Travel Tips for your Family Holiday

No one wants to go on holiday just to recover from the journey. But thankfully there are plenty of ways to take the hassle out of family travel. Packing a bag of everything they might need in advance will help prepare for any mid-journey meltdowns or mishaps. You can even ask your little one to help pack their own backpack filled with their favourite things, it’ll give them a focus for different points of the journey. It’s always great to pop a couple of little surprises in there too for a strategic distraction when you need it the most.

When it comes to dressing kids for the journey, it goes without saying that comfort is the most important factor — itchy labels, tight waistbands, hems that chafe, and restrictive fabrics make for a very grumpy holidaymaker. We recommend layers for fluctuating temperatures in soft, breathable cotton: a tracksuit over a tee is always a winner for long journeys. A spare set of clothes and something to mop up any spills are always a good idea too!

TRAVEL IDEA: A travel journal is a handy all-in-one activity. Kids can draw in it and write about their adventures. You can even print a few colouring pages and fun facts about where you’re going to stick inside. And it makes an adorable memento!

You’ve made it to your destination! The bags are unpacked, you’ve scoped out the area, and now it’s time to get well and truly into holiday mode. And no sooner than you’ve settled down on a sunlounger to relax comes the dreaded, “I’m bored.” 

Whether you’re at the beach or poolside, it’s handy to have some pre-planned entertainment in preparation for this all-too-familiar statement. Games that involve creativity and clue-solving are always a hit for keeping kids entertained on holiday — a treasure hunt or mini assault course are good for burning energy. Of course, swimming in the sea or the pool is a huge draw for kids, so you can use that too with pool-diving toys, inflatables or a snorkel for exploring the sealife. And for the outfits, don’t leave the hotel without their UPF50+ swimwear, cover-ups and a trusty sun hat.

ACTIVITY TO TRY: Take turns being the Fun Captain. Each member of the family can choose an activity or game for everyone to do. It can be anything, from trying a new food to talking like a pirate for the day. 

Packing for every eventuality is almost impossible but there are a few suitcase items that are non-negotiable. Bumps and scratches are inevitable on holiday, what with all the exciting new places they’ll find to explore, and this calls for a fully-stocked first aid kit. If you are travelling somewhere more exotic, certain products aren’t always readily available so you can research what you might need to bring.

Bedtime routines often go out of the window on holiday too, which can make falling (and staying) asleep tricky for children, especially toddlers who are not used to snoozing in unfamiliar places. A cuddly friend and a night light are handy if your little one is anxious about sleeping in a new room. Talking of routines, don’t rely on your accommodation to provide kid-friendly toiletries, especially those formulated for sensitive skin types. Our range of skin and hair products are filled with nothing but natural goodness, so be sure to pop them at the top of their packing list.

HOLIDAY TIP: On arrival at your destination, do a family walk-around to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Agree on a safe meeting spot, areas that are out of bounds, and what to do in an emergency.