Tips for your First Family Holiday

There’s hardly anything more thrilling than planning your very first family holiday with little ones, especially if you’re a first-time parent. To make sure that well-deserved getaway to a European hotspot or somewhere even more exotic lives up to your dreams, a bit of prep work is essential before you start packing your bags.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of five useful tips to help you enjoy a completely stress-free first family holiday.

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Location, location, location

As every parent knows, traveling any distance with kids can feel like a military operation! Whether you’re eyeing a city escape or a week or two at a beach resort, it’s smart to consider a few things ahead of time.

Length of flight. A luxurious sunshine getaway to beautiful Thailand or Bali might have been perfect when it was just the two of you, but any flight longer than three or four hours can be a real challenge when you’re traveling with a baby or young children.

Transfer time from the airport. The journey to your holiday spot doesn’t end when the plane lands at the nearest airport. Parents know that a long drive in the UK can present a host of challenges when it comes to keeping the kids happy and entertained. And those challenges can multiply when that drive involves a bus full of fellow holidaymakers.

Temperature at your holiday destination. You might be able to kick back and unwind in temperatures soaring above 30°C, but keep in mind that hot weather can be tough on babies and young children since their bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes as well as adults do. Babies and kids sweat less, which means they struggle to cool down effectively.

Nearby attractions. Make sure your chosen holiday accommodation is close to the activities you and your children enjoy the most. Having beaches, amusement parks, play centers, or other fun spots nearby can save you a lot of travel time during your holiday.

Family-friendly facilities

When planning a family-friendly getaway, it’s crucial to think about whether the hotel or resort you choose will keep the little ones happy and entertained while giving you some much-needed peace of mind.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Are there dining areas and menus that cater to kids? If you’re opting for an all-inclusive stay, does the food and drink selection include treats like ice cream and a variety of soft drinks?
• Does the hotel or resort provide a babysitting service in the evenings and a kids’ club during the day? Also, check if there’s a dedicated children’s pool with a lifeguard on duty during open hours.
• Is there lift access to rooms that aren’t on the ground floor?
• Does your hotel or resort offer a cot for younger guests?
• And if your kids are old enough to have their own space, will the hotel or resort provide interconnecting rooms?

Once you’ve settled on the perfect spot and accommodation for your family’s first holiday, the next step is to…

Get your paperwork sorted…

Passports and visas

It’s easy to overlook passport expiry dates, especially if you’ve just welcomed a new baby into the family who will need their own passport. Keep in mind that many countries outside the EU require your party’s passports to be valid for at least six months, and some may require visas to be arranged before you travel.

Insurance

If your first family holiday is within the EU, it’s a good idea to get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for everyone in your group. This card, which replaced the old E111 form back in 2005, allows you to access free or discounted medical care at state-run hospitals and GPs in any EU country, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

No matter where you decide to take your family on your first holiday, it’s wise to invest in travel insurance that covers cancellation and curtailment, baggage and belongings, personal liability, emergency assistance, and medical coverage.

Driving licence

When it comes to renting a car, it might not have been a priority for just the two of you, but having a vehicle can really simplify family outings during your holiday.

Even though the DVLA got rid of the paper counterpart to the Photocard licence back in 2015, some car rental companies abroad might still want to check your driving licence record.

To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to print out your driving licence record and get a code from the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence service. This code is valid for 21 days and allows the rental company to access your online driving licence record if they need to verify it.

Family documents

If any kids in your group have a different last name because you’re not their parent, it’s wise to bring along extra documents that prove your relationship. This can help speed things up when entering a foreign country.

The Home Office suggests that such proof could include a copy of a birth or adoption certificate that shows your connection to the child; divorce or marriage certificates if you’re the parent but have a different surname; or a letter from one or both of the child’s parents, including contact details, giving permission for the child to travel with you.

And don’t forget about health…

While you and your partner might be okay with the idea of traveling abroad without getting a bunch of recommended vaccinations, the health of the little ones in your group is a whole different story.

The NHS recommends that when traveling with children, you should plan carefully and consider practicalities. It’s best to consult your GP at least six to eight weeks before you leave, as health risks can vary based on many factors—like where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, what activities you have planned, the ages of the kids, and their overall health.

Also, keep in mind that some vaccines are available for free through the NHS, but others that are recommended might come with a cost.

Packing for your first family holiday

Packing for your first family holiday can be quite the adventure! Start by figuring out the total travel time from your home to where you’ll be staying. Don’t forget to factor in the time you’ll spend at the airport—this includes any potential flight delays—as well as the journey from the departure airport in the UK to your hotel or resort.

Next, consider what essentials you’ll need to have on hand for quick access. Depending on the ages of your kids, this might include:

• Baby changing supplies like nappies, wipes, and tissues
• A baby carrier or booster seat
• Food and drinks, including formula and bottles (just remember the rules about liquids on planes)
• Toys and games, especially their favorite gadgets and headphones

When you’re packing the luggage that will go in the plane’s hold, keep in mind a golden rule: always leave some extra space for the souvenirs you and your little ones are bound to collect. These keepsakes will help you cherish the memories of your first family holiday for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when choosing a destination for my first family holiday?

It’s important to think about the length of the flight, transfer time from the airport, weather conditions, and nearby attractions. Long flights and hot temperatures can be challenging for young children, so choosing a location that’s easy to reach and comfortable for little ones is ideal.

How long is too long for a flight with young children?

Flights longer than three to four hours can be difficult for babies and young children. If it’s your first family holiday, try to pick a destination that doesn’t require a long-haul journey.

Why is the airport transfer time important?

Even after you land, a long bus or car journey can be tiring for children. Shorter transfer times help avoid stress and make it easier for everyone to settle in quickly.

What facilities should I look for in a family-friendly hotel or resort?

Check for child-friendly dining options, kids’ clubs, babysitting services, children’s pools with lifeguards, lift access, cots for babies, and interconnecting rooms if your children are old enough to need separate space.

Do I need to check my child’s passport before travelling?

Yes. Babies and children need their own passports, and many countries require at least six months of validity. Make sure all passports are up to date well before your trip.

Will I need a visa for my family holiday?

Some destinations outside the EU require visas. Always check the entry requirements for your chosen country before booking.

What health documents should I carry when travelling within the EU?

For holidays within the EU, it’s helpful to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for each family member. This gives access to free or discounted healthcare at state-run medical facilities.

Is travel insurance necessary for a family holiday?

Yes. Travel insurance is essential. It should cover cancellation, baggage, personal liability, medical needs, and emergency assistance for all travellers.

Do I need anything extra when hiring a car abroad?

Some car rental companies may ask for your driving licence record. It’s wise to print your record and obtain a code from the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence service before travelling.

What documents should I carry if I’m travelling with a child who has a different surname?

Carry proof of your relationship, such as a birth or adoption certificate. A permission letter from the child’s parent(s) with their contact details can also help avoid delays at immigration.

Should my children have vaccinations before travelling abroad?

Consult your GP at least six to eight weeks before travelling. The need for vaccinations depends on the destination, duration, activities planned, and your child’s health. Some vaccines are free through the NHS, while others may need to be paid for.

What should I pack in my hand luggage when travelling with children?

Pack essentials such as nappies, wipes, tissues, a baby carrier or booster seat, food and drinks (including formula), and toys or devices to keep children entertained during the journey.

How can I make packing for a family holiday easier?

Plan for the total travel time, including airport delays and transfers. Prepare a list of essentials for easy access, and leave extra space in your checked luggage for souvenirs.

Why should I consider nearby attractions when booking accommodation?

Having beaches, parks, playgrounds, or entertainment spots close by saves travel time during your holiday and keeps children happy and engaged.