TIPS FROM FAMILY TRAVEL BLOGGERS
Uh oh. So the last holiday you went on you danced until dawn with your mates or spent long, languid hours in the arms of your lover. Now… You're travelling with your children. Kids need more than a martini at sunset to keep them happy, and airports and planes become entirely different entities when viewed through parental eyes. So, we turned to the experts: the world's best family travel bloggers for their tips and advice on family travel. From the departure lounge to the beach and back, here are their pearls of wisdom…
DESTINATION
Tip from Elizabeth Thorp of Poshbrood
“Poshbrood loves a beach holiday! Here are a couple of things that weigh heavily when we're choosing an oceanfront retreat: A kid-safe beach with no dangerous drop offs, undertows, rocky shores or man-eating predators. We prefer Caribbean beaches like Jamaica's Montego Bay, where sand is soft, there are little or no waves and water is crystal blue. We also look for Kids' Clubs. We love family time but mum and dad need some pampering too. Kids' Clubs allow little guests to play, explore the area, meet new friends while mum and dad hit the spa, golf or lay on the beach with a fruity drink with a bright umbrella in it.”
PACKING
Tip from Victoria Wallop of It's A Small World After All
“Wherever you're going and whatever you're doing, pack light. There is almost nowhere in the world that doesn't sell toothpaste, nappies and children's Paracetamol, so take only what you need for a week or so. Choose clothes you can layer, including lightweight thermals if it might be cold. I like having free hands, so usually take a backpack. Bags with wheels are useful in airports, but not so much on a bumpy station platform. Our children have their own backpacks, which they fill with teddies, a fleece and small toys.”
AT THE AIRPORT
Tip from Linda de Paor from Around The World With Luca
“Keeping little ones entertained in airports is not always an easy task, what with lots of waiting periods and not a lot of patience. Our now 3 ½-year-old son has played age-appropriate games on his Dad's iPhone since he was just 18-months-old. The apps have been free or, if paid for, have cost us no more than a few [US] dollars.”
PLANE
Tip from: Debbie Dubrow of Delicious Baby
“I take a three step approach towards keeping my children busy on a plane. First, explore everything you can: try out the in-flight audio, check out how the seatbelt works, and study the inflight magazine in depth. Next, let your child break into a activity bag they've packed themselves that is filled with current favourites from home. When they finally begin to get bored with those toys, you can break into a secret stash of individually wrapped new toys in your own carryon bag. They don't need to be fancy or expensive, in fact, I have a great list of travel toys you probably already have at home that are engaging and practically free. Finally, take frequent snack breaks to keep the play going longer.”
OUT & ABOUT
Tip from: Amie O'Shaughnessy of Ciao Bambino!
“The secret to an enjoyable family holiday is to plan an itinerary where everyone's wants and needs are met. The key is to select a destination with activities of interest for every age within a relatively short distance. For most families, one hour each way for day trips is a workable amount of time.
“Create a vacation routine so everyone knows what to expect every day, but keep it flexible so you get a break from feeling overly scheduled. Organise activities so each member of the family gets something ‘just for them,' in addition to all-family excursions. Don't forget to work your own needs into the plan! Guilt-free downtime for parents does wonders for rejuvenation.”
AT THE BEACH
Tip from: Corinne McDermott of Have Baby Will Travel
“Shade is essential and sunscreen is a must for every family member over 6-months-old. Make sure to have lots of drinks on hand – you're playing in the water but you can't stay hydrated via osmosis! Keep it simple with regard to beach toys and floaties as you don't need the stress of keeping track of valuable items while keeping an eye on your kids. If you have a toddler or preschooler in tow who's likely to bolt, they must be relegated to a full-time life jacket. Hats are essential for every member of your family, including mum and dad, and those with string ties stay on better than those with velcro. Bring extra sunhats, just in case; They do have a habit of going missing when you're not looking!”
EATING OUT
Tip from: Ashley Muir Bruhn of Hither & Thither
“Our six-month-old son hasn't yet learned to be picky about in which establishments we choose to eat out, but we have: generally, high chairs and breakfast menus are a good sign. I bring along a few distractions and some food of his own and order as soon as I can. (But I don't actually recommend ordering kids' entire meals to arrive before you have had yours, or they will finish too soon and grow impatient.) If I'm worried that we're getting too close to naptime, I might ask to pay the check up-front so that I can choose to stay or leave on my own time-table.
“Speaking of which, time it right! Daytime meals are often more casual affairs and you will be around other families; if you go out to dinner, consider arriving soon after service begins. Finally, with plenty of practice, I expect that one day we will all eat together at a fancy restaurant, but that day has not yet come. I won't enjoy myself if I'm worried about bothering businessmen or couples celebrating anniversaries: know your limits and keep your expectations in check so that you can relax and smile and make eating out something everyone enjoys. After all, you're on vacation!”
BY THE POOL
Tip from: Lisa Wielgosz of Baby Loves to Travel
“If you like relaxing near water on your holiday, you can be comforted that it is entirely possible to do so with your toddler. However, like all Herculean feats, it's best to prepare in advance. Along with the obvious stuff (such as sunscreen, sunhat, UV-resistant swimsuit, swim nappies and lots of water and snacks), pool toys are a necessary addition to help keep the day fun (and you sane). I try to take toys that can double-up as pool toys, such as aquatic animal figurines. Alternatively, you can often purchase pool toys cheaply at your holiday destination, and you can always donate them to your hotel or a local charity so they can be passed onto other children.”
BABYSITTER
Tip from: Suzanne Rowan Kelleher of We Just Got Back
“If you need a babysitter or childcare while you're on holiday, do your homework before you go. Find out if your hotel or resort uses in-house babysitters or an outside agency. Don't hesitate to ask for references and background checks. In a foreign country, expatriate mothers' groups can be fabulous resources for finding not only childcare but also parks, playgrounds and other great places to take kids.”
THE TRIP HOME
Tip from: Mara Gorman of The Mother of all Trips
“Get home a day before school and work start; having a little time to take care of laundry and get your kiddos back on their regular sleep schedule will help you stay relaxed. Arrange with a grocery store that delivers to have an order with necessities – and maybe a few fun treats – brought to your home so you don't have to run out. And immediately display a few souvenirs in prominent locations. Nothing will make you and your family feel more beachy than a bowl of shells or a framed photo of you poolside!”
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Complied by Julia Neel
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