My Top 5 Tips For Travelling With Children

Travelling with young children can feel daunting, but with the right preparation it can become

one of the most rewarding ways to spend time together as a family. As a mum of two

energetic boys and being an independent travel agent, I know first-hand that travelling with

little ones requires some extra planning. The good news? When you get the key things right,

family holidays can be relaxing, memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. After all,

it’s a holiday for the parents too.

Here are my top five tips for travelling with young children.

1. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation

Where you stay can make or break a family holiday. Look for accommodation that genuinely

caters to families rather than simply allowing children. Hotels or resorts with family rooms,

kids’ clubs, shallow pools, flexible dining options and children’s entertainment can make a

huge difference.

Alternatively self-catering apartments or villas are also a fantastic option when travelling

with young children. Having a kitchen means you can prepare familiar meals, store snacks,

and maintain some of the routines your children are used to at home. Extra space for naps,

early bedtimes and playtime can also help everyone feel more relaxed.

2. Pack Smart – Especially Snacks

If there is one golden rule when travelling with children, it’s this: Always Pack Snacks (and

make them accessible!) Hungry children quickly become tired, grumpy travellers, especially

when journeys take longer than expected.

Bring a variety of easy, mess-free snacks that your children already enjoy. Think fruit

pouches, crackers, cereal bars, ready-made sandwiches, crisps and small treats. Snacks are

not only useful during flights or car journeys, but they can also help during transfers, queues

or unexpected delays. Making sure they are within reach and not stuck in your luggage also

helps!

3. Bring Activities for the Journey

Long journeys can be challenging for young children, so having a small activity bag ready

can be a lifesaver. Include a mix of colouring books, sticker books, small toys, puzzles, cards

or travel games.

For flights, downloading films, cartoons or audiobooks onto a tablet before you travel is

incredibly useful. The internet may not be an option so doing this before you leave the house

is key! Headphones for children can help them enjoy their favourite shows while giving

parents a little breathing space.

Try introducing activities gradually throughout the journey rather than giving everything at

once. This keeps children engaged for longer…

4. Whenever Possible, Book Daytime Flights

Travel timing can have a big impact on how smoothly your journey goes. While late-night

flights may seem appealing in theory, they don’t always work well with young children who

struggle to sleep in unfamiliar environments.

Daytime flights are often easier because children are naturally awake and ready for activities.

It also reduces the pressure of trying to manage bedtime routines in airports or on planes.

Arriving at your destination during the day also gives children time to explore their

surroundings and settle in before bedtime. I understand this isn’t always possible, but where

you can – look into the alternate flight times.

5. Plan Downtime for Everyone

It’s tempting to try and see and do everything while you’re away, but young children need

downtime, and so do parents!

Balance busy sightseeing days with slower days by the pool, beach or park. Or even better,

get up and out when everyone is feeling refreshed, then back for an afternoon by the pool.

Most importantly, remember that family holidays should include time for parents to reset too.

Whether it’s enjoying a coffee while the kids play, or taking advantage of a kids’ club for an

hour or two, those small moments of calm make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone.

Plus, children engaging with other children of a similar age is really good for them.

Travelling with children may require a little extra planning, but the memories you create as a

family make it more than worthwhile.

With the right preparation, a family holiday can be just as relaxing as it is adventurous! I have

planned trips for two decades and have travelled with my children from the moment they

were born. If you require ideas and recommendations, I’m happy to help.

Jennifer Lisa x