Family Travel

Travel for families

Travelling as a family can be challenging – and not every destination welcomes families with open arms. These tips from travel writers Chris Leadbeater and David Atkinson – two of the UK's most experienced travellers – will help you and your family to get the most out of your family holiday.

Tip 1: Do lots of planning and ask lots of questions

My travel plans have changed dramatically since the arrival of our little girl - now aged three. I was always careful about planning a trip, but now I run it like a military manoeuvre! Be prepared or expect problems. I always call or email ahead to the accommodation to ask if they have a child's bed, if they will serve meals early and if the site is child friendly. At a flight check in I will explain how old she is, ask if we can board early, be seated together and if they have activity packs for kids. For train journeys I take lots of games, books and activities. I also always pack some snacks, juice to keep her hydrated and some treats - a simple gingerbread man can head off a major tantrum.
David Atkinson

Tip 2: Consider your accommodation very carefully

Take it form me: hotels can be a mixed bag for families. Cottages close to home and short-haul villas offer more flexibility to keep a familiar routine, arrange meal times and enjoy your own space. The UK, France and Spain are all seen as safe-bet destinations.
Longer haul, family resorts may feel a far cry from previous holidays, but the range of facilities and options for baby-sitting make them a highly practical one-stop shop. Of course, long haul destinations can work too, for example Southeast Asia is culturally very child friendly. Our first holiday with a six-month-old baby was to Austria, where the Kinderhotel chain has a range of dedicated resort hotels with excellent facilities for children from babies upwards. A similar project is now also up and running in Switzerland.
David Atkinson

Tip 3: be realistic about the suitability of your destination

I would be wary of taking children to anywhere that screams ‘honeymoon destination’ – such as the Seychelles or the Maldives. It isn’t that children wouldn’t enjoy the sun-and-sand experience, but many resorts in such places are angled primarily towards couples. The ‘desert island’ atmosphere could quickly become boring for junior travellers more used to their seaside breaks coming equipped with the water slides and theme parks of Florida or the Algarve. In a different way, South America can also be tricky. The infrastructure can often be poor, the journeys long and the heat excessive. I noticed an advertising campaign a couple of years ago that touted Rio De Janeiro as a family-friendly sunspot. Brazil’s most famous city is many things – loud, lively, vibrant, beautiful, fascinating - but I would not include ‘good for kids’ on that list.
Chris Leadbeater

Useful Links

www.mumsnet.com/Reviews/TravelUkIreland&call=IndexPage
www.babygoes2.com
www.family-travel.co.uk
www.kinderhotels.co.uk
www.kinderhotel.ch

While you're busy dreaming of distant lands don't forget to buy holiday insurance! MORE TH>N offers a range of family travel insurance options, from single trip holiday insurance to annual policies. Once you've bought your group travel insurance then you're free to enjoy your holiday. Once you've bought your travel insurance then you're free to enjoy your holiday.