35 Quick Family Travel Tips, From Planning to Packing

Not every piece of travel advice needs a long article. Here is a collection of quick, practical family travel tips, grouped by theme, so you can scan the ones that matter for your next trip. Each is small on its own, but together they can make a holiday noticeably smoother.

Planning and booking

• Factor in transfer times. A cheap flight to an airport two hours from your resort can mean a very long day with tired children.
• Know your child. Will they wilt in the heat or take it in their stride? Choose your destination and travel month accordingly.
• Check the season. If an exotic holiday looks surprisingly cheap, find out whether it falls in hurricane or monsoon season.
• Involve the children. Letting them help choose the destination builds excitement long before you leave.
• Research together. Looking at maps, pictures and a few local facts before you go helps children feel more engaged when they arrive.
• Sort travel insurance early. Some bank accounts include travel cover, so check what you already have, and what it covers for children, before buying a new policy. Buy it as soon as you book so you're covered for cancellation.
• Check health documents. Most UK residents can apply for a free GHIC for trips to the EU, but it isn't a replacement for travel insurance. See the GOV.UK GHIC guidance.
• Book the pet in early. Popular kennels, catteries and pet sitters fill up well in advance of the school holidays.
• Choose flight times to suit your child. Some children sleep well on a plane; others are better on a daytime flight where they can stay busy.

Packing

• Pack a change of clothes for everyone in your hand luggage, in case of delayed bags or spills on the flight.
• Split each person's clothes across suitcases so that if one case goes missing, nobody is left with nothing to wear.
• Don't pack too many toys. Let children choose one new thing at the airport or at your destination instead.
• Bring a deflated beach ball. It takes up almost no space and is useful in the pool and for keeping children busy in baggage reclaim.
• Wear bulky jumpers and coats to the airport. They save suitcase space and make handy pillows.
• Check voltage and plug types before packing a baby monitor or other electrical items, and bring the right travel adapter.
• Pack children's medicines you know. Taking familiar children's pain relief and a basic first aid kit saves trying to decipher foreign labels late at night. Check your airline's and airport's rules for medicines in hand luggage.
• Take baby wipes, whatever your children's ages. They have endless uses.
• Print address labels before you go if the family likes sending postcards.

At the airport and on the plane

• Charge a power bank for tablets and headphones. Power banks generally have to go in hand luggage rather than the hold; check your airline's rules.
• Be ready for checks on baby food and milk at security. Staff may need to screen or test them, so keep them easy to reach.
• Ask your airline about using a car seat on board. Only some seats are approved for aircraft use, and airline policies vary. A familiar seat can help a toddler settle and sleep.
• Make a pretend "ticket" for young children to show to check-in staff and cabin crew. It helps them feel part of the journey.
• Avoid noisy toys on the plane. You and your fellow passengers will be grateful.
• Save a few new toys for emergencies. The surprise can head off a meltdown.

For more on the journey itself, see our tips for flying with young children.

Ski holidays

• Try a snow centre or dry slope first before booking a first family ski trip, so you know whether everyone enjoys it.
• Pre-book ski school and childcare, as places can fill up quickly in the school holidays.
• Choose goggles over sunglasses for children; they're more comfortable and stay on better.
• Practise with a baby carrier before you go if you're bringing a little one. It's easier than a buggy in the snow.
• Don't expect children to ski all day. Plan other activities for the afternoons.
• Buy second-hand ski wear for growing children, but invest in good waterproof gloves and proper ski socks.
• Pack high-factor sun cream. Sun reflecting off snow is strong, especially at altitude.

There's much more in our guide on how to have a fantastic family ski holiday.

While you're away

• Don't cram too much in. Less is often more with children.
• Stay flexible. A rigid itinerary rarely survives contact with tired children.
• Teach a few words of the local language. Children love being able to say hello and thank you.
• Let children take photos. Building an album or scrapbook of their own pictures and mementos afterwards keeps the memories alive.

Keep it simple

Pick the handful of tips that fit your family and your trip, rather than trying to follow them all. A little planning, sensible packing and a relaxed attitude to the itinerary go a long way towards a happy family holiday.