Sure, planning your first family travel adventure will bring excitement and lots of what ifs. But just because you are afraid or uncertain, it doesn’t mean you avoid family travel altogether.
Your first time family travel planning is not usually helped by the constant discouragement you get from family, a reluctant spouse – or worse, friends advising you to leave your child behind with the grandparents.
The more you over think about family travel, the worse it gets. Trust us: the memories that you will create as a family will outweigh any hiccups along the way.
Once you have set a date for that first family travel adventure, read these tips:
1. Remind yourself why you want to travel
What are the places you always wanted to visit? Your children was never the one that stopped you travelling– it is your own decision. The best way to conquer that fear of family travel is to: Just do it! Word or warning, after your first trip you will be surprised that family travelling is very addictive.
2. Pick the right destination
At first it is good to pick places that tend to attract other family travellers. But you still need to do your own research. Visit places where there are attractions for both parents and kids. That way you keep everybody happy. Don’t simply choose a destination and spend your days complaining how not child friendly it turns out to be. Some destination simply caters to children better than others.
Don’t go to places just because your Facebook friends recently went there. For example: Disneyland. We prefer to get on as many rides as possible, minimum shopping and have quick meals. Hence we are still waiting until our son is a bit older (and at least 113cm) before going there.
3. Make up your own mind
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
Copying someone else’s family travel itinerary is usually a mistake. Take into considerations your little one’s daily routine. Everyone have their own travel styles. Some prefer more of a culinary experience, others like to hang out at museums and breathe in culture. Do your research well before your trip via guide books, and travel websites or blogs to see exactly what suit your family.
Just because someone had a negative experience at some place (like China), this does not mean it’s not worth visiting.
4. Choose the most convenient airline
Choose airlines with the shortest duration are the most ideal when travelling with little ones. Consider the flight time and transit times. Those budget airlines offering ridiculously low prices are very tempting – but often have horrendously long transit time (not worth it).
Fly during time of day when your little ones are at their happiest. Or when you know they will spend a good chunk sleeping. Before going on your flight visit our Packing List section.
5. Safety
Almost all “safe” cities – including your home town – will have dodgy parts. Don’t let the media fear (terrorism, plane crash etc) stop you from travelling. Saying that, always be street smart and use common sense.
If travelling to a new country for the first time, visit Smarttraveller website for travel updates and visa requirements. Un-researched advice is not worth paying attention to, especially from people who have never been.
6. Carefully choose your accommodation
Spacious, centrally located hotels or Airbnb with good amenities is ideal for family travellers. Having a separate living or kids play area will make a huge difference. So you are not always stepping on each other’s toes. Don’t choose hotels based only on their brand names.
Booking websites such as Booking.com always display the charges for extra beds and city taxes– so there won’t be any surprises when you check in. Also check other family traveller’s reviews on Tripadvisor.
7. Stay healthy
Make sure your little ones vaccinations are up to date. If you are planning to travel don’t vaccinate a few days before travelling, in case of reactions.
Keep yourself healthy during the trip. Don’t push yourself too hard, get enough sleep and don’t binge eat all “unfamiliar” street food on day one. Keeping yourself well hydrated and getting enough sleep each night also go a long way. Falling ill is the last thing you want on a holiday.
8. Travel light
Moving from one city to the next towing heavy – unnecessary luggage is exhausting -not fun! Pack the right stuff, check out our packing list. Just because you’re travelling with little ones, you don’t have to bring everything from home. Don’t pack stuff for “just in case” situations. If you forget something, don’t beat yourself up –just buy!
9. Come back with nice photos to treasure for a lifetime
Take memorable family photos. Bring a small tripod with you or get help from a stranger. Don’t just take selfies after selfies where no one can see the background. Check out our photo tips article.
Do not worry about constantly updating relatives via Whatsapp or posting photos on social media. Leave your phones in the hotel or if you bring it to take photos, switch off roaming data and stop looking for free Wi-Fi. It makes all the hard work saving for the holiday worthwhile. Spend the weeks looking up at new surroundings rather than staring down into your phone screens. Promise your family that you will spend more quality time and be more present.
10. Share your experiences after coming home
Let everyone know that family travel is not that hard. That it is not impossible. Proof it to them that you don’t need to travel with extended family members as back up babysitters. Encourage others to take their little ones on adventure.
As a closing note, what’s the worst that can happen?
Even if your family travel turn out to be horrible, it won’t be the end of the world. You can always go home. It might not end up as perfect as you would like it to be, but at least you tried it.
