Indulgent Vacations Engaging Infants: High-End Getaways for Parents and Their Little Ones
For a leisurely but memorable vacation, consider these baby-friendly destinations. Whether you're looking for the magic of Italy or the exciting energy of New York, or even staying closer to home in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, these cities offer a seamless blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities.
Tuscany, Italy: Stroller-friendly and Infant-Friendly
Just a stones throw from London, Tuscany is a gorgeous European spot perfect for a family's debut trip. Italians adore little ones and are always eager to assist. Many restaurants offer high chairs, while formula and diapers can be easily found in nearby supermarkets.
Exploring Tuscany
Be warned, many tourist attractions in Florence aren’t the best for strollers, so it's advisable to use a baby carrier. The Medici Palace's walled garden, stunning inner courtyard, and contemporary art exhibitions should be on everyone’s must-visit list. With a baby carrier, it's a breeze to explore this attraction without having to leave your baby behind.
Florence's enchanting streets are perfect for stroller outings offering quaint cafes to recharge, as well as sights like Michelangelo's David replica in the Piazza Della Signoria, or the Duomo Cathedral.
A blind eye is often turned to the lack of car seats in rented vehicles, but it's recommended to book one in advance to ensure a safe journey. Don't miss the stunning Tuscan countryside, filled with vineyards, charming towns, and Italy's natural beauty.
Accommodation
Fancy accommodations don’t have to be sacrificed for convenience. Italy boasts a magnificent range of luxurious, family-friendly hotels. Three fabulous choices are:
- Four Season Hotel Firenze: A stunning 500-year-old palazzo and 16th-century convent boasting Florence's biggest private botanical garden, this Five-Star Hotel is a wonderful option for a baby-friendly luxury holiday.
- Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy: Situated in the heart of Florence, this family-friendly, five-star hotel is within easy reach of the Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral, making it a superb choice for handy access to key attractions.
- Grand Hotel Bellavista Palace & Golf: Slightly further from Florence but nestled in the enchanting Tuscan countryside, this stunning venue offers breathtaking room views.
For more recommendations, read our guides to the best hotels in Florence and Tuscany[1].
Best Time to Visit
Avoid peak holiday seasons during school breaks and the scorching heat during summer. The ideal times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of September to November and April to May when temperatures hover between 16 to 22 degrees Celsius.
New York, USA: Beyond the City that Never Sleeps
While New York may not at first seem a baby-friendly destination, it turns out that infant travel to the Big Apple is quite convenient, with diapers, formula, baby food, and other supplies easily accessible.
The Big Apple's Attractions
Central Park is a great place for a relaxed stroll with the baby, with paved paths for easier navigation. The park offers plenty to see and do, such as feeding the ducks, picnicking on the grass, and visiting the zoo.
The Empire State Building is a must-see destination, and babies are warmly welcomed. Other noteworthy attractions include the Brooklyn Children's Museum, filled with activities designed specifically for young visitors.
Top-rated Accommodation for Families
- Park Lane Hotel: A fantastic location, being two minutes from Central Park, the shops of 5th Avenue, and ten minutes from Rockefeller Centre and MoMA, this elite hotel is a great choice for families eager to remain close to key attractions.
- The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel: This spectacular hotel caters well to families with suites available for that perfect nightcap after baby's bedtime.
- InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel: Conveniently situated near Times Square and Rockefeller Center, this five-star hotel is a popular pick with families and offers baby cots upon request.
Perfect Travel Timing
Flying to the States can be costly during school holidays, and New York City can become sweltering during the summer months. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to visit for mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, while visiting at the end of November offers an opportunity to witness the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Edinburgh, Scotland: A Personal Favorite
Edinburgh charms families with its mix of easy-to-reach attractions and baby-friendly services. The city is relatively pushchair-friendly compared to other European cities, and baby essentials are available almost everywhere.
Edinburgh's Best Attractions for Families
- Edinburgh Castle: A UNESCO heritage site that can be reached with a pushchair, offering a variety of kid-friendly amenities, such as changing stations and plenty of places to feed and rest.
- Edinburgh Botanical Gardens: Introduce little ones to the great outdoors, as the gardens offer plenty of space for crawling and walking with a paved path completing the loop around the gardens.
- South Queensferry: A UNESCO heritage site boasting the Forth Rail Bridge, but offering more than just this iconic view. Families can enjoy strolling along the river, picnicking on the lawns of Hopetoun house, or grabbing a bite at one of the family-friendly cafes.
Exclusive Hotels in Edinburgh
- The Principal Edinburgh George Street: A Grade II building that offers the perfect blend of elegance and family-friendly comfort, with family rooms and cribs available upon request.
- Radisson Collection Hotel: The only luxury hotel located on the Royal Mile, just a few minutes walk to Edinburgh Castle, making it an ideal base for families.
- Waldorf Astoria: A landmark hotel in Edinburgh, offering extensive family-friendly amenities, such as a swimming pool, spa treatments, and cribs upon request.
When to Go
Edinburgh often stays quite mild and wet throughout the year, making May a great month to visit for the most sunshine and temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. August offers the added excitement of the Edinburgh Festival, showcasing a variety of performing arts, from dance to music.
[1]: Locate our guides to the best hotels in Florence and Tuscany by running the command '/find guides best hotels Florence' and '/find guides best hotels Tuscany.'[2]: Sourced from https://www.expedia.com/Florence.d199877.Destination-Travel-Guides[3]: Sourced from https://www.kidcoe.com/ destinations/selected/tuscany[4]: Sourced from https://www.mommarketuk.com/ holiday/tuscany-with-babies/[5]: Sourced from https://www.marriott.com/ travel/ HotelsIn/it/sites/lucca/
- In Tuscany, Italy, families can enjoy a seamless blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities, making it perfect for a baby's debut trip. With high chairs in restaurants and baby essentials easily found in supermarkets, the city is stroller-friendly and infant-friendly.
- New York, USA, may not seem initially baby-friendly, but it offers easy access to diapers, formula, baby food, and other supplies. Central Park's paved paths and attractions like the Brooklyn Children's Museum make it a great destination for families with infants.
