FAMILY HOLIDAYS - TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
By Stephanie Rumalay
Most of us are planning our summer holidays in 2021. Planning a family Sun getaway can a challenge, but for most Irish people, it’s a vital necessity. An Irish staycation can be such a risk with grey skies and sheets of rain never far away which means gloomy kids, not to mention the adults who have worked all year for their well-earned break and find themselves stuck indoors. Guaranteed Sun equals happy kids and happy adults! Here are some useful tips that will make travelling with children a lot easier.
Before Leaving
Choose family-friendly accommodations and activities – Choosing family-friendly hotels such as Broncemar Beach in Fuerteventura is one of the things parents do pre-summer holidays. This hotel has three different pools with a children’s pool and kids club where kids can enjoy themselves. There is also an onsite poolside bar where parents can unwind and enjoy themselves with their favourite beverage. Hotels that also offer buffet type breakfast are the most ideal for family holidays as there is food variety for the kids and parents, plus you won’t have to worry about getting up early to cook breakfast for everyone.
Get the kids involved – Get the children involved in the holiday planning process so that they can get excited for the summer holidays. It is also good to ask them what kind of activities they want to do so that they will have something to look forward to.
Brief the kids – Let the kids know what you have planned day to day so they would know what to expect. Also let the little ones know about security checks at airports and that they should not be alarmed.
View this post on InstagramThe wonder of travel. Adorable 📷by @gemdoran. #dublinairport #travel #travelwithkids #holidays
Plan the travel time – Parents should pan out their holiday schedule with a few extra days just in case of airline delays going back or illness and maybe even bad weather conditions that can delay flights and travel time.
Packing in plastic – Keep the suitcase organised by separating the children’s clothes in zip-lock bags and label them with the children’s names and contents on them. It makes things easier and quicker to find and the dirty clothes can also be separated and stored in them going back home.
Bring snacks and their favourite form of entertainment – It is important that parents should bring good travel food with them when travelling with children at all times. Pack some of their favourite snacks and favourite fruits. This will keep the hungry kids from throwing a tantrum. Water is also essential and the best on-the-go beverage as kids would only drink as much as they need which can help avoid multiple bathroom breaks. It is also good to pack the children’s favourite form of entertainment, whether it is their favourite TV show saved on your iPad, favourite book or video game. These items will get their attention and keep them entertained while you travel to your destination.
If You Are Flying
View this post on InstagramPlane spotting. #airportlife #fridayflight #dublin #summer #travel #ireland
Know the luggage restrictions – Know about the luggage limit that you are entitled to have to avoid paying extra charges. Parents travelling with toddlers and infants, should visit the airports website to find out the limit for carry-on liquids including baby food and formula.
Make use of the web – Log on to the airlines’ website that the family is travelling with and print the boarding passes at home. This will help you save time and sign up for email or phone alerts to notify you about flight delays or cancellations. It is important to be at the airport three hours in advance before the flight in order to have plenty of time for check in and security checkpoints.
Wearing suitable clothes - Parents should ensure that their children wear suitable clothing when travelling. The weather tends to be hot during the summer holidays however, it could get cold on the plane so it is better have everyone dressed in layers. Fort parents travelling with toddlers and/or infants, it is also recommended to pack an extra day of clothing with extra diapers in the carry-on luggage.
Book your Family Holiday today with Budget Travel
You will find a host of fantastic Family holiday deals at Budget Travel. Check out our unbelievable online Family Summer Deals or call us now to book on 01 435 0022.
