Travelling with children can be an adventure in itself, and with a bit of planning and the right gear, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying across the globe, or exploring local destinations, here's your go-to guide for a stress-free family getaway.
Essentials Checklist:
Before hitting the road or taking to the skies, make sure you've packed these must haves:-
- Snacks Galore: Never underestimate the power of snacks. Pack a variety of portable, kid-friendly munchies to ward off hunger tantrums.
- Entertainment: Load up on books, tablets, coloring books, and games. Don't forget headphones—your fellow travelers will thank you! We also took small pots of play dough and PlayMobil sets and the girls loved them.
- Comfort Items: Bring along favourite blankets, cuddly toys or other comfort items for a touch of home on the go.
- First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor mishaps with plasters, wipes, and any necessary medications - Calpol sachets are great!
- Change of Clothes: Accidents happen, so a spare set of clothes (or two) for each child is a lifesaver.
Holiday Destinations for Families:
Choosing a holiday destination for your family holiday can be tricky. You want to be somewhere that is family focused and child friendly, but also have a mix of things to do as a family that aren't necessarily revolving around children's activities. A helpful holiday types list may help you to make the decision that is best fit for your family:-
- Beach Resorts - Our much loved popular resorts in Spain and the Canary Islands are a sure deal you can enjoy sunshine, sea, sand and have plenty of activities for children. Many hotels provide evening entertainment but also many bars will also have family evenings with quiz nights and dance shows etc.
- Theme Parks - Thrill rides, characters, and shows make theme parks a hit with kids of all ages. Popular destinations are most obviously Disney resorts (USA, Paris etc) but can also be closer to home such as The New Forest area of the UK.
- National Parks - Explore nature through hiking trails, wildlife spotting or just some calmness in nature. Good places for this can be Center Parcs, The Lake District, or further afield such as Canada or Switzerland.
- Family-Friendly Cities - Choose cities with attractions like zoos, museums, and playgrounds. Great cities include London, Oxford, Edinburgh, Dublin and even Munich!
TOP TIPS
Rule of Threes: - Always pack three times more snacks than you think you'll need. You'll thank yourself later!
The Art of Distraction: - Master the skill of distraction. Point out interesting landmarks or make up silly stories to keep spirits high and eradicate "I'm bored!"
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: - Travelling with kids is a team effort. Embrace the chaos and laugh off the unexpected—it makes for great stories later (I promise haha)
Remember, the key to successful family travel is flexibility and a positive attitude. Embrace the adventure and cherish the memories you'll create along the way. With a bit of preparation and a whole lot of patience, traveling with kids can be an enriching experience for the whole family. Happy travels!
