Let’s face it, these days travel is stressful enough with having to keep the little ones entertained. What you find, however, is that children are not simply catered for in many parts of the world, but they’re actively welcomed. Many tips for travelling with kids are universal, some are relevant to your choice of holiday, but all have been assessed and compiled by our expert team here at Plum Guide - we're experts too, so you can heed our advice. All together now… are we there yet?
Involve the kids
A young family standing on top of a tall hill on holiday
When it comes to choosing where you’re going, one of the best family travel tips is to get the kids involved in selecting your destination. It could be that one of them would love to see the sights of a famous city, while another can’t wait to try wakeboarding at the beach. Once the kids feel part of the decision-making, the holiday becomes theirs as well.
Portrait of Reflections, Plum Guide home in Paris, France
Remember the favourites
This may seem like an anathema to adventurous parents, but if your family has had a great time one year, there’s nothing wrong with booking the same place the following summer. You’ll know the best restaurants, perhaps meet the same families, and maybe even be offered a discount booking for repeat custom. This makes for a hassle-free stay, and taking day trips will allow you to explore other parts of the coast or island.
Book kind travel times
If you’re taking the plane, it’s so worth any extra you have to pay for a daytime flight both ways. You can probably take public transport to the airport, plus you and the kids won’t be cranky having had to get up at 4am - so you can all relax into your holiday.
Rural Reverie, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Book your seats now
A young family with suitcases walking to board a plane
Like, now. Don’t leave check-in until the last minute because chances are you might be split up on the flight. Passengers are usually kind and swap seats, but that can’t be guaranteed. Book your seats together as soon as possible for a smooth flight - there and back.
Grab a place with a pool
For many, the perfect combination is to hire a villa with a pool, one that’s reasonably close to an airport and even closer to the beach. This way, if the beach gets too hot or crowded, you can chill by the water at home, enjoying some shade and private time at your own place.
The Youngest Titan, Plum Guide home in Crete, Greece
Enjoy pre-school freedom
Once the kids start school, you’ll be travelling at the same time as everyone else. While they’re still little, why not take advantage of the cheaper, less crowded shoulder seasons? It will still be warm in southern Europe, indoor pools and aqua parks are fun year-round, and you can spend these precious days with the kids before school life begins.
Choose the right property
A young brother and sister holding hands by a beach holiday home
If you’re going self-catering, usually the wisest choice for young families, then make sure the property you’re hiring is suitable. A washing machine is essential, and cuts down on the luggage you’ll be schlepping. A communal area is great for board games and jigsaws - get the kids off those hand-held devices. And make sure the place is kid-friendly, so you’re not averting any kitchen or power-socket disaster the whole time.
Festoon Nights, Plum Guide home in Cornwall, England, UK
Check vaccination regulations
Download all the proof you need of your vaccinations, and have them close to hand - even print them out if necessary. This will make life much easier at the airport gates and at immigration upon arrival. Pack masks - check that you have the right ones, then take at least five too many, as they always get lost.
Plan your visits in advance
If you know you’re visiting a sea-life centre or theme park, it’s going to be easier (and invariably cheaper) to book in advance. This may tie you to a certain time and day, but means you skip the queues - don’t have any nasty shocks when it's inevitably more expensive than you thought at the entrance.
A Belgravian Bloom, Plum Guide home in London, UK
Pack snacks…
A mother offering her young children snacks on a road trip
Even though your flight time says 10.30am, there’s no guarantee that’s when the plane will take off. Snacks here and there will keep the kids (and you) going, and help relieve boredom. They can be healthy too - think apple slices, energy bars, or tangerines.
…and water
Although you can’t take water through security gates, there will be plenty of affordable bottles of water for sale. If you’re driving anywhere, or taking the train, you simply can’t pack too much water - hydration is essential for summer travel.
Sun-kissed Snow, Plum Guide home in Austria
Download useful apps
If it’s a city break you're embarking on, download apps for local taxi firms and transport networks - you can usually buy day passes, too. It may be slightly futuristic, but apps are your best friend these days.
Curb your enthusiasm
A mother and a young child looking at a map on holiday
You may wish to see six museums in one day, but the kids probably won't be so keen. Don’t be too ambitious with your holiday wish list, and allow for plenty of breaks in between.
Three Coins, Plum Guide home in Rome, Italy
Pack intelligently
Make sure that all essentials you might need to hand (medicaments, travel documents, a favourite toy) are, in fact, to hand. Remember that kids can have their own suitcase-on-wheels too - you don’t have to be a mule for the entire journey.
Arrange onward travel
Arriving at the destination airport is only half the battle. The hard part follows - getting you, the luggage, and excited kids all the way to your base. Pre-booking a hire car or a taxi can ease the journey enormously.
Pause House AM, Plum Guide home in Joshua Tree, USA
Buy appropriate insurance
A young family running hand in hand along a beach having left their shoes by the car
Particularly for UK travellers now going to Europe, you may no longer have access to essential medical care you would have done within the EU. Arrange all necessary travel insurance, whatever that may cost.
Surprise the kids
Just when there’s a flight delay or spirits are flagging, have a little surprise in store for them. A special treat or present can make all the difference on the road.
Stick to your budget
Especially if you’re a single parent, don’t overspend where you don’t have to. Set a daily budget - then however much they might want that little toy from the machine, it’s going to have to be tomorrow.
No Port Left in the Bottle, Plum Guide home in Porto, Portugal
Keep everyone entertained
A young family playing card games in a holiday home by a fireplace
If it’s a driving holiday, make sure the kids have got enough to keep boredom at bay. Tablets and smartphones obviously make life easier these days, but age-old favourites like I spy and other games are more interactive. Pack cards for train journeys and downtime at airports.
Consider a childminder
Family-friendly resorts and holiday hotels may offer a child-minding service. Even if it’s just for one evening, it may be worth hiring a childminder so the two of you can enjoy some special time together.
Embrace the great outdoors
Camping is always a popular option, and not only because of its affordability. The great outdoors brings you together as a family - enjoy putting up the tents, arranging the fire, and preparing the food after a day of hiking and biking.
Good Habits, Plum Guide home in Scotland, UK
Prep the youngsters
A young family overlooking a great view on a hiking holiday
Kids love routine, and holidays are not routine. If this is the first time your child has flown, tell them about the aeroplane, make sure they know what an airport looks like - even take them to an observation platform before your holiday starts. That way, they’ll be relaxed when it comes to the big day.
Take regular breaks
If you’re driving to your destination, keeping everyone cooped up for endless hours isn’t healthy for drivers or passengers. Take breaks, stretch your legs, and get some air every couple of hours.
Keep the car clean
Laying a sheet down over the back seat of the car before you put the child seats on top should allow you to empty out all the crumbs easily at the end of the journey. Some family travel tips are cannier than others.
Eternal Recurrence, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
Invite the grandparents
A family with grandparents walking along the beach on holiday
Provided they’re able and adaptable enough (and actually want to join you), one or two grandparents can add an extra dynamic to any holiday. They may only see their grandchildren on noteworthy occasions - a week away allows them to create that special bond.
Be sure to pack the hats
Of all the tips for travelling with kids, perhaps using a sunhat is the wisest. In these times of scorching summers, don’t leave the little ones exposed to rays for too long without headgear.
Delegate tasks around the family
They might squawk, but kids love being given tasks - laying the table, putting away the lilos, and so on. Someone has to do it - and it shouldn’t always be you.
Glow & Swell, Plum Guide home in Ibiza, Spain
Share fairly
A group of young children running in a field wearing backpacks
Make sure everyone feels that they’re getting their fair share - a window seat on the plane or the last favourite ice cream in the shop can cause an international incident.
Be flexible
However diligently you’ve planned your break, something is bound to hamper the schedule - a delayed flight, a long traffic jam, or simply an unexpected hitch. Be prepared to work around things and most importantly, don’t panic.
Enjoy yourself
This may be the most crucial of our family travel tips. It’s not just their holiday - it’s yours too. Relax, enjoy the lack of routine, and kick back. You’ve earned it.
A Royal Welcome, Plum Guide home in Copenhagen, Denmark
