Top Tips for Travelling with Children: Surviving the Chaos (and Enjoying It!)

Before You Go

Don't wait until they're old enough to remember it:  Travel when you can, there really is no need to wait until they're old enough to remember it, they'll enjoy it either way and you can create amazing memories.  Travelling with young children encourages them to have a keen interest on exploring the world and travel themselves.  They get to experience different cultures from a young age and be more open to trying new things.

Plan ahead: Before you go, make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as passports, visas, travel insurance, and vaccination records. You should also check the travel advice and health information for your destination.  When you're stressed the kids feel it and often act up so set yourself up for success.  This year i've bought a new wallet to keep it all safe in one place.

Choose your accommodation wisely: Depending on your budget and preferences, you might opt for a hotel or apartment/villa. Hotels offer convenience and services, such as room service, meals, and kids clubs. Apartments and Villas often offer more space and flexibility, such as cooking your own meals and having a separate bedroom.  Work out what you want from your holiday and what suits your needs best before booking.

Pack smart and light.  You don’t need to bring everything with you, as you can buy most things abroad.  However, pack your essentials and do a little research on prices.  We have joined Facebook groups for the places that we visit and can often see whether they're are things that would cost us a lot more while away.  For example on our upcoming trip the pool inflatables are around 35 euros each at the hotel shop so we've bought the boys one each on amazon for around £7 each. 

Plan your itinerary carefully: You don’t want to overdo it and exhaust yourself and your kids. You should balance your activities with some downtime and relaxation. You should also involve your kids in the planning process and let them choose some of the things they want to do.  Watch YouTube videos for vlogs and tips about places to visit during your trip

On the Journey

Be prepared for the flight:  Flying with kids can be stressful, especially if they are fussy or restless.  You should try to book a direct flight.  It's best to pack their hand luggage with plenty to keep them busy on the flight, incluiding some snacks, toys, books and games.  

Keep Them Entertained: Pack a variety of activities to keep your kids occupied during the journey. Books, games, colouring books, and electronic devices can be lifesavers. This year we've wrapped a few new small toys in tissue paper to give to our youngest throughout the flight.  He loves opening little presents and it will be a great way to keep him happy and entertained.

Frequent Breaks: If you're travelling by car, make sure that you plan for regular stops for bathroom breaks, snacks, and stretching.  We often look for interesting places to stop when travelling by car which helps to break up the journey.  

Comfort is Key: Ensure that you and your children are comfortable by dressing in layers that you can add or remove easily.  Don't forget to keep their favourite blanket or cuddly toy handy, we've made the mistake of forgetting Louie's favourite teddy once and although we managed to find a new one which helped to settle him, we will not be making that mistake this again 

At Your Destination

Keep the costs down: Travelling with kids can be very expensive so keep the costs down by seeing what you can do for free.  Your holiday doesn't have to be all about the waterparks and expensive excursions, there are plenty of beautiful free places to visit that will bring you great experiences.  Take a hike, a walk in the forest and check out local tips for places to visit.

Child-Friendly Accommodation: If you have booked accommodation that caters to families with children, such as hotels with kids' clubs, make the most of them and use the kids club.  Charlie made so many new friends at the kids club that he would then speak to around the hotel which made our holidays so much fun.  

Prepare a pack for restaurants: Have a little bag ready for eating out containing a few small toys, colouring book, pencils and even children's cutlery if your child prefers.  It makes it so much easier when getting ready for dinner.

Flexibility is Key: Be prepared to change your plans. Children are unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible and go with the flow.

Have fun and enjoy the moment. Travelling with kids is not always easy, but it can be fun and rewarding.  You get to see the world through their eyes and share some unforgettable experiences with them.  You also get to learn from each other and bond as a family so make the most of it, go with the flow and have an amazing time 

Remember, travelling with children is a learning experience for everyone involved. By following these tips and embracing the chaos, you can create lasting memories that your family will cherish.