Lots of us have cherished memories of family holidays over the years. They can be some of the most rewarding moments you can share together, whether holidaying with your parents as a child, together with all your siblings, or if you were a family that travelled with cousins and grandparents in tow. Every family is different, yet all are looking for the same thing: as little stress as possible.
As enjoyable as family holidays are, planning them comes with its own challenges. Making sure everyone is happy, as well as sorting the logistics of your trip, isn’t always simple, especially if you have a larger-than-average family and everyone has different interests and energy levels. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, of course, so that’s where being as organised as possible is going to be your best foot forward.
Start with Smart Planning and Realistic Expectations
It’s easy to say, but good planning is the simplest way to reduce stress before any family trip, especially if looking to get away during busy holidays like the summer or Christmas. With many other families looking to do the same when restricted by term times and school holidays, you’ll want as much time as possible to work out the essentials.
- Decide on your holiday budget and determine how much will go towards accommodation, flights or transport options and any activities you want to do. A clear budget will help you stay on track when looking at your options, whether looking at package holidays or booking each aspect separately.
- Look to involve your children in small decisions such as choosing activities or picking a day trip, as this gives them a sense of excitement and helps manage expectations. Keeping them involved is all part of the family experience after all.
- You’ll want to arrange travel insurance for your holiday in advance too, giving you peace of mind from the beginning. It’s best to compare your options and look for providers like Staysure who offer travel insurance with comprehensive cover for the unexpected. Having coverage for flight delays and cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, and emergency medical expenses will ensure you get the help you need, just in case anything happens.
- Before booking, make sure all passports are valid and check any travel requirements for your chosen destination. You can check the latest guidance on passports, including travelling with children on the Citizens Information website. This ensures you are aware of any important documentation or regulations well before your trip.
With these essentials taken care of, your trip will feel more organised from the start, and you can then start focusing on the fun parts of your holiday rather than worrying about last-minute surprises.
Choosing the Right Destination for Everyone
It’s probably one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make, but certainly not the easiest when looking to keep everyone happy. You’ll want to find that perfect balance that suits the whole family, as this will make the trip much more enjoyable than picking somewhere at random or without any research beforehand.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by looking at popular family destinations, as they will be favourites year after year for good reason. Maybe it’s Spain, Italy, Portugal or the Canary Islands where each will give you plenty of sunshine and outdoor adventure, as well as short flights from Ireland and lots of reliable family resorts. Think shallow beaches, safe swimming areas and resort facilities that cater for all tastes.
If you want to avoid busy resorts and choose self-catering accommodation, be sure you’ve looked into what’s in the area and whether it’s nearby to beaches, shops, and family-friendly restaurants and activities. Even picking somewhere that simply has a good-sized pool will keep most children happy, but you’ll want other activities that are within close proximity, rather than having to walk or drive for miles first. The last thing you want is for boredom to set in early in the holiday!
Think about what each family member enjoys most. Perhaps it’s playing or lazing by the pool, adventure activities like mountain biking or climbing, or cultural experiences like museums. Destinations with kids’ clubs or easy beach access can be good for younger children, while teenagers may appreciate places with more lively attractions. If you are unsure, this is where involving them and coming up with a few ideas together can be helpful.
Packing and Prep Made Easy
Some people enjoy the packing process, but when it’s for multiple family members, it may be slightly more stressful. That’s where creating a simple checklist for each family member will help. This ensures that nothing gets left behind and that they include their must-have items like phones or tablets, any toys and books, as well as everything else they’ll need.
- Sun cream, swimming gear, device chargers, travel documents, comfortable shoes, sunglasses; the list goes on, so creating a checklist gets everything written down and can be a fun activity for them to tick off as they pack.
- It is a good idea to keep all essential paperwork, boarding passes, and passports together in one easily accessible place before you set off, so you are not scrambling to find them right before you step out the door.
- Depending on the length of travel time, you’ll want to ensure each family member’s hand luggage has everything they need to keep them entertained and happy. Look to include snacks, entertainment, as well as anything important, like medication, within easy access.
- With clothing, plan for any changeable weather just in case. Include items that can be layered when feeling cold or if rain occurs, like a lightweight jacket, jumper, and trousers. Keeping some of these in hand luggage is also a good idea if checking in luggage.
With a bit of organisation, packing becomes less of a chore and more of a smooth start to your holiday.
Keeping Kids Entertained on the Journey
The journey to your holiday accommodation may take a number of hours, especially when flying. That means boredom can quickly sink in, so planning ahead to keep your children entertained is always worth the effort.
- Think about bringing a mix of activities that suit different ages and that can hold their attention for longer periods. Audiobooks, colouring books, travel-friendly games or downloaded films and offline games for tablets are all good options.
- If you can, add a few surprises for them, like a new sticker book or small puzzle, for example. You’ll be surprised how this can help break up the journey and lift spirits if boredom sets in.
- Snacks are another essential, especially during long waits or delays. Choose some that are easy to pack and not too messy (or unhealthy), giving your children something to look forward to without disrupting the journey.
- If you are travelling by car, be sure to make time for short breaks for fresh air and a quick stretch of the legs. This can help stop restlessness from building.
By mixing entertainment, movement and small treats, the journey becomes far more enjoyable for everyone and helps you have a positive start to your holiday.
Staying Flexible and Making Space for Downtime
Whilst you’ll no doubt be thinking about how to keep them entertained and busy throughout your holiday, don’t forget to schedule in a bit of downtime in between. Having multiple activities planned for every day can be draining for both you and the children, so try not to plan too much, especially with young kids.
Leave space in your schedule for lazy mornings, relaxed meals or quiet afternoons by the pool. This will help keep everyone’s energy levels balanced and prevent the trip from feeling too rushed and busy.
Flexibility is just as important. Plans may need to change because of the weather, crowds or simply because the family mood shifts (which can happen quickly). Being open to swapping activities or taking an unexpected break means you can adapt without the stress. Some of the best holiday memories come from spontaneous moments, like discovering a small beach or finding a local café everyone loves, so allow for a bit of relaxation and exploration.
Health, Safety and Practical Essentials
Keeping your family safe and comfortable while travelling is easier when you focus on a few simple habits. Staying hydrated, using sun protection and taking regular breaks from the heat all help children cope better with busy days outdoors. It is also useful to pack a small first aid kit with plasters, pain relief suitable for children and any personal medication your family may need during the trip.
If you are exploring new places, staying aware of local guidance and safety advice ensures you remain confident throughout your holiday. It can also help to agree on a clear meeting point in case anyone gets separated when you are exploring together, such as on the beach or when visiting somewhere busy.
With a little preparation and a focus on practical essentials, you can enjoy your trip knowing your family is well looked after. Whilst you can’t guarantee your holiday will be completely stress-free, you can at least plan it that way so that you can enjoy every moment.
Remember, before long, your children will be grown-ups themselves, so you want to have great memories to look back on together. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun!
