🌍✈️ Our First Family Adventure: Navigating Parenthood and the Beauty of Italy ✨👶

Hey Travel Enthusiasts! 👋🌟

Today, I'm thrilled to share the tale of our very first family holiday - an escapade filled with love, learning, and a tiny traveller named Alice. From the moment she came into our lives, we knew that our passion for exploration wouldn't take a backseat. Instead, we were determined to introduce her to the wonders of the world, believing that life with a child doesn't mean a complete overhaul but rather a harmonious integration.

Alice's passport photo? A mere 2-day-old snapshot - a testament to our commitment to raising a little adventurer. Our journey led us to Slovakia for Alice's christening, and with that came the decision to turn her first flight into a full-blown family vacation.

Being cautious, we chose Italy for its proximity to Slovakia. In case Alice fell ill, we preferred having my parents drive to us rather than boarding a plane. Italy's charm coupled with a manageable 8.5-hour drive (to Lido di Jesolo) in case of emergencies, made it an ideal choice. Ryanair's budget-friendly flights from London Stansted to Venice sealed the deal for us.

With an 11-week-old in tow, our journey commenced. Given our early 6:30 am flight, we decided to stay at a Radisson Blu hotel at the Stansted Airport the night before. The flight went smoothly, and once we landed, we relied on public transport, opting for a bus to Lido di Jesolo's central station. I'd recommend buses over taxis in Italy for both reliability and cost-effectiveness.

We stayed at Baia del Mar Beach Boutique Hotel, strategically chosen for its mid-range price, and promised heated pool. However, the pool was only heated at the beginning of the season, which was a letdown. On the positive side, the hotel accommodated us with an early check-in, and being right on the beach had its perks.

Lido di Jesolo, especially towards the end of the season, was a serene haven. The 9-mile-long beach provided a perfect strolling path. While restaurants' siesta timings posed a challenge with Alice’s early bedtime, room service saved the day.

Venturing into Venice, we recommend purchasing a combo ticket for the bus and boat from your hotel or a local shop, saving you money compared to organized trips. While Venice was breath-taking, it was crowded even in the off-season. Note that baby carrier is essential here due to numerous bridges.

Discovering Camping Village Garden Paradiso turned out to be the highlight. A day pass granted us access to a utopia for the whole family – heated pools, water slides, and a spa for adults. The experience surpassed typical holiday parks, offering a glimpse into a luxurious family-friendly heaven.

After seven unforgettable nights filled with walks, swims, and culinary delights, it was time to move on. A taxi ride to the airport marked Alice's second flight, this time to Vienna. From there, my parents drove us to Slovakia, marking the beginning of preparations for Alice's christening.

On September 28th, our journey brought us back to London Stansted, where Alice experienced her third flight. A bit uneasy this time, but the understanding and supportive fellow passengers made it a smooth landing. Our first family holiday was a mix of joy, adjustments, and unexpected moments. Traveling with a baby has its challenges, but the memories created are priceless.

Reflecting on our journey, I'm reminded that even with a baby in tow, the world is our playground. Parenthood is an enriching adventure, and we're ready for many more chapters with our little explorer. 🌈💕

Lessons from Our Travels and Tips for Future Journeys

Reflecting on our trip, we've identified a few tweaks for future travels.

First and foremost, we'd wholeheartedly recommend camping villages for families seeking a unique, cost-effective, and baby-friendly experience. The sense of community and connection with nature was unparalleled.

To enhance our travel toolkit, we'd consider investing in a travel UV sterilizer. This compact device would eliminate the need for microwave sterilising bags, ensuring a safer and more efficient way to keep Alice's belongings germ-free.

Price Breakdown

	£
Stanted - Marco Polo (2 adults with seats + infant fare)	82.72
Marco Polo- Vienna (2 adults with seats + infant fare)	65.58
Bratislava- Stansted (2 adults with seats + infant fare)	82.58
Radisson Blu Hotel (+airport parking for 15 nights)	277.65
Hotel Baia del Mare (7 nights with breakfast)	1,349