(Collaborative) We can’t wait for our next trip abroad. With us being stuck at home for so long and so many places in the UK being fully booked and some taking advantage of the high demand with their pricing a holiday abroad sounds like just what we need. We all love a beach holiday, although a pool will also suit the kids too. Our previous trip last to the Dominican Republic was cancelled for obvious reasons and we can’t wait to get away as soon as possible. One thing that I do try to ensure is that when we go away it’s a break for all. That means no driving to the airport, no meals being cooked by us and the kids have to tidy up after themselves. I’m sure that I’m not the only parent that wants to enjoy a hassle free family holiday.
Enjoy a Hassle Free Family Holiday
So how do I aim to have a hassle free family holiday? Ha, I’m glad you asked. Well, it’s super simple. I’m very much into being organised. I hate to have last minute surprises that come with leaving things to the last minute. In order for me to make sure that everything runs smoothly I always make sure that I:
Book Flights and Accommodation Early
When booking a holiday you need to book early to make sure you get what you want. I’ve found that a year in advance with some hotels isn’t enough especially when you need a room that can accommodate 5 people. It’s even more of a struggle to find suitable rooms when we go with my parents, brother and sister, and their families. Sometimes, you can find just what you need at shorter notice but it can depend on what you are after and sometimes you need to be flexible to get a break booked.
Go For All Inclusive or Half Board
If I’m on holiday I want to enjoy it and not worry about making meals all day. Kids especially seem to be much hungrier when you’re on holiday. I personally prefer all-inclusive holidays as they make everything easier and there are so many available these days too. Food and drinks are included and often there are kids clubs to keep the little ones entertained.
Half board can also work well as it gives you the opportunity to go out and try meals at both local or restaurants a bit more further afield should you so wish. Again, it doesn’t fall on mum to cook or wash the dishes so it’s just want you need to enjoy a hassle free holiday.
Prearrange Arrange Transport
A biggie for us as many of us get travel sick. I find the train works really well for us. Opting for train travel to get to the airport can make it more of an adventure for kids and is much nicer than being cooped up in an uber with a stranger that has their choice of music playing, reeks of cigarette smoke and seems to want to answer every phonecall under the sun whilst driving. I found the Gatwick Express worked really well last the last time we used it and the kids loooove it!!!
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Book Excursions In Advance
Have you ever been on holiday and gone to book a pretty amazing excursion and found it’s all booked up? Don’t you just hate that!!!! Booking in advance not only ensures you’ll get a place on the trip(s) you want but also means you can check out the competitors and choose those that have the best reviews and the most competitive prices.
Pack Well Ahead of Time
My girls have learnt from me thankfully and we take great pleasure in writing our lists, making sure we have everything and packing suitcases as far in advance as possible. I do a list for each of us and check with each individual to avoid items being missed. Honestly, I can’t cope with the drama if something is forgotten so have learnt to be super efficient with packing.
Entertainment During Travel
It goes without saying that you need to keep children entertained during travel. Bring ipads, Ipods, books, travel games etc. Basically, anything they enjoy doing that you can bring, bring it! It’ll keep them distracted and make the journey more enjoyable for all. Food and drinks are also important especially when you have specific dietary requirements.
What do you like to do in order to enjoy a hassle free family holiday?
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These are some fantastic ideas, planning a holiday at times can be so overwhelming with so much to think about so having some plan set out and ideas on hand is a good starting point.
It really can. Arranging everything in advance gives you time to do it at your own pace.
I have learned that it is so important to pack ahead, and be prepared. On my last trip, I made sure to pack a few entertainment items during my travels. It really helped pass the time.
It sure is. Being prepared really helps reduce the last minute stress.
Yup, we always try to plan ahead. That does help with stress and things are usually cheaper when you do this.
That’s a good point. Things can be cheaper when paid for in advance.
I didn’t know trains were helpful travel if you got travel sick. I get sick on the planes when I go abroad and always spend a day or two with the sniffles. I don’t get motion sickness though, knock on wood.
The sniffles would relate more to colds being passed around via the plane’s air conditioning.
I actually like to cook when we are on vacation because we tend to eat healthier that way and I can easily accommodate for our allergies. But I always book things early and even if I don’t pack super early, I always make a list of everything we need so we don’t forget stuff at home.
An all-inclusive is definitely a great way to go on vacation and not have to worry about meals and food, especially with kids!
Booking in advance does help a lot, then you can get the place you want and arent scrambling to find accomodation.
I’ll follow your tips. And I couldn’t agree more,.
who wouldn’t want a hassle free vacation, right?
Exaclty. It makes it so much more enjoyable for all!
Planning and organizing trips bring me great joy and the initial effort is so worth it in order to have a hassle-free holiday. I agree with all the points you listed.
It really is worth making the effort to organise everything in advance.
I am all for hassle free holidays, we have recently booked to go away in September next year as a family and can not wait. Planning and organisation are the key to keep trips hassle free
That sounds exciting. It’s always great to have something to look forward to.
I don’t have kids so at least I only have to worry about myself and my fiance, but we’re all for planning and booking things in advance like transport, excursions etc, it saves any hassle x
It really does. We all need to be able to relax and enjoy our well-earned holidays.
Oo this makes me excited for a holiday abroad again! We decided to stay in the UK this year, but may venture further next year 🙂
I hope you get to go. It’ll be nice to be able to do that again x
I haven’t ever done an all-inclusive holiday. That sounds smart. It costs a lot to eat out every meal, every day while on vacation.
They are amazing. They make it so much easier and you won’t need to change too much money either.
I am looking forward to our family holiday after this pandemic. Just that thought makes me hopeful and optimistic.
You are in good company because a whole lot of people are fed up with being stuck at home for all of this time.
We’ve been trying to get out to places nearby to have mini adventures but a nice holiday is always a winner.
A lot of prep work here and I couldn’t agree more- planning ahead is key to a relaxing holiday!
It sure is. I hope you get o go on one soon x
I love holidays and family holidays are the best! These tips will make our vacations even better!
Thanks for these tips as I do have two kids so traveling hassle free is my main aim so that the holiday goes as planned with no issues
Hassle free holidays are the way to go. We always make sure to book as much as we can ahead of time. We also like to preplan the things that we are going to do in the area while we are there with several backups in case anything is closed or falls through.
That’s great to hear. It also means you have a wider choice when you book far in advance.
It is good to be prepared so that things go smoothly. Things are definitely different when we become parents and bring the kids on vacation.
There sure are. Being prepared is the key to making everything easier.
I’ve wanted to do this, but I am not as 100% confident to go out from where I live. I also have small children, so I have to really think about traveling a million times. LOL, these are such great tips I can take notes for when I am ready to travel with my kids soon!
I hope it’s not too long Joyce. Holidays with kids can create some great memories for you all.
I am a huge planner. We always try to plan ahead. Planning saves time and money!
It does and it reduces stress too!!
Yes, great advice there. Booking activities and excursions ahead is incredibly important if you have children.
It sure is. You need to keep them busy and having fun too.
Great tips! I usually make a list of what we need to bring so I won’t forget a thing. I also make a plan of the things we’re going to do.
Me too, lists are great!!!
We did a family holiday recently and planned a lot ahead, and pre-booked all of our travel too, which really helped!
That’s great to hear and I bet it all ran smoothly as a result.
We packed well in advance of our most recent trip and it took out so much last minute stress I will continue to pack early in the future
That’s great to hear. I can’t believe how many leave it to the last minute and them get stressed.
By getting everything ready in advance it can make it a fun part of the lead up to a holiday
It sure can also also far less stressful x