
The January Blues and the cold mean most parents are thinking of taking your kids on holiday and dreaming of warmer climates. While it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences, travelling with kids does come with its own set of challenges. With the right planning ahead and a few helpful tips, you can ensure that your family trip is as enjoyable and smooth as possible.
Here’s how to prepare for a stress-free travel with kids, no matter the destination.

Pre-trip planning: setting yourself up for success
The key to stress-free travel with kids is to plan ahead. By selecting the right destination and taking a few extra steps in preparation, you can ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time. Here’s how to get started:
Choose the Right Destination and Accommodation
Obviously this should be reflective of budget and what you want from your holiday. But choosing a family-friendly destination is crucial for a successful holiday. Look for places that cater to both adults and children, offering activities that everyone can enjoy based on what they like to do.
Consider factors like weather, accessibility, and available amenities. Ideal locations include family-friendly resorts, national parks, or destinations with easy-to-navigate transport systems.
Read reviews to get first-hand experiences from genuine guests. Always check the 1 star reviews, but don’t let them sway you. Everyone has their own opinions, but look for what matters to you. For example for an all-inclusive holiday I look for pool depth and water type and temperature (my daughter doesn’t like saline so won’t swim in it), on-site restaurant quality, evening entertainment, room layout, and things to do in the local area.
Plan a Balanced Itinerary
A well-balanced itinerary is essential for maintaining harmony during your family holiday. A mix of sightseeing and downtime ensures that both parents and children can enjoy their time without feeling rushed or exhausted.
While planning activities that will excite the kids, remember to include moments for relaxation as holidays should be about recharging too. If you’re travelling with a partner, consider scheduling adult-only activities as well to spend some quality time together.

Pack Thoughtfully
Packing for a trip with kids requires extra organisation. Make sure to bring all the age appropriate essentials, including wipes, healthy snacks, and baby necessities, and don’t forget a first aid kit with any necessary medications and plasters.
A checklist can help keep you on track and avoid last-minute stress. Additionally, bringing comfort items, such as a favourite toy or blanket, can help make your kids feel at ease during the journey.
If you give your kids their own luggage, it can be ideal for developing responsibility and ensuring every they need is there when you depart.
And I’m going to say it, electronics. I have taken my kids far and wide, including Australia and New Zealand which is a very long time on a plane. Kudos to those parents who can entertain without devices, but for me having preloaded movies, tv programs and games in advance is essential. Make sure you download and test in advance to avoid disappointment.
Involve the Kids in Preparation
Parenting 101. Involving your children in the planning process can help generate excitement and reduce any anxieties they may have. Ask them where they’d like to go, what activities they’d enjoy, and let them feel included in the decision-making.
This will give them a sense of ownership over the trip and help keep them engaged. There are lots of family-friendly destinations that will fit your kids, so can you can look these together and agree the essentials it must have.

Transportation survival guide
Whether you’re flying, driving, or using public transport, travelling with kids requires extra thought.
Here’s how to make each mode of transport as smooth and stress-free as possible:
When flying
Unfortunately flying with kids is stressful with so many factors out of your control, you are trapped, cramped, and can’t stop and get out when you want. But you can make life easier, buy a bottle of water each and some chewy sweets in the airport. Our full guide to entertaining children on planes is worth a read.
If you have a new born and breast feeding, you will find having a bottle of expressed milk useful for take-offs. Not only does it sooth most crying babies and make them sleepy, it also helps regulate the air pressure in the ear drums. It’s also worth carrying some formula as backup.
Book your flights well in advance to secure the best deals. Early morning flights are often less stressful, as they allow you to settle in and orientate yourselves once you arrive. If flying long-haul, consider a family-friendly airline that offers extra space or amenities for small children.
It’s worth checking if the airport and your accommodation have child-friendly facilities like changing stations or play areas. Depending on child size, you might find a travel stroller helpful. I’ve had a few long delays where it would have been very useful to have someone they can lie down and sleep.
When travelling by road
Kids get bored easily, and that means when you think of a long road trip, you need some pre-planning to avoid playing eye-spy for 4 hours. Schedule regular stopovers for meals, bathroom breaks, and to let the kids stretch their legs. If in the UK, look for potential stop offs away from motorway services. We usually look for National Trust properties and a local playground en route.
Keep the journey fun by bringing entertainment like audiobooks, music, or travel-friendly games. For longer journeys a blanker and a few comfort items, such as a favourite toy, can ease any travel discomfort and limit a tired meltdown.
I’ll also reiterate to take plenty of snacks and drinks to everyone stay refreshed. I also keep a sick bucket handy for my son too after past episodes.
Using public transport
If you plan to travel using the train, bus, or other forms of public transportation, make sure you familiarise yourself with the routes in advance.

Staying connected and safe: technology solutions for family travel
Staying online and connected is the most important thing when you are traveling with kids. Here are some tech tips to ensure a smooth, safe journey:
Use an eSIM for Unlimited Data
Consider using an eSIM for mobile data, especially when travelling internationally. With an eSIM with unlimited data in Australia for example, you can access local data networks without needing to swap out physical SIM cards. This allows you to use GPS for maps and directions, travel apps, and keep your children entertained by streaming movies or audiobooks.
Travel Apps and GPS
Make the most of travel apps such as Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find nearby attractions, restaurants, and amenities. These tools can help you plan your day-to-day activities, saving time and making sure your trip stays on track.

Managing expectations and emotional challenges
Travel with kids is just as much about emotional preparation as it is about logistics. Children may have concerns about the unknown, so it’s important to help them feel comfortable before and during the trip.
Talk to Your Kids About the Trip
Before setting off, have a conversation about the trip and the fun things you will experience. Explain where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and what they can expect. This helps alleviate any worries and builds excitement about the adventure. Be open to answering their questions and reassuring them if they have any concerns. It’s amazing how innocent their fears are of the unknown.
Be Flexible with Your Itinerary
Kids’ moods can fluctuate, and things won’t always go according to plan. It’s important to remain flexible and adjust the itinerary if necessary, especially if they become tired or overwhelmed. Taking breaks and allowing your children to enjoy the trip at their own pace will help keep everyone in good spirits.
Keep one thing in your locker, laughter if contagious. If you remain chilled and happy, they will too. Patience is rarely a youthful attribute, so distraction is usually best.

Budget-friendly family travel tips
Traveling with kids can be expensive if you are doing this for the first time. You need some hacks to take the low-cost route and reach your destination without being broke. Here are some tips that can help:
Make Early Bookings
Booking flights, accommodation, and excursions in advance is one of the best ways to save money. Many services offer discounts for early bookings, especially family packages. Be on the lookout for deals and discounts like free child places that can help reduce costs.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
If possible, plan your holiday during off-peak periods to take advantage of lower prices. Accommodation, flights, and even attractions often offer discounted rates during quieter months, such as outside school holidays.
Choose Affordable Travel Options
Compare the costs of different travel options, such as flying, driving, or taking the train. Choose the mode of transport that best suits your whole family’s needs in terms of comfort, cost, and convenience.
Get travel insurance
If you want to avoid unexpected expenses on the trip, get travel insurance before you leave.
Cook and Pack Your Own Meals
Food expenses can add up quickly when travelling with kids. If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, consider preparing some meals in advance. Packing your own snacks and meals will save you money and ensure your children have food they enjoy.