Hi there! My name is Kalin and I’m a fellow traveler, parent, and Italy enthusiast who believes that the best family adventures happen when you plan smart, stay flexible, and always pack extra snacks.
Three years ago, my family of four took our first trip to Italy, and it completely changed how we think about travel. Like many of you probably are right now, I spent months before our trip reading every blog post and forum I could find, collecting recommendations from friends and family who had fallen under Italy’s spell. Even though I don’t speak Italian (though my background with other languages helped me pick up bits and pieces), I was determined to give my family an authentic Italian experience.
The moment I fell in love with Italy? Our visit to the Trevi Fountain. After hours of walking through Rome’s winding streets with tired kids (ages 8 and 14), we were honestly a bit cranky. We’d gotten lost, had to ask locals for directions, and my wife and I were starting to question our navigation skills. But when we finally turned that corner and saw the fountain… we all just stood there, speechless. Every bit of frustration melted away. That’s when I knew Italy had captured our hearts.
Since that trip, I’ve been documenting our family travel experiences here on this website, combining my decade-plus background in digital marketing with my genuine passion for writing and sharing travel stories. What started as a way to organize our Italy memories has grown into a resource for families who want to explore Italy without breaking the bank or losing their sanity.
Here’s what makes my perspective different: I write for real families dealing with real challenges. Picky eaters who need familiar food options. Kids who need downtime between sightseeing. Parents who want cultural experiences but also need to watch the budget. Every recommendation I share comes from walking those cobblestone streets with my own family, figuring out what actually works when you’re traveling with children.
My goal with this site is simple: to inform families about authentic travel experiences while also helping you find the best tickets and deals for the activities that matter most. Whether you’re looking for Colosseum tickets or planning visits to other must-see attractions, I want to save you the hours of research I know you’re already doing and point you toward options that work well for families.
Our love affair with Italy has led us to explore Spain, Portugal, Greece, and France over the past five years (we take a month-long family trip annually), and I’m excited to start sharing those experiences here too. But Italy, especially Rome, will always hold a special place in our hearts. And yes, I’m still dreaming about those perfect morning coffees with pastries and afternoon gelato breaks that became our daily Italian ritual.
I believe that travel planning should be thorough but not stressful, that the best trips happen when you learn about local culture beforehand, and that sometimes the most magical moments come right after the most frustrating ones.
My kids are already asking when we can return to Italy (clearly, we did something right!), and I’m here to help your family create those same unforgettable memories.
Welcome to our community of family travelers, I’m so glad you’re here!