It is likely that the whole clan will be excited for an upcoming holiday, as it will allow you all to have fun, enjoy some freedom, and spend quality time together.
Despite the many wonderful moments a holiday will have in store for you all, it can be easy to make small and large mistakes before and during your break away.
To ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable experience, here are five must-read tips ahead of a family holiday:
1. Pack birth certificates
If you are set to travel alone with your kids who have a different surname or are adopted, you must pack their birth certificates and even their adoption papers before leaving for an airport.
It can prevent an issue from arising at border control that could lead to you missing your flight.
2. Don’t forget the travel vaccinations
If you’re planning to visit an exotic destination, you will likely be researching the best sun lotions for your kids, stocking up on fun beach towels and ensuring that every family member has appropriate clothing to wear. Yet, you might not have considered the need for travel vaccinations, which could protect you and your children from various diseases, such as:
- Malaria
- Rabies
- Yellow fever
- Japanese encephalitis
It is, however, essential to book an appointment with your doctor many months in advance, which will ensure that you, your other half, and your children all receive the appropriate immunisations to protect against foreign illnesses.
3. Book child-friendly flight times
Long flights can lead to tiredness and irritability for your kids and could make parents wish they had remained at home.
To ensure you don’t regret your decision, you should pay a little extra for child-friendly flight times.
For example, if your children are under the age of five years old, you should attempt to secure an early morning flight, as young kids tend to become a little crankier as the day wears on.
It might also be beneficial to book a room at a hotel airport, which can eliminate hassle and stress prior to travel.
4. Rent a Car
Travelling via public transport with your kids on holiday can be a nightmare.
If you want to take the stress out of journeying from A to B, you should rent a car at your chosen destination.
For example, there are car hire services at Malaga airport available, which will allow you to jump into a vehicle as soon as you have passed through security and claimed your luggage.
So, you can quickly transport the kids to your accommodation once you have left an airport.
5. Pre-Book as much as possible
While turning up at a landmark, attraction or restaurant might have been fine before you welcomed kids into the world, it might not be the best option when you have tired, hungry and irritable children in tow.
It is a smart idea to pre-book as many activities and restaurants as possible, which could also help you to skip lengthy queues, and will ensure you have more time for fun at a destination.