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| -*This post is in collaboration with Simply Sea Views- |
Everybody loves a good family holiday, but for people with young children, the expense and hassle can be enough to avoid it until they’re a lot older. The good news is that if you plan in advance, it’s now easier than ever to take a long or short break, with more and more accommodation options catering to families with small children. But, if you’re thinking about taking a baby or toddler along on a well-deserved break, it certainly pays to do your homework first. Here are five key factors to keep in mind before going on holiday with youngsters.
#1. Opt for a Staycation
First of all, it’s definitely important to think about the impact that travelling could have on your child’s stress levels, and tailor your holiday to keep it as stress-free and fun as possible for them. It’s worthwhile considering ditching the overseas trip and opting for a ‘staycation’ in the UK instead; it’s easier when it comes to travelling as you won’t need to worry about bringing your child on a plane or any potential vaccinations they will need prior to travel.
#2. Double Check Your Accommodation
Choosing the right place for you and your family’s needs is important no matter where you are travelling, but if you’re taking your baby or toddler along, then it also goes without saying that you should factor in the needs of them too. Many holiday cottages, caravan parks, and other accommodation options will have information about their child-friendliness online, but don’t just go by what the website says. It’s always worth giving your chosen accommodation option a quick call beforehand to make sure that they can cater to your needs. Take a look at the seaside holidays in the UK offered by Simply Sea Views if you’d like to find somewhere perfect for families. Their website, simplyseaviews.co.uk, offers a wide selection of amazing holiday cottages, with several available in idyllic surroundings with plenty of awesome walks to enjoy with your young family.
#3. Think About Entertainment
Every parent knows that it can be hard to keep a young child entertained on long drives. While babies will often sleep for much of the way, there’s nothing worse than dealing with a toddler who keeps asking “are we there yet?” or letting you know how bored they are. Because of this, you may want to look into entertainment that will keep them occupied, not only during the trip to the holiday destination itself but during the evenings as well. Tablets and portable DVD players are a fantastic option here as they can be pre-loaded with your child’s favourite apps, games and movies. You could also consider investing in some colouring books or new toys that will excite them and keep them busy.
#4. Plan Your Itinerary
In addition to checking out the right kind of accommodation for yourself and your child, it’s a good idea to do some research into the area that you are visiting, so that you can plan a child-friendly itinerary before you set off. Come up with a list of places that you’d like to visit and things that you want to do; keep a list of places and activities that aren’t child-friendly so that you can put any care plans in place. It might be worth researching child care centres and babysitters in the area, so that you know you can easily leave your beloved child in the best hands should you want to visit somewhere that won’t allow them in. Don’t forget to look for child-friendly restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the area to avoid walking around on an empty stomach looking for somewhere that’ll allow your child in whilst you get some food.
#5. Make an Essentials List
When travelling as a family, you have more to consider than just your own needs; don’t forget to make sure that you’re taking everything that you need for your child to also have a happy and comfortable stay. Before you set off it’s a wise idea to make a list of everything that your child will need and tick each item off as you pack it. Some essentials that you’ll need to take are nappies and toiletries, snacks, comforters, wipes and formula, and enough clothes to last. Don’t forget to pack any medication that your child is on or might need in the event of an emergency; even things like Calpol and baby paracetamol are good to have handy. Depending on the age of your child, you may also want to take along a travel cot and mattress, as well as the bedding that they are used to.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let me know below in the comments!
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