A holiday should be time out to relax and have a well earned rest which we all agree was much easier BC (Before Children!) If the thought of taking your child abroad brings you out in a cold sweat (like it does me right now), then check out these handy tips to make your holiday planning stress-free.
Where to go?
If this is your first family holiday overseas or you have young children, choose a destination with a short flying time. Consider places such as France, mainland Spain, and the Balearic Islands such as Majorca and Minorca, and Portugal (The Algarve). These destinations have an average flying time of around 2-3 hours, which of course means less time for your little wriggler to sit still.
Choosing a resort
Research distance from the airport to the resort avoiding a long journey to your accommodation. If a beach holiday is what you’re after, look for a resort with a good sandy beach rather than shingle. Once you’ve picked your accommodation, check the distance from where you are staying to the beach making sure there are no steep hills.
Accommodation
Think about what you want from a holiday. A fully equipped kid friendly hotel is great, but remember you are likely to be trapped in your hotel room when the bedtime routine begins, often resulting in the adults also being tucked up in bed by 8pm! Hiring an apartment/villa alleviates this issue, however you won’t have the catering and activities on hand to keep all the family entertained.
Passports
Your little one will still require a passport regardless of their age, which is valid for 5 years. Taking a young child to a booth to get their passport photos taken can be a huge challenge, as you must not be visible in the picture. You may find it easier to visit a high street photographer, or alternatively check out the website Paspic which allows you to take the photo at home, and be converted into a professional passport photo. Don’t forget, it can take several weeks to get a passport so do this as soon as possible!
Taking a pushchair?
Your beloved pushchair is perfect for at home, however you may want to consider investing in a lightweight stroller for your holiday. These are easier to transport and fold down, and take up much less room in a car. Choose one which has an adjustable back, so that your child can lie flat and won’t miss out on important nap time.
Hiring a car?
Don’t forget to either hire a car seat, or alternatively you can take your own with you. (check your airlines baggage restrictions).
Travel insurance
Remember to arrange travel insurance for all the family. Ideally, this should be organised when you book your holiday to ensure you are covered straight away should you need to cancel your holiday. Hunt around for great value family policies and check what’s covered to avoid being caught out.
Do you have any other helpful tips? Let us know by sharing on Facebook, Twitter and by tagging us on Instagram too! 🙂
Happy Holidays!
