Advice for a new family travelling abroad
Travelling abroad with children is always a challenge, but never more so than when they are very young or it is for the first time. Fortunately, holiday companies and hoteliers have come to recognise that there is a significant demand for services aimed at this sector of the market and are constantly coming up with more and more ways to make travelling with young children easier.
Flying with a baby
Flying with a baby requires careful planning and preparation. As babies inevitably need lots of clothes, nappies, bottles, toys and other bits and pieces, parents may well have to restrict what they take in order to give them the lion’s share of the total baggage allowance. Perhaps the most important aspect of flying with a baby is deciding what to take as carry-on luggage. Bags should be packed with ease of access in mind, so that items such as nappies and dummies can be grabbed quickly. It’s also a good idea to make sure there is a change of clothes readily available, just in case of ‘accidents.’ A good trick is to put the baby in a warm cardigan during boarding, so that only light clothes are needed underneath. Milk, baby food and any medicines will need to go in a clear plastic bag so they can be easily checked by customs officers.
It is worth noting that on older planes, the slight engine vibration felt on seats located over the wings can sometimes help a baby get to sleep. Despite the fear some people have of flying, it is important to stay calm, as this will help prevent the baby becoming upset.
Making life easier
When deciding where to go on holiday with young children it is best to keep everything as simple as possible; really exotic locations should be avoided. The best option is to choose a destination with a mild climate and reliable local health services, plus suitable places for the children to play.
Some resorts are well known for being family friendly, so why not narrow the list of possible options down to perhaps three? Then, before making a final choice, check to see if they have baby equipment hire centres. These can make travelling much easier, because rather than having to take items such as buggies on the plane or ship, they can be picked up on arrival. Hotels can offer advice about services like this and may be able to provide cots and playpens. Many also offer crèches and babysitting services, which is fantastic for parents who wish to enjoy a little time to themselves.
Family friendly destinations
The perfect family holiday is one where everybody has a good time. Child-centred resorts might not sound like fun to adults, but it is easier for parents to relax when the kids are happy. Depending on their age, destinations like Disneyworld can really give children a thrill and Orlando hotels are well-known for being family friendly. Alternatively, a city break in Barcelona, with its street entertainers and nearby beaches, has plenty to interest everyone. The Canary Islands are another great child-friendly destination, especially for a winter break.
Remember, taking on the challenge of a family holiday can be a thrill in itself
This is an awesome guest post that I can’t claim to have written myself (I wish I could!)
