Thursday, July 22, 2004

Family Style

You may think that your footloose, globetrotting days are over, but as long as you like Chianti and carbonara, you can think again. Ciao Bambino is a new travel service that creates customized family vacations in Italy. They focus squarely on family travel needs, offering family-friendly properties -- hotels, farmhouses, apartments, villas, you name it -- that can serve as a local base from which you can make daily excursions.

Created by a mom who travels extensively and understands the fragile line between a re-location -- more work and stress in a new place -- and a true vacation, Ciao Bambino has created a new hybrid of travel consultancy. They chose Italy as their first destination because it's pretty darn hard not to find something to love -- rich art and culture, remarkable architecture and cities, picturesque landscapes, magnificent food and wine, and welcoming people. Whether you prefer Italy's countryside, the sea, or cities, they will provide access to essential services that make it possible for families to get some real R&R.

Ciao Bambino works directly with you, taking into consideration your family dynamics and travel preferences. They’ll rent highchairs, port-o-cribs and car seats so that you don’t have to lug extra gear through the airport. They have lists of qualified babysitters, family-friendly restaurants and fun day trips such as private city tours, cooking and art classes, farm visits and picnics that won’t leave your child sniveling in boredom as you wonder what you could possibly have been thinking when you booked the tickets. They will even set up mobile phone service, fill your kids’ rooms with toys, and your fridge with emergency snacks.

Maybe this time, you won’t need that second vacation to recuperate.

For information on Ciao Bambino call toll free at 866.802.0300 and online at ciaobambino.com.

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