landscapes, food, and culture. But this time, it offered something entirely different than it had before.

Not because Italy had changed.

Because we had.

And perhaps that's what makes returning so meaningful. The opportunity to experience a familiar place through a completely different stage of life.

The memories are different now.

The pace is different.

The priorities are different.

But somehow, the experience feels richer than ever.

If you're planning a trip and have questions about where we stayed, what we loved, travelling with young children, or anything else, don't hesitate to DM me! I can talk about travel for hours and am always happy to share recommendations.