train or car in austria with a baby: which is less stressful?
Last summer, we decided to take our 1-year-old on a trip through Austria, hoping for a mix of beautiful scenery and a bit of adventure. We had our hearts set on Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and maybe even Prague if we were feeling brave. The big debate was whether to rent a car or rely on the train system.
I kept picturing us lugging a stroller, diaper bag, and a squirmy toddler through crowded train stations, praying we wouldn’t miss our connection. But then I thought about driving: endless hours in a rental car, trying to keep a baby entertained, worrying about parking in old city centers, and figuring out car seat rentals in a foreign country. It felt like a lose-lose situation!
Honestly, I love the idea of relaxing on a train and watching the mountains roll by, but I’m not sure how realistic that is with a little one who doesn’t sit still for more than five minutes. On the other hand, the freedom of a car sounds nice, but the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and dealing with European parking gives me a headache just thinking about it.
Has anyone actually done this route with a baby? Did you regret your choice? I’d love to hear if the train was a lifesaver or a nightmare, or if the car made things easier or just added more stress. Traveling with a toddler always feels like a gamble, doesn’t it?
#AustriaTravel #FamilyTrip #TravelWithBaby #Travel
