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Cell phones, itineraries, toilets, etc.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

I grew up in England, France and USA and have traveled extensively starting a age 6
weeks myself! I came to live with my parents in DC and decided I liked traveling so
continued as a young adult, a newly wed, a mother of one, then two and lastly, three.

My youngest child traveling experience was with my 7 week old Madeleine and so far my
oldest child has been with a ten year old (with a seven year old and 3 year old boy in tow!)

Each experience is unique but know that traveling with a child or children, whatever the age
is COMPLETELY different than alone or with adults. That being said, it can be very
rewarding and somehow, let me see each place in a whole new light.

My children made me see things in a slower pace than my younger days – and through
their eyes. We rode on carousels, and ate ice-cream under the Eiffel tower. We looked at
paintings and discussed colour, shapes and the age old question of “what is it, anyway?” -
Who knows! haha

My kids loved the Eiffel Tower views (each and EVERY TIME!), boat rides on the Seine,
eating “strange” hot dogs in the park, yummy pastries from Marie Antoinette’s favourite
shop and Monoprix! They also enjoyed the parks and Alexander III bridge. Most of all, they
LOVED breakfast in our hotel, made especially lovely by the hotel staff, just for them.

Parisians and indeed other Europeans can be very warm and endearing to small
children. Not because I'm half French - my husband couldn't look more American if the
word were stamped across his forehead - one of reasons I adore him!!!

For those with very young ones and even another older sibling as well, I found it VERY
helpful buying a GOOD stroller (see eBay!) I loved the MacLaren brand for one – folds
SUPER easily and has a carrying strap for metro rides and for two – the sit and stand
version of Peg Perego (Milano, I think) But there are others out there!

One thing is certain, do not attempt going overseas with a large American stroller – unless
you want to leave it outside a lot. I did this once and because of the age of buildings in
Europe, I could not get it though most doors! Even the main hotel doors had a problem!
Plus the elevators can be EXTREMELY small in hotels that are older even American
owned ones and these types of strollers simply will NOT fit!

DRESSING LIKE A PARISIAN?
The French and other European countries dress their children nicely - at least the young
ones. I didn't dress my girls in jeans and old shorts and t-shirts and such, I did dress
them in Gymboree stuff - cute (on sale) and comfy still!

I believe that it is important that when I am overseas, my family is somewhat of
ambassadors for the USA. We don’t wear haute couture or anything, we are tourists after
all walking what seems like 10 miles a day AND pushing a stroller! (sometimes it was a
double stroller) We do however, do not wear T-shirts with slogans or baseball caps. If you
choose to -that's okay! I just prefer to blend in a little - especially with the climate overseas
these days towards the US.

TRAVEL ABROAD WITH
KIDS - General Info