In 2022, after two years of canceled plans and being stuck at home with three hormonal teenagers, we were itching to explore again. So Bryan and I called a family meeting—complete with snacks, maps, healthy debates, and eye rolls—and the destination vote began.

There were several contenders: Greece for the beaches, France for the food, Iceland for the novelty. But when the dust (and crumbs) settled, the result was unanimous: Italy, 5–0.

During our time in Sorrento, we packed in plenty of adventure—from a full day of boating (complete with a dreamy stop at the Isle of Capri) to a long, lazy lunch in a lemon grove, and a private guided tour of the coastal towns of Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. Along the way, we’ll share our favorite family-friendly tips, hidden gems, and the little surprises that made this stretch of Italy one of the highlights of our entire trip.

After four memorable nights in Florence, with unforgettable day trips to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre, we boarded a southbound train to Rome, ready for the next chapter of our Italian adventure. Hauling our suitcases behind us for the 15-minute walk to our Airbnb in the Lazio neighborhood, we quickly digested our first impressions: Rome is loud, busy, and bigger than life — emphasis on bigger.

From the moment we stepped out of the train station, Florence captivated us. The city had an entirely different energy than Venice—gone were the quiet canals and gondolas, replaced by the hum of vespas, the chatter of busy streets, and the mouthwatering aroma of fresh bread, espresso, and something delicious cooking nearby. Florence felt bigger and more spread out, but still inviting and full of character. Our first impressions? Clean streets, happy people, and stunning architecture everywhere we looked.

Our arrival in Venice set the tone for the entire trip — part fairytale, part “wait, are we seriously doing this?” moment. Instead of piling into a bus from the airport like normal humans, we went full Venetian and arranged for a private vaporetto (water taxi) to pick us up. As we rolled our jet-lagged selves out of baggage claim, we followed the signs — not to a curb or a parking lot — but to the boat ramp. Yep, the boat ramp at the airport. Only in Venice!

When most people think “Hawaii,” they envision mai tais, surfboards, and couples in matching leis. For our first trip to Hawaii we prepared for diaper bags, Goldfish crackers, and and kids who think sand tastes good. Oahu turned out to be the perfect choice for our crew: a 1 year-old, 4 year-old, and 5 year-old. The island was gorgeous - lush mountains, golden beaches, dazzling waterfalls, and hundreds of varieties of fragrant, tropical flowers. With calm beaches, easy drives, and endless family-friendly adventures, Oahu hits that sweet spot between fun and chill - making it the perfect choice for families with small children.