Holiday with kids without losing your mind
The end of year break is getting closer, and with it the chance to slow down and spend some proper time together as a family. The lead-up is usually exciting. The trip itself, with little ones in tow, can be a different story.
Travelling with kids takes more planning than a solo getaway, but it can be every bit as much fun. A few tried and tested strategies can take a lot of the stress out of the trip, so you come home feeling like you had a holiday too.
1. How do you choose a family-friendly holiday destination?
A family-friendly holiday destination is one that suits your children's ages and interests, with easy travel and accommodation that caters to kids. Before you book, look beyond the photos and think about how you'll get there and get around, and what there is to do on a rainy day.
Think about the kind of holiday you want, too. A relaxing beach retreat and an action-packed theme park trip are very different experiences, and your kids may have strong opinions about which one sounds better. Some destinations go out of their way to welcome children with kids clubs, playgrounds and family rooms, and that can make the whole trip easier.
How far ahead should you plan a family holiday?
It's best to start planning a family holiday at least a couple of months ahead, and earlier for overseas trips or peak school holiday periods. Kids make spontaneity harder, so booking the big things early gives you one less thing to worry about.
Associate Professor Julie Green from Raising Children Network, says, "The most important thing during the holiday season when travelling with children is to plan and to be flexible."
Here are the things worth sorting early.
- Accommodation. Booking ahead means you can check for cots, high chairs, a pool fence or a separate bedroom for the kids.
- Travel documents. Every child needs their own passport for overseas travel, and renewals can take a while, so check expiry dates now.
- Car seats. If you're flying, decide whether you'll bring your own car seat or hire one at your destination.
- Health checks. For overseas trips, see your GP or a travel doctor well before you leave. Dr Deb Mills, medical director of the Travel Medicine Alliance, says "Timing is an incredibly important factor for good travel health."
- A few activities. Booking one or two age-appropriate outings in advance takes some pressure off once you arrive.
What should you pack when travelling with kids?
When travelling with kids, pack the everyday essentials plus spare clothes, any medication, snacks and something to keep them entertained. A packing checklist you can reuse and update for every trip saves a lot of last-minute scrambling.
Here's a list to get you started.
- Clothes, including a spare outfit in your carry-on bag
- Shoes and swimmers
- Passports, visas and any health documents
- Medication and a small first aid kit
- Kids' toiletries and nappies
- A pram or baby carrier
- Hats and sunscreen
- Comfort toys, books and games
- Devices, chargers and headphones
- Snacks and water bottles
Pack your child's favourite comfort toy somewhere you can always find it. Losing it on day one is a sure way to make bedtime harder.
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How do you get kids excited about a family holiday?
Getting kids involved in planning is one of the easiest ways to build excitement about a family holiday. Even young children can help choose an activity, a place to eat or the toys they'd like to bring.
Julie Green from the Raising Children Network explains that "Involving children in planning the holiday can give them a sense of ownership over the arrangements", and it can boost their excitement and get them helping with the packing too. Older kids might enjoy looking at maps or reading about the place you're visiting before you go.
How do you prepare kids for a flight?
You can prepare kids for a flight by talking them through each step of the travel day before it happens, from checking in to finding your seats. Knowing what to expect helps children feel calmer and more willing to cooperate.
Derek McCormack, Network Director at the Raising Children Network, recommends covering the parts that can surprise kids. “It is a good idea to talk with your child ahead of time about things like going through security. Explain that they might have to take off their shoes or anything that has metal in it, like a watch."
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport too. Rushing to a gate with a tired toddler is stressful for everyone, and a spare half hour lets kids stretch their legs before boarding.
How do you help kids with jet lag?
To help kids with jet lag, get them outside in daylight at the right times in your new time zone and keep their bedtime routine as familiar as you can. You can also start shifting their sleep times gradually in the days before you leave.
CQUniversity sleep researchers Madeline Sprajcer and Dean J Miller say routine counts for a lot with little ones. "For young children, routine is one of the strongest signals that sleep is coming, regardless of what the clock says." Bring familiar sleep cues like a favourite blanket or the same bedtime book you read at home.
Babies often find travel easier than older kids, because they sleep so much and the hum of a car or plane can be soothing. Our guide to the sleep needs of young children can help you plan naps around travel days.
How do you keep kids entertained while travelling?
Keep kids entertained while travelling with a mix of activities they can do in a small space, such as colouring, sticker books, card games and audiobooks. Pack a few new or forgotten toys to bring out when boredom sets in.
Screens can be a lifesaver on a long flight or car trip, and there's nothing wrong with using them when you need a break. Try to balance them with some screen-free time once you arrive, so the kids can enjoy the place you've travelled to and the time with you.
Snacks matter just as much. Pack more than you think you'll need and keep some within easy reach. If you're heading off over a long weekend, our tips for keeping kids happy on the go have more ideas for car trips.
What should you do when a family holiday doesn't go to plan?
When a family holiday doesn't go to plan, take a breath and let go of the perfect itinerary. Delays and the odd tantrum are part of travelling with kids, and having a Plan B makes them much easier to handle.
Unexpected things may often crop up, like a delayed flight or a child coming down with something. Build some downtime into each day, and don't be too hard on yourself if things go off track.
Holidays with kids are rarely perfect, but they're where so many family memories are made. Happy kids usually make for happy parents, so pack the snacks and enjoy the time together.
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FAQs
What is the best age to travel overseas with a baby?
There's no single best age to travel overseas with a baby, and many parents find the early months easier because babies sleep often and aren't yet on the move. Talk to your GP about vaccinations and any health advice for your destination before you book.
How do you keep kids safe in the sun on an Aussie holiday?
Keeping kids safe in the sun on an Aussie holiday means using sunscreen, hats, shirts, shade and sunglasses, and avoiding the middle of the day when UV is highest. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming.
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