Family holidays can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents looking to head abroad for their first holiday as a family. There’s the plane entertainment to consider and ensuring the destination is as family-friendly as possible, and if you’re used to a getaway a deux, this change can be hard to navigate. But as mothers ourselves, we’re on hand to guide you through the best kids clubs on offer, family-friendly destinations that work for your family, and to offer up our honest advice. We’ve also sat down with Leo Bamford, founder of the parenting website, My Baba to chat about early travel memories, the best family holidays and packing tips.
OUR FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS & HOUSES
What is important to you and your family when choosing somewhere to stay?
The most important thing is that we are all together, we are too many to fit in one room so I always make sure there is a connecting door. We love being active so a resort with lots of fun and exciting things to do is key. If you ask my kids, they would probably say the most important thing is the buffet breakfast!
Do you have any packing tips for parents?
Organisation is key for me when it comes to packing. I love to have a detailed itinerary with all the information of the trip to hand. I pack the kids’ outfits into storage cubes to save time, and I always pop a pair of pjs and a spare outfit into their backpacks.
Any must-haves to keep children entertained on long journeys?
I always have an iPad to hand, there are so many amazing apps including educational ones to keep the kids entertained. I download some great series for them too. If we are driving I pack our Tonies box as my kids love to listen to audios before bed. Usborne books are also fab for things like crosswords and Anita’s Busy Bags which you can find on My Baba are great for travelling.
Do you have any top tips for new parents travelling abroad for the first time?
When I arrive I always find out the local emergency number and local doctors just in case as its much better to be prepared. I also always take kids kalm probiotics to keep tummies happy! I love the look of the new Butterfly buggy by Bugaboo too, that can fit in the overhead compartment on the plane.
What is your most memorable family holiday moment?
Canoeing on Lake Powel, but I’m sure the kids would say Disney!
Your all-time favourite destination and why?
Our favourite destination has to be Greece. The beaches are some of the best in the world and the water always seems to be warm. You can’t beat the food, the shopping and the people are so welcoming.
The first place you travelled to as a family?
We flew to Tuscany when I had my first born with a group of friends and I remember rigging up a play pen by the pool surrounded by soft toys. It was such a special trip and the absolute best place to start weaning a baby!
Earliest childhood travel memory?
Has to be the South of France with my whole extended family, we all drove down and ate baguettes for breakfast with lots of hot chocolates, swam in the day and played Pictionary in the evening.
Booking ahead now means that you can get the pick of the best hotels during the ever popular school holidays. To start planning your next family holiday, contact Gemma or Jo on [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1306 264005.