1. You don’t have to go on a Package holiday just because you have children
Watch out for deals on flights, keep an eye on comparison companies like Skyscanner from about 3/4 months in advance. The same goes for accommodation – you can hire an entire home on Airbnb for the price of one night in some hotels – and that’s what it is a home as opposed to a hotel room. Live like a local and you’ll see a whole different side to the country you’re in! Villa’s also mean you are not all squashed into a small hotel room.
2. Making the best of your flight
If you can book a night flight – do it! You have a much better chance of your kid sleeping through most of it – if it’s long haul check if your airline provides bassinets for kids under 2 years. However, if they are big for their age, they won’t fit in and will be on your knee for the flight! Bulk head seats are a massive advantage when travelling with kids as you just have a little bit more space. If you can’t book a night flight why not book one with a long stop over? A day in another country on the way to your final destination, not only means you get more out of your holiday, it means you and your kids get a break and it makes the flights either side shorter and easier to deal with!
Pack your bag full of surprises – whether it’s sweets, a magazine or a new toy – you can pull one out if your kid is getting bored and it will distract them for a while and it makes great bribery material! Ipad’s are particularly handy, not ashamed to admit that before we took our little boy at 18months on his first flight….to Sydney, we undertook “Ipad training” in preparation! And it worked!
If your kid won’t sleep or is having a tantrum – don’t worry about it! The stigma of screaming babies on a plane, is just that – most people have been there and will sympathise! The air hostesses, particularly on long haul flights tend to be amazing and will provide food as and when if you think it’ll helps settle your child. Lots of food means a happier flight in our family. I also don’t beat myself up if it’s not a “healthy” option, it’s worth it to get to the destination as “friends”!
3. Don’t make strict plans for your first day
Kids are very flexible and will bounce back and adjust to different time zones in no time – that being said it’s better to err on the side of caution and not plan much for your first day – it gives them and you time to recover and means nobody is disappointed if the first days activities don’t go to plan! However, if they sleep well and wake up perky, it is a good idea to do something, pretty much to keep them awake and so they can adjust into the routine of the new time zone.
4. Do your research
If travelling with kids, do a quick google search to check out the airport facilities, particularly handy and reassuring to know there is a play area if you ae delayed. In addition, to know what age specific things there are for kids at your destination. You are going to have a better holiday if you can keep the kids entertained and happy, they may even give you the opportunity to do a few things you would like to do if you have a few “bribery activities” up your sleeve!
5. You don’t need to pack everything except the kitchen sink!
There are shops and washing machines abroad! Its easier to buy it over there rather than carry it or pay for excess baggage.
If you’re travelling with young children take enough nappies, wipes and milk etc. for the first few days but don’t feel you have to weigh yourself down with enough for the whole trip. Snacks and activities for the plane are vital usage of the hand luggage allowance!
