Tag: Family Road Trips

Family Road Trip from Ticino to the Dolomites (Austria)

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Finally, it’s time to pack up the crew and set sail—well, more like buckle up the kids, load the snacks, and hit the road! 🚗✨ For the past two years we’ve been dreaming about returning to South Tyrol, and this summer the Dolomites are calling us back.

Last time, we only had a taste of what the region has to offer: emerald-green meadows, turquoise mountain lakes, and adventure parks where kids can play for hours. We left with happy memories but also the feeling that we’d only just scratched the surface.

This time, we’re not going alone. Between us and our friends, we’ve got 5 kids, 6 grown-ups, and an entire car full of snacks and strollers—ready to trade daily routines for mountain trails, playground forests, and alpine adventures. It’s going to be messy, loud, and unforgettable… in the very best way.

🛣️ Road Trip Planning with Kids (6, 3, and 1-Year-Olds)

Normally, the drive from Ticino to Sillian takes about 5.5–6 hours. With kids, though, we plan at least one stop along the way. This time, we’ll pause at Riva del Garda for a picnic and a play break—giving our youngest travelers some much-needed time outside the car.

On road trips, we always pack our picnic basket with whatever the fridge and pantry can spare. Eating on the go helps us keep nap schedules intact and saves time compared to wrangling everyone out at a restaurant.

For entertainment, we rotate between CoffeeBreak Italian podcasts, car games like “I Spy” or “Word Chain,” and plenty of storybooks for the little ones between naps and snack times.

🧳 Packing with Kids: Our Family Checklist

When traveling with a 6-, 3-, and 1-year-old, packing can feel like moving house. Over the years we’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way—especially when you’re heading into the mountains where weather and needs can change quickly.

✨ Two Days Before Departure

  • Clothes: lots of layers (valley vs. mountain temperatures can differ hugely).
  • Shoes: slippers, trekking sandals, sturdy hiking shoes, and wellies for rainy days.
  • Comfort items: soft toys, blankets, or bedtime must-haves.
  • Kid input: we let the kids choose a few toys, books, or games for the trip—it gets them excited and involved.

✨ One Day Before Departure

  • Electronics & gear: phones, cameras, drone, action cam, night lights, and all chargers.
  • Bug protection: plug-in mosquito diffuser or spray.
  • First aid: a full medical kit for the car + a small trail kit.
  • Sun protection: hats, sunglasses.
  • Documents: wallets, passports, and any medical papers.

✨ Day of Departure

  • Snacks & drinks: a packed picnic basket for easy, on-the-go meals.
  • Entertainment: podcasts, simple car games, books.
  • Quick-access bag: wipes, spare clothes, small toys, and comfort items within reach.

🗺️ The Route: From Ticino to Sillian

Leaving Ticino means waving goodbye to lakes and palm trees and slowly climbing into alpine scenery. The kids love spotting changes along the way – high mountain peaks, cows grazing in meadows, and tunnels that seem to go on forever.

Family Tip: Plan longer stretches of driving during nap times and keep shorter ones for awake periods. This helps everyone’s mood (parents included!).

🏡 Destination: Arriving in Sillian

Sillian is a small, cozy village that feels made for families. It’s quieter than the big Dolomite resorts but still close to everything. Accommodation options range from family-run hotels to farm stays and holiday apartments with kitchens—perfect for cooking quick meals when kids get hungry outside restaurant hours.

The best part? Sillian is a central base for hikes, cable cars, and family adventures while offering plenty of playgrounds for downtime.

🏔️ Family-Friendly Activities in & Around Sillian

Croda Rossa (Rotwand)

  • Giant cable car rides that kids love.
  • Wide-open meadows.
  • Brand-new Family trail chasing the lost spirits of the mountains.
  • Buggy-friendly trails, easy for the whole family.

Monte Elmo (Helm)

  • Barefoot adventure trails with child-friendly themes.
  • Panoramic views without long hikes.
  • Petting zoo playground near the mountain station.
  • Panoramic bar terrace for a well-deserved Aperol Spritz or Mountain Ginger.

Baranci (Haunold)

  • A summer toboggan run and an adventure park.
  • Toddler-friendly trails and safe play areas.
  • Wooden ball track and tubbing.
  • Parents can relax while kids cool down in the Giant’s footsteps pools.

Assling Wildlife Park

  • The ultimate forest wildlife park on the mountain.
  • Grandpa’s model train collection.
  • Playground with water play, slides, swings, and climbing.
  • On the mountain with pram-accessible walking paths.
  • Funbob side by side with the park.

Galitzenklamm

  • A dramatic gorge with waterfalls and wooden walkways.
  • Kid-friendly paths (but better with carriers than strollers).
  • Adventure climbing park nearby for older children.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tips for Families Traveling this Route

  • Dress for all seasons: mountain weather changes fast—layers are your friend.
  • Snacks = sanity: hungry kids = grumpy kids. Always overpack snacks.
  • Balance big days and rest days: mix cable car + hike days with simple playground afternoons.
  • Bring the right gear: a sturdy stroller or carrier makes life easier.
  • Keep small distractions handy: sticker books, cards, or a tiny toy can save a wait at a mountain hut.
  • Embrace the unexpected: some of the best memories come from unplanned moments, like watching cows or splashing in streams.

✨ Closing Thoughts & Inspiration

As parents, we sometimes wonder if big trips like this are “worth it” with little ones. The packing lists are endless, naps don’t always line up, and someone always needs a snack just as the trail gets steep. But the Dolomites reminded us that adventure doesn’t have to wait until the kids are older.

Here, mountains meet playgrounds, hikes, and family memories are made in the small, unexpected moments—giggles in a gorge, a picnic by the roadside, or ice cream after a cable car ride.

We came for the scenery, but we’ll leave with something even better: a reminder that family travel is less about ticking off sights and more about collecting little moments of joy. And those tired, happy smiles at the end of each day? That’s the real treasure of traveling with kids. 💛

Family Road Trip Through the Historic St. Gotthard Pass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure with Kids

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Trip Duration: 4 – 6 hours ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Easy 🚸 Trip Date: 28 June 2025

Switzerland’s alpine passes are world‑famous, but not all of them are as steeped in history and as family‑friendly as the St. Gotthard Pass. This summer, we packed up the car, buckled in the kids, and set off on a breathtaking journey through one of Switzerland’s most iconic routes — and it didn’t disappoint!

Why Visit the St. Gotthard Pass?

The St. Gotthard Pass has connected northern and southern Switzerland since Roman times. At over 2,000 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level, it’s an engineering marvel and an unforgettable drive.

For families, it’s also surprisingly manageable — with lots of places to stop, stretch little legs, and admire the views. Of course as always with caution near roads. The pass is usually open between June and October, depending on snow conditions, so summer is the ideal time for a visit.

Getting There & Parking

🚸 From Valley to Summit

We began our adventure early in the morning, driving up from the Ticino side of the Alps. The climb was gentle at first, passing through green meadows, and charming alpine villages. As we got higher, the road became more winding — and more exciting for the kids!

🚗 The Tremola Road

One of the highlights was the Tremola, the historic cobblestone road that zigzags up the mountain in tight hairpin bends. Although there’s a modern, smoother road available, we couldn’t resist the charm (and photo opportunities) of the Tremola.

On the way up we found ourselves at the middle of a self-timed bicycle race. Cyclists were paddling up relentlessly as we passed by. I, for one, was always struggling with elevation when doing sport. I think my heart is just simply not built for climbing.

Family‑Friendly Tips

Here’s what worked well for us — and what we recommend if you’re bringing little ones along:

✅ Start early — The road can get busier by midday, and parking at the top fills up quickly.

✅ Pack layers — Even in summer, it’s chilly and windy at the summit.

✅ Plan stops — There are picnic spots and cafes near the top where you can take a break. Also, prepare some coins for toilet stops. There aren’t many on the way.

✅ Go at your own pace — The Tremola is narrow and slow‑going, but that’s part of the charm. No need to rush! Stop and take in the view and go slow.

At the Top: Views and History

At the summit, we parked and took time to explore. There are several trails start near the car parks. We walked around the lakes and looked for some wind sheltered picnic spot. You can walk as far as the you wish and there are plenty of spots to settle down for a quick bite. Around the lake there were some picnic benches but they get busy pretty quick.

After a quick lunch we explored the central area. There were several statues along the path, great opportunity to take magnificent photos with the dramatic mountain peaks at the background.

This trip took us around the outdoor areas of San Gottard Pass. But we are already planning to return to explore the Gotthard National Museum, and the Sasso San Gottardo exhibition center with the kids. We plan a whole day trip to allow plenty of wiggle time for the little ones. I read a lot about these attractions and they are definitely unique places to learn about the rich history of this iconic pass.

Why We Loved It

This trip reminded us that you don’t have to hike for hours to experience the magic of the Swiss Alps with children. The St. Gotthard Pass is like a time capsule, with its cobblestones, old milestones, and breathtaking landscapes — and you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your car with plenty of stops to explore.

For families looking for an easy, memorable alpine adventure, this one’s a must!

Quick Facts

📍 Location: Uri–Ticino, Switzerland
📏 Pass elevation: 2,106 m (6,909 ft)
🗓️ Best time to visit: June–October
⏳ Trip duration: Half‑day to full‑day

If you’ve ever driven the St. Gotthard Pass, or if it’s on your travel bucket list, I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below. And if you’re planning a family trip, feel free to ask me any questions — I’m happy to share more tips!

🌸 Happy travels from our family to yours!

Family Adventures: Snowy Roads and Swiss Waterfalls

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This week we set out to visit two beautiful waterfalls in Ticino. Do you think we made it? … Read on to find out.

Back to Ticino, and Back to Kindergarten, Catching up with Friends, Visiting Maggia, and Valle Verzasca, and a Birthday Celebration.

Back to Ticino

Week two of 2025 started off with a road trip back from Poland to Ticino. As we got to the Alps, we drove through the most beautiful snowfall. Crossing the border from Austria to Switzerland there was no sign of snow. We could see the mountains far away glowing with their white snowcaps. An hour later when we started the ascent to St Bernardino along the crooked road, the snow started to settle on the asphalt. Traffic was light so we had minimal distraction until we got to the other side of the tunnel.

On the southern side of the tunnel snow covered everything. At this point there was no snowplough in sight. Throughout the serpentine, the descent took a long time. Winter tyres did an excellent job for us. However a few cars in front of us an Italian car had to stop to wait for rescue services (summer tyres – I guess).

We don’t have too much experience driving in the snow, especially in the mountains. Luckily everyone was going sensibly throughout our journey. At home we were greeted with hot dinner made by my parents. Little treat to the soul, when you don’t have to think about feeding the fam after two long days of travelling.

The following days were filled with various tasks around the house to get it into shape before our friends arrived. I think one day I did six loads of laundry just to give you an idea of the mess we had post holiday.

Back to Kindergarten

Kindergarten started midweek with half a day session. Easing back into the classroom routine was smoother this time than after autumn break. B can communicate much better now in Italian thanks to the lessons and the friendships he made in the last four months. Our nervous boy turned into a confident cheeky italianish-speaking boy.

Birthday Celebration

O turned one this week. Celebration was planned for the weekend. However, winter flu caught up on our little boy by the end of the week. With a temperature over 40 degrees celsius, he wasn’t enjoying much of his first birthday celebration.

Catching up with Friends

Hosting has become the highlights of my year. Since I am a full time stay at home Mom, I appreciate all the connections I get even more than before. Days fly by so quick with three little ones in tow.

I love the anticipation (cleaning / tidying). I love the meal planning and preparation process. Choosing things to do and places to explore. While adjusting the rhythm to suit 4-6 grownups and 4 kids (1-2-3-6) and the coolest dog and cat. Life is never dull.

Maggia

This time we visited a little village of Maggia. With the goal to visit the Cascata del Salto first then to head down to the river for a stroll. Little we knew that the waterfall is not accessible with buggy. Indeed it is a hiking trail gem. With the help of the locals, our crew quickly changed direction and headed to the river, Maggia. Dads took the cars, and Moms took the kids and the dog. Down in the village behind Migros, the suspension bridge, called Pontine di Maggia, leads across the Maggia river. The shore on the other side is easily accessible even with tiny feet (not with buggy though).

Overall, Maggia is a small village with about 2.5 k residents. It seems to be a good base for the many trials. There are many parking spots, convenience stores and restaurants. Looking at the mountains from the car park, I could see some chapels and waterfalls that I would have loved to explore but they were not accessible with a buggy. I am sure we will be back though.

Our tiny humans, and the doggy had plenty of space to roam. Hence, on the way home, they have all fallen asleep in the car. It’s impossible to plan a second stop when your passengers are snoozing. We called it a day and headed home.

Valle Verzasca

Set off as early as possible to catch the couple of hours of sunshine that reaches Valle Verzasca in January. First stop was Sonogno. The village is at the northern part of the valley. Parking was free of charge this time around. Although, the reminders for paying for parking in the high season were displayed everywhere. There is an option to buy a whole day parking ticket that covers the whole valley.

We were not prepared for the snow but it was very welcomed. We are yet to learn to plan properly, considering the elevation level. There was a crisp line showing the start of the snow on the trees and rocks. The divide was visible from far away.

While walking around in Sonogno we met a local gentleman, who was ever so chatty and helpful. He told us that this time of the year we can grab something to eat by the sport center. We quizzed him a little about the surroundings. He told us that when he was little snow was covering the area for most of the winter, however in the recent decade snow is less and less. We set out to look at the Cascata La Froda, however he told us that it is unlikely that we find any water running, but may be some ice. He also pointed out that the path is free from services during the winter but encouraged to see it for ourselves. So we did.

Turning right at the sport center, the road was clear until the next turn. Then it was clearly marked that no winter clearing services are in operation. First we tried to pull the buggy / trailer through the snow. Then we decided to ditch it and carry the kiddies. Following the map we got to the point where we should have crossed the river. However, there was no clear access to the other side. We decided to return to the car park, feed the empty bellies, and move onto the destination.

Verzasca Dam

Ever so famous dam appeared in the opening part of the James Bond movie ‘GoldenEye’. Mostly known as Verzasca dam is called Contra Dam or Locarno Dam. It is a popular spot amongst the adrenaline seekers. The dam is 220 m tall and has a well-known bungee jumping station. This year the dam has hosted the Red Bull dual ascent climbing event. Where ten teams of twenty climbers tackled 180 m route.

It is really hard to put into words how small one can feel standing on the dam, with huge opening in front of him / her when looking out to the Lake Maggiore. On the other side, Lake Vogolno holds a terrifying power of distraction should the anything happen to the structure of the surroundings. Running out of daylight, we have returned to home and warmed up with some homemade soup.

There are many places we wished we could further explore. However, due to our young crew, we need to limit our stops to two, maximum three. We aim to extend the time spent outdoors and the number places visited as the kids grow.

Two more family friends are visiting in the next few weeks. I am very much looking forward to these. Look out for more updates on our adventures with our tiny humans.

Switzerland – Poland – Switzerland Trip, New Year Celebration, Visiting Friends and Family

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To Poland

Three kids, two grown ups, and many stuff squeezed in an estate set off to Poland Monday morning.

We romanticised to leave around 8 am, although we felt it might be too ambitious. By the time we packed up it was almost 10 am.

We had to make some last minute shopping on the way and fuel the car. We left Ticino in 12 degrees Celsius, just to arrive in -4 degrees Celsius at 9 pm. We called it a day around Leipzig and booked a room on the way.

Map showing road trip plan from Golino to Leipzig. It is anticipated that the drive will take 8 hours and 31 minutes with some construction zones on the way.
Day 1 Golino – Leipzig

The kids had better sleep in the clean and fluffy bedding then they have at home. It was hard to wake them up. Second day we set off at 9 am. We had breakfast in the car as we brought plenty of left overs with us.

Day two road plan from Leipzig to Elblag anticipated 7 hours and 31 minutes with few hazards on the way.
Day 2 Leipzig – Elblag

We stopped along the way for lunch in a McDonald. The usual small kids play area was designed into a kids gym. It had two spinning bikes, a basketball loop with many balls and an maze with obstacle course incorporated in it. It felt like we were in an indoor playground.

1650 km in two days. But we made it to Elblag by 4 pm New Year’s Eve.

New Years Eve

After driving most of the day, we couldn’t wait to get our bodies moving. The old town is lit up with various light compositions at this time of the year. We knew as we visited it two years ago when it was just the three of us.

Led sign of Elblag with lit up letters and a heart composition perfect for keepsake photoshoot as a background.
New Year’s Eve at Elblag
Keepsake
Huge Bauble

After a brief walk the little ones were ready to be tucked in. Our eldest stayed up with us to welcome the new year. 2025 arrived with a spectacular firework display which we could watch from the dinning room. I could barely keep my eyes open but it was worth every second of it.

Baltic Sea

Snowy seaside
Seaside splash and dash

After two years we have finally returned to the seaside in the winter snow. It is such a surreal sight when sea meets ice, ice meets sand, and sand meets snow.

It was a brief visit as the first large wave knocked M off her feet and she got soaked in ice cold water. We picked her up and managed to dry her quickly at our friends nearby apartment. Seemingly it did not shook her up too much. It all happened so quickly, that I am not sure how much she noticed at all. On the way home we visited more family members. Unfortunately, all three kids fell asleep at the danger nap zone time. So when they woke up, the two elder were crying (like babies) while the baby enjoyed all the attention he could get. M and I tried to console the kiddies but waking up from the late nap is hard on their bodies. They were too disorientated to be bothered about any manners they usually have when we are visiting family and friends. By the time they calmed down we had to move on and get back to M’s parents for dinner. Of course all is good when they have food. 🙂

Friends & Family

Four full days were just right to meet all the friendly relatives and friends. There is a lot to catch up when you meet once a year. But honestly with three tiny kids it gets a bit ‘hit and miss’. We can only move with their rhythms and it’s often unpredictable how much catching up we can actually have 🙂

Overall, they make every reunion much sweeter. Their curiosity and niceness is welcomed by everyone.

To Switzerland

We decided to leave half a day early, after lunch on Sunday. The idea was to make the same journey as on the way to Poland. But nature had a different idea.

About 3 hours into our road trip we found ourselves in a snowstorm on the motorway. The traffic slowed from 140 km/h to 80 km/h. The motorway was covered in snow and the temperature was dropping sub zero.

Snowstorm in Poland

We quickly made new plans and booked a room near the German border.

Day one road trip plan from Elblag to German border. It is anticipated that the trip will take 5 hours and 16 minutes.
Day 1 Elblag – Boczów
Day two of the road trip mapped out almost 12 hours drive to Golino.

We had an early start Monday morning with the aim to get ourselves home by bedtime.

There was sun, snow, and rain along the way. The snowstorm after St. Bernardino was beautiful. I cannot remember traveling in such a snowfall before. It was exciting to descend from the mountain. Most of the cars were driving super slow with a few random daredevils flying past us. M drove the whole time and got us home safe.

Mom cooked us dinner and brought a Panettone. It was lovely not to think about feeding the family straight after arrival and to be able to relax after a two days journey.