Holidays are an exciting time for parents and their children. However, for parents of young children, there can be just as much – if not more – stress involved in a holiday. It can feel like there is no way for you to relax as you need to ensure that your little ones are ok at any given moment. Despite what you may think, its actually possible to have a relaxing holiday with young children. Keep reading to find out how.
Get your travel documents ready
Traveling with little ones will involve a lot of documents – especially when traveling overseas. Certain countries will have rules for travel based on age, so be sure to have everything organised well before you leave. It’s hard enough to get a passport last minute, especially for a child.
Getting your travel documents and organised can save you a lot of time, hassle, and stress, so make things as easy for yourself as possible.
Have plenty of entertainment options
If your children are happy and entertained, they’re less likely to bother you. This is why you need entertainment for the various stages of your trip. Start by charging and downloading content to your various devices such as free cartoons for babies, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. Don’t rely on in-flight entertainment because if your children aren’t interested in it, you’ll be in for a very long flight.
Next, ensure you have things for other parts of the trip such as a book to read by the pool or toys that they can play with throughout the holiday. This will help you to avoid the phrase that every parent fears, “I’m bored”.
Brief your children
Speaking to your children about how to behave on holiday is essential, especially if this is their first time travelling. If you explain how to act and what to expect to your children, you’ll be in a better position to manage them and their behaviour which will help you to relax!
Take advantage of kid’s clubs
If your hotel or resort offers some form of childcare or kids club, use it to your advantage! Doing so will allow your children to make new friends and have fun doing organsied, child friendly activities. It will also allow you to have some much needed alone time with your partner, family or friends.
Bring back-up
Another great tip is to bring some back up along for the ride. This could be your parents, in-laws, or another couple with kids. We strongly recommend bringing your children’s grandparents though, as we’re willing to bet that they will want as much time with your little ones as possible – which means you can get some time to switch off.
Wrapping up
The key to having a relaxing time with your little ones is to plan ahead. By doing so, and following these tips, you’ll be able to have as much fun on holiday as your kids.