Planning Holidays with Young Children

In this article, we share out tips on planning holidays with young children.

Get Children Involved

One of the best ways to make sure your family holiday is fun for everyone is to get children involved in the planning.

When children feel like they’ve been part of the planning process it not only gets them more excited about the holiday. It also helps them prepare mentally for the break in routine that holidays bring.

If your children are younger, you can put together a general plan of where you’ll go. You can then give them some options of activities to choose from while you’re there.

Child-friendly Holiday Activities

Beach Holiday

For summer holidays, a beach holiday can be a great option. Be sure to check the beach is patrolled by lifeguards and pack sunscreen and hats / sun protection for everyone.

Bushwalking

If your children are old enough for walking, some time exploring nature can be a great way to spend some time together during your family holiday. Research the area,  make sure you have a map and check mobile phone coverage in the area.

Rainy Day Options

If you’re staying in a rented house, do they have books, board games, games room, etc? If not, remember to pack some options from home in case you experience bad weather during your stay.

Farmstays

A stay on a farm can be a great option for children of all ages. Learning about how a farm operates and getting their hands dirty can be lots of fun for children. Plus the clean country air will be great for the whole family.

Tips on Accommodation

If you’re on a budget camping or campsite cabins are a great option. If you’re new to camping, do your research on what to take. Missing a crucial item when camping can put a dampener on things!

If you want to be able to cook family meals, a self-catered apartment or house with a full kitchen is a good option.

If your budget allows and you really want a break, look for family-friendly hotels or resorts with all inclusive meals.

International Travel

If you’re going further afield for your family holiday, here’s a checklist of the things to get / do / consider / research ahead of your trip:

• Passports for all family members with 6-months validity
• Will you need visas for the country(ies) you’re visiting?
• Speak to your GP about required vaccinations or health considerations for your planned destination(s)
• Get travel insurance with coverage for any specific activities you have planned
• If you’re travelling with a baby and you use formula, check airline’s security policy on carrying liquids
• Remember to pack travel essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent (non-DEET), wet wipes, hand sanitiser
• Do some Google research for your specific destination for the following: things to take [destination], things to do [destination], travelling with children in [destination]

We hope this article will provide some useful ideas for planning holidays with young children.