Three Passports, One Stroller
Our favorite places to eat, shop, and explore (plus a whole lot of lessons) from our trip to France and Italy with Shep in tow
Where to begin? We’ve been home for about two weeks now, slowly shaking off the jet lag and getting our lives semi-back in order. I think I’m finally ready to unpack it all: the good (so much good), the chaotic, and the magical bits from our first family Euro trip.
Traveling internationally with an 11-month-old was a bold choice. One we thought through carefully. We tried to stack the odds in our favor, kept our expectations in check, and hoped for the best. Some things went off without a hitch. Others—well, you’ll see. One thing’s for sure: we learned a ton.
You know I’m not into gatekeeping, so I’m sharing it all: favorite meals, shopping spots and best fashion I spotted along the way.
Let’s dive in.
The Overnight Flight
Was it easy? Not even close. But thanks to some points magic, we scored two business class seats, which definitely took the edge off. I sourced a bunch of tips before we left, and the biggest takeaway was to try to replicate bedtime routine. So we did it all: dinner, pajamas, bottle, books, sound machine, the whole production at 35,000 feet.
I laid Shep down on my seat… and he immediately popped up, giggling, climbing, and pressing every glowing button in sight. Enter: painter’s tape (shoutout to those of you who recommended it). After lots of back rubs, deep breaths, and many failed attempts, he finally fell asleep.
A few hours later, he was back up—starting with soft whines, which quickly escalated to full-on crying. Ben and I took turns pacing the aisles, trying to keep him from waking the whole cabin. Before the trip, we’d made a pact not to lose our cool no matter what, and we clung to that.
Eventually, we stopped fighting it. We turned on the lights, played with him, chatted with the flight attendants, and tried to hit reset. And sure enough, Shep finally curled up on my chest and slept the rest of the way.
Were we exhausted? Beyond. Did we wake a few neighbors? Almost certainly. But we made it. And we were proud.
If you're flying overnight with a baby, here’s my best advice: bring the bottles, the toys, the painter’s tape, and a whole lot of grace. Don’t panic. Don’t force it. Just roll with it as best you can. Next time, we’ll probably try getting him to sleep in the carrier first, then transfer—because that worked well on later flights.
It’s not easy, but it is doable. And it’s so, so worth it. Remember! The only way out is through.
(Also, if you’re not able to score a lie-flat seat, I’ve heard this inflatable travel bed is a great hack to turn a regular seat into more of a bed situation for little ones.)
Paris (the first time)
Where we stayed: Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain
This was our first time staying on the Left Bank, and since it wasn’t our first time in Paris, we were really craving that lived-in, local neighborhood feel. And honestly? It totally delivered.
Picture quiet little parks, delicious bakeries on every corner, and still close enough to our favorite arrondissements to easily bounce around. The hotel rooms were on the smaller side (it's Paris, after all), but actually more spacious than others we’ve stayed in. The staff couldn’t have been kinder, the restaurant was genuinely great, and I’d 100% stay there again. If you’re traveling with a little one, do not forget a Slumberpod. It helps give them a sense of consistency as you move from hotel to hotel, and you still get to watch your shows after they’re fast asleep. A win-win for everyone.
We booked through my childhood friend Jessie, who moved to Paris a few years ago and lives right around the corner. If you’re looking for a travel agent who really knows the city, Jessie's your girl.
Where we ate (and recommend):
Localino (casual italian)
Copains (bakery)
Restaurant Anne at Pavillon De La Reine (lunch at Place Des Vosges)
Berthillon (ice cream and sorbet)
The Crying Tiger (casual thai)
Loulou (very fun lunch by the Louvre with a view of the Eiffel tower)
Ojii (upscale japanese, holy smokes this place is good! Must get the wasabi margarita)
Patisserie Michalak (bakery)
Ralph’s (american, beautiful patio)
Tekes (israeli, very fun vibe)
Hot tip for eating out with a baby: bring these peel-and-stick placemats to help keep them from tie-dyeing the restaurant’s tablecloths.
Where we shopped: