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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are starting a VERY long term plan to take the kids to Europe (specifically, at least Italy) next year or maybe in 2017.  Kids will be 12, 7, and 5 (2016) or 13, 8, and 6 (2017).

Tell me about your European family trips...Can anyone help me get started in terms of planning and budgeting?

When is the best time of year re: crowds/prices/weather?
What did you do that you consider "can't miss" - and what are the places that you'd drop from your itinerary given a second try?
What travel websites or booking agencies did you use? Do I need a travel agency?
Did anyone rent a house? How?
Do we need a car? 
What's a ballpark trip cost for a family of 5 who doesn't need anything too fancy?
Any great books or planning websites I can check out?

Thanks so much! [/quote]

Your question is very big so let's focus on Italy. I've been four times now and we have two more trips planned in Italy this year (we live in Austria so from here these are not extravagant trips!!)

Having been to both Venice and Rome in the Dec/Jan timeframe, I would say definitely don't go in winter if you can avoid it. We found Venice quite cold and Rome cold and rainy. We haven't been in summer but I've heard that's when it's hit and crowds are worst. We have made two trips in the spring and had good weather - both around spring break. The only thing here is again, crowds. Rome is popular for Easter (obviously) and Venice and Florence were pretty crowded as well. That said, the weather was a bit cool at times but generally sunny.

If possible try to avoid the car - we had a bad rental car experience. Or at least take out their insurance. And if you get hit by someone, make sure you get a police report (all lessons learned). Depending on your itinerary you may not need one. Trains are easy and relatively inexpensive.

I book everything myself so can't answer the travel agency question. I guess if you were doing a complicated itinerary and didn't feel comfortable doing it yourself you could use one, but most places let you book online or send an email and then they will book it for you without having to call or talk to anyone.

For a family of five, I would definitely look into apartment or house rentals. Your hotel room options for five people will be limited and you would probably end up having to book two rooms most places. We are four people and that can also be a challenge.

My kids are 10 and 6 and loved Venice - riding on gondolas, vaporettos, exploring the alleyways, Murano, Burano, and lots of gelato. My daughter also really liked Florence but I didn't think there was as much interesting there for kids. They both loved Lucca - especially renting bikes and riding around the city wall. They also liked Siena. This summer we go to Rome and Positano and we are going to Sicily for spring break.

Italy is great for kids because Italians love kids - they are friendly and kind to them and you feel comfortable eating out as a family, although some places don't serve dinner until 7:30 or 8:00.

Ballpark budget - aiming high here - $250/night for lodging, $40/person/day for food, plus flight, rental car, and admission to attractions. It ain't cheap, but if you find apartments you may be able to economize on the meals by eating breakfast and some lunches at home. Oh, and by $ I mean euros - almost equal for now but I think the euro will rise again in the course of a year or too.

Last tip - wait as long as you can. The older they are, the more everyone will enjoy it - the sights, the food, the experience. Older kids just get it more, they can stay up later and do more things. Two of our trips were with my daughter as a toddler and although we enjoyed them, they weren't ideal. Our trip last year with the older kids was fantastic.[/quote]

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