When you have a family, it’s fair to say that your entire world changes. As much as you might promise yourself that parenting won’t change you, it inevitably will and your entire life will soon revolve around the tiny loud being you created.
They’ll put a crimp in your social life, your personal life and your career. They’ll change the way you do everything and almost everything you do will be built around nap and feeding times.
Then there are other activities such as holidays. Whatever you want to do for a family holiday and wherever you plan to go, it’s likely that your plans will be significantly different than when you travelled sans infant.
So, how do you go about planning an enjoyable, stress-free relaxing holiday with your children? And no laughing either, it is possible:
Preparation
This is probably the most “common sense” element of the whole list but it stands to reason that the more you do before you go away, the less you have to do while you’re there. Things like making sure your currency (if applicable) is sorted out before you travel, making sure you have all of your documents together and ensuring you’ve got all your transport (such as airport transfers) sorted out are all time wasting activities where the children could get easily bored. It seems sensible then to prevent that boredom by doing them all before travelling.
Planning
Wherever you go, it’s important to keep your little Munchkin or Munchkins busy. Boredom leads to bad tempers, so the more activities you can find to do the better. Again, these are better planned in advance because what’s more boring for small children than watching mum and dad stand with a bunch of leaflets talking about where to do? The kids want action!
Research
The other thing that’s likely to make your little ones’ miserable is if you’re not prepared for what’s coming. Consider the temperature when packing, remembering clothes for hot and cold weather, sun protection and rain coats if necessary, ensure you’ve got all medications packed and make sure that if you’re children have special dietary needs such as allergies, they have either plentiful supplies with you or you’re heading somewhere with plenty for them.
The travelling
It’s often not the holiday itself but the travelling which is the undoing of your small people. Three hours trapped in a car, a plane or a train is fun for nobody but at least you’ve got a phone, a book or a magazine. Having a range of toys, books, games and (if they’re old enough) electronics to keep your children busy and entertained however long you’re travelling for is invaluable. And don’t underestimate how much time you can use up having a picnic.
Have you any tips for family holidays?
