Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MANGIA! MANGIA! EAT! EAT!
Food is a focus of life in Italy and kids are more than welcome at most eateries. High chairs are often
available and though kids' menus are rare, it's perfectly acceptable to order a
mezzo piatto (
half-por-
tion).
Pizza al taglio
(pizza by the slice) is a great on-the-run snack, as are
panini
from little grocery
stores. Markets everywhere, including Rome's Campo de' Fiori, burst with inspiring picnic supplies
such as salami, cheese, olives, bread and fruit.
You can buy baby formula in powder or liquid form, as well as sterilising solutions such as Milton,
at pharmacies. Fresh cow's milk is sold in cartons in supermarkets and in bars with a 'Latteria' sign.
UHT milk is popular and in many out-of-the-way areas the only kind available.
Getting Around
Arrange car rental before leaving home. Car seats for infants and children are available
from most car-rental agencies, but should be booked in advance. Driving and parking in
the big cities can be highly stressful, so consider using public transport into and within
large urban areas. Public-transport discounts are available for children (usually aged under
12).
Intercity trains and buses are safe, convenient and relatively inexpensive. To save
money on high-speed Freccia trains (
www.trenitalia.com
)
and Italo trains
(
www.italotreno.it
)
, book tickets at least a few days in advance, either online, at the self-
service ticket machines at train stations, or through a travel agent.
Large car ferries travel between the mainland and Sicily and Sardinia, while smaller
ferries and hydrofoils run to other islands. Many large ferries travel overnight, in which
case a cabin is worthwhile.
