Making memories... but minus the meltdowns
Here are some tips and tricks to turn your family getaway into a doddle!
1. Plan like a Pro but pack as light as you can! Planning ahead is the golden ticket to stress-free packing. Create a checklist (or two!) that covers everything from the critically important things – passports, tickets, visas, medication, travel insurance details. And then add the extra essentials - favourite stuffed toys and charging cables. Remember, less is more when it comes to packing, so write a list and it will soon become clear if you have too much, or have forgotten something.
2. Choose Family-Friendly Destinations When picking your destination, think family-first. You know your own family best, so make sure you explain all the quirks to me and I will plan for you. Opt for places with activities that cater to all ages, whether it's a beach resort with supervised kids' clubs or a city break packed with museums and parks. Bonus points for minimal travel time, short connections and fast transfers!
3. Timing is Everything Timing can make or break a family trip. Whilst you may be tied to school holidays, consider the right destination. Would your family enjoy Dubai in our summer…possibly not, unless they love it scorchio. But it could be a perfect destination in our winter. Would they want to be exploring Canada in the snow? Or would lake-swimming in the summer months suit them better. There is a destination to suit everyone at every time of the year, you just need to know where to look.
4. Embrace Flexibility Flexibility is key when travelling with little ones (and let’s be honest, even with teens!). Be prepared for detours, spontaneous loo and ice cream stops, and unexpected adventures. Sometimes, the unplanned moments become the most cherished memories, so just roll with it!
5. Keeping everyone entertained will help your own sanity! Remember that your wifi may not be fast or reliable, so download films, games and audiobooks before you leave home. Perhaps try a podcast that will engage the whole family. Sticker books are a winner without the possible mess of pens and crayons. Keeping kids busy with a list of landmarks to tick off on the way keeps them interested. Or a competition…first one to spot three yellow cars, a blue bike, two red lorries and a man wearing green wins!
6. Food Fixes Everything. At all ages… Hangry. It is a true state of mind. Hungry travellers are grumpy travellers, so keep tummies happy with snacks and goodies to please everyone.
7. Involve the Kids in the planning. Make your little explorers feel like VIPs by involving them in the planning process. Let them choose an activity or two that they're excited about. Their enthusiasm and anticipation for what they know is ahead will add an extra sparkle to the journey.
8. Capture the Magic Don't forget to capture the moments that make family travel special. The journey is all a part of the adventure, so snap photos, keep a travel journal, or create a digital scrapbook along the way. Trust me, I did this all the time when my kids were small and I love looking back at them now, I am so glad I did!
Nobody is pretending that long travel days with small kids is all fun and sunshine. It’s not. But a bit of forward planning can really help. And the payoff when you get to your destination is worth all the “are we nearly there yet?”s
