Travelling with Kids: A Mum’s Guide to Stress-Free Family Holidays
As a mum and a travel expert, I completely understand the joys (and the challenges!) of travelling with kids. From the excitement of exploring new places to the reality of tantrums in airport queues, I’ve been there! But with a little planning and the right approach, family travel can be magical. Here’s how to make it stress-free, fun, and truly memorable.
1. Choose the Right Destination Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to family travel. Think about places with short flight times, kid-friendly activities, and easy access to essentials. Resorts with kids’ clubs, all-inclusive options, and family-friendly accommodation can be a lifesaver, while adventure holidays with the right balance of activities keep older children engaged.
?? Mum Tip: Check the weather! A "hot" destination can sometimes be too hot for little ones, so consider destinations with a comfortable climate.
2. Pack Smart (Less Is More!) It’s tempting to pack everything "just in case," but trust me—overpacking makes things harder. Prioritise the essentials: comfortable clothing, snacks, a well-stocked medicine kit, and entertainment for the journey.
?? Mum Tip: Pack a small surprise—like a new colouring book or small toy—for the journey. It keeps kids entertained and helps avoid the dreaded "Are we there yet?"
3. Flights & Airports: The Survival Plan Long flights with kids can be daunting, but a little preparation goes a long way. Choose flight times that work with their schedule (overnight flights for long-haul journeys can be a game-changer). Bring snacks, extra layers for chilly planes, and a mix of screen time and offline activities.
?? Mum Tip: Always have an easy-access bag for essentials like wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes. You never know when you’ll need them!
4. Accommodation That Works for Families Not all hotels and resorts cater well to families, so choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference. Look for: ?? Spacious family rooms or apartments ?? On-site activities (kids’ clubs, splash parks, playgrounds) ?? Easy access to food options (buffet-style dining can be a lifesaver!)
?? Mum Tip: If travelling with a baby, check if the hotel provides cots, bottle-warming facilities, and baby-friendly food options.
5. Plan Activities—but Stay Flexible Kids don’t always follow a set itinerary, so mix structured activities with downtime. Plan one key activity per day and leave room for spontaneous fun—whether it’s an unexpected beach stop or an afternoon nap.
?? Mum Tip: Let kids have a say! Giving them small choices (like picking between two activities) makes them feel involved and excited.
6. Dining Without the Drama Eating out with kids can be unpredictable, but choosing restaurants with child-friendly menus, early dinner options, and relaxed atmospheres helps. Bring snacks for picky eaters and don’t stress if every meal isn’t perfectly balanced—holidays are for enjoying!
?? Mum Tip: If you’re travelling somewhere new, research a few family-friendly restaurants in advance to avoid last-minute panics.
7. Memories That Last a Lifetime The best part of family travel? The memories you create together. Take lots of photos, embrace the little moments, and remember that even the chaotic parts will be stories you laugh about later.
?? Mum Tip: Give older kids their own travel journal or camera—it keeps them engaged and makes for a lovely keepsake.
Final Thoughts: Making Travel Work for Your Family Travelling with kids isn’t always easy, but with the right planning, it’s absolutely worth it. I’ve helped so many families (including my own!) create incredible travel experiences, and I know what works and what doesn’t. If you need help planning your next stress-free family holiday, I’d love to take care of everything for you!
???? Let’s make your next family holiday the best one yet!
