Crossing the Pond with Twins: Why Direct Flights and "Positioning" are Life-Savers
Flying to Rome with Twins: A JFK-ITA Airways Review Navigating a first transatlantic flight with young twins requires strategy, especially when traveling from Nashville. By swapping an expensive connecting flight for a budget-friendly direct from New York, we saved money and reduced travel stress. From utilizing the VIP ONE Lounge at JFK to bypass long security lines to managing motion sickness and red-eye sleep schedules on ITA Airways, this post breaks down our best tips for surviving an 8-hour flight with little ones. Discover why we recommend "breaking up" your journey and why extra sickness bags are a must-have for your carry-on!
Bye Bye Blues - The lone Michelin Star restaurant in Palermo
We visited Bye Bye Blues, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Palermo's Mondello neighborhood, for a celebratory dinner. While the seafood-focused tasting menu and presentation were exceptional, the quiet off-season atmosphere was a surprise. It’s a sophisticated choice for special occasions in Sicily, though definitely not kid-friendly!
Is the Moulin Rouge Too Touristy? Our Honest Review of Paris’ Most Famous Show
We enjoyed a quintessential tourist night in Paris, starting with a 15-minute Metro ride to Montmartre. After a fantastic pork belly dinner at Le Sanglier Bleu, we experienced the Moulin Rouge cabaret. Our champagne tickets secured front-row center seats for a spectacular revue of dance and acrobatics.
Passports and Global Entry for Kids: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide
We ecured passports and Global Entry for our twins to simplify international travel. While child passports require both parents' consent and in-person appointments, Global Entry is now free for minors and provides essential TSA PreCheck access. These investments have saved us hours in immigration lines and made tight flight connections possible. Even if you travel internationally once in a five year period, get this for your kids!
Better, Faster, Cheaper: Why Trains Beat Flying During Our Family Trip to Italy
We highly recommend high-speed rail for traveling between European cities whenever possible. On our Italy trip, we used TrenItalia to travel between Rome and Florence for just 20 euros per person. With spacious seating, onboard cafes and city-center terminals, it’s a faster, more affordable, and less stressful alternative to flying when you have little ones.
Lidos, Spritzes and Sun: A Kid Free Guide to Italy’s Private Beaches
We recently experienced Italian beach lidos in Positano and Palermo. While umbrellas and chairs require a fee—ranging from 60 to 80 euros at spots like Da Ferdinando—the convenience of online booking, waiter service and private facilities made it worthwhile. It’s a comfortable, organized alternative to Italy's crowded public beaches.
The Picky Eater’s Secret: Why Italian Grocery Stores are a Life-Saver for Twin Families
We’ve found that European grocery stores are a game-changer for family travel. They offer fresh, affordable snacks for picky eaters, high-quality prepared meals like burrata and paninis, and incredible wine values—often under 5 euros. Mapping out a nearby store like Conad is one of our top travel hacks.
What to know when flying intra Europe’s low cost carriers
We flew Volotea from Naples to Palermo for its low 55-euro price, including priority boarding. Despite a solid pre-flight experience at the Pearl Lounge, the journey was plagued by a disorganized boarding process and a significant delay due to paperwork. It’s an affordable but frustrating necessity for this direct route.
What to know when flying intra Europe’s low cost carriers: Paris to Naples on Transavia
I flew Transavia from Paris Orly to Naples to save on high legacy carrier fares. While the 71-euro total was a bargain, the experience included tight seating for my 6’2” frame and inconsistent cabin service. I highly recommend paying for priority boarding to secure overhead bin space.
What to know when flying intra Europe’s low cost carriers: Palermo to Paris on Transavia
To maximize our 18-hour Paris layover, we booked a Transavia flight from Palermo to Orly. Despite the narrow 29-inch seat pitch and extra fees for carry-ons, the flight was punctual and convenient. It’s a solid, affordable choice for regional travel given there is no high-speed rail option.
Boutique Business Class: Our Honest Review of La Compagnie from Newark to Paris
For E’s milestone birthday, we planned a 10-night trip to Southern Italy, repositioning through Newark to fly La Compagnie business class. While the "Lounge & Co" at EWR was disappointing, the on-board experience featured standard lie-flat seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and excellent French cuisine. Despite small glassware and limited wine, the $2,400 round-trip price made it a fantastic, high-value alternative to legacy carriers for crossing the Atlantic.
Marriott vs. European Boutiques: When is the Points Redemption Actually Worth It?
On our trip to Paris and Naples, I utilized Marriott Bonvoy points for redemptions averaging 50,000 points per night. I found great value in the central locations and excellent breakfasts. Highlights included receiving a "courtesy room" for a post-flight nap in Paris and enjoying rooftop views in Naples.
25 Minutes vs. 2 Hours: Why You Should Enter the Louvre from Underground
Learning from our past "zombie-like" visit, we booked timed tickets a day after arrival. We recommend using the faster underground mall entrance to bypass long pyramid lines.