Planning Your Child’s First Holiday
No matter their age, travelling with children is a rewarding and memorable experience to be treasured forever. However, if you’re planning a getaway with a little one, a little bit more forward planning is required in order to ensure that it is an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Flying
Although it can seem that the wisest option when travelling with children is to wait until they’re slightly older, there should be nothing stopping you all boarding a plane to your dream holiday destination as and when you please! Heading overseas may be daunting, especially if you’ve chosen a location a little further afield due to the potential for tears and worry. However, there are many different things that you can do to make it a little easier on yourselves.
Keeping children preoccupied can be a huge help if they’re experiencing some trepidation about flying. Before leaving, download a few of their favourite films and shows to watch on your phone or tablet, in addition to some games that don’t require internet access. This way, they will have something to keep them busy, both while in the airport and the sky!
Another useful tactic that you can use in minimising issues with travel is to allow yourself plenty of time, both while on your way to the airport and before flying. You never know what obstacles may present themselves on your way to the airport; from traffic diversions to unpredictable toilet stops, there are a number of things which can add time to your journey. Allowing yourself extra time to get there will mean that you’re less stressed, therefore lowering the chances of your children picking up on it!
Food
Whether it’s while you’re waiting in the airport or flying through the sky, having snacks on hand is perfect, especially for hunger-prone kids! Pack healthy alternatives to prevent them having a sugar high, such as cereal bars. Not only are these perfect for flying as they don’t create a mess but are handy to have in your bag for day excursions or trips out.
While on holiday, your child may be dubious about what food there is on offer for them to sample. Although it may seem easier to opt for restaurants that specialise in cuisine that your child may recognise, allow them to try new things that they might not get to experience before. If they don’t enjoy it, it’s not the end of the world but it’s important that they were given the opportunity.
Accommodation
One of the major things that you need to consider when travelling as a family is your accommodation. Although hotels offer packages which you may all enjoy, villas provide you with space and privacy, both of which make all the difference in giving you peace of mind when away. Allowing your children to explore the area around your private property will give them a little bit of freedom and having access to your own pool means that they can splash about to their heart’s content.
There are a plethora of different options for your accommodation out there, so it is best to shop around and look for an option that fulfils your list of requirements. As you’re travelling with children, this list can be as precise or as open for interpretation as you would like – don’t compromise location for space when you can find beautiful holiday villas in France or beyond
** this is a collaborative post **
