Choose the Right Itinerary for Your Family
The most important thing when selecting a destination is ensuring the itinerary is suitable for your child’s needs and preferences. Be mindful of what your child can handle and try to minimise long road trips or activities that might be too demanding. For example, if your child isn’t fond of long drives, consider choosing a trip that has fewer transfers and is based in one location. Many destinations offer family-friendly options that allow for shorter, more relaxed travel times.
For example, in destinations like South Africa on the Cape Town & Garden Route or Canada (Eastern Canada Discovery), you can base yourselves in one location and take shorter trips, making it easier to manage young kids. If you're heading to South-east Asia (like Thailand or Sri Lanka), many hotels and resorts are child-friendly, offering plenty of activities to keep children entertained.
Minimise Travel Time & Include Downtime
When travelling with young children, it’s essential to balance sightseeing with relaxation. Rather than packing in full days of activities, consider extending your stay in certain places to allow for some downtime. This gives the whole family a chance to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and recuperate.
Choose accommodation that's central to the activities you want to do, and think about how far things are from where you're staying. Try to avoid one-night stays if possible, as they can feel rushed and stressful, especially if you arrive late in the day.
Pack Snacks ... And More Snacks!
When it comes to toddlers and young children, snacks are an absolute lifesaver. Make sure to pack a variety of snacks that your child enjoys, especially for long car journeys or flights. Familiar snacks from home can be comforting, and if your child is a picky eater, having food they recognise will keep them happy. If you have the space, you may want to consider packing cereal and long-life milk cartons, so you can have breakfast ready to go.
Don’t forget to bring a small container for snacks that can be refilled from the hotel breakfast or local markets. You’ll also want to bring some portable snack packs, like crackers, fruit, and easy-to-eat items.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans
Flexibility is key when travelling with kids. While you may have planned everything down to the finest detail, sometimes things don’t go as expected. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary. Perhaps an afternoon nap is needed, or you discover a hidden gem that you’d like to spend more time at.
Speak to your guide or driver, as many destinations offer the ability to change your schedule on short notice. Whether you're in South Africa’s Garden Route, Costa Rica, or the Czech Republic, guides are often very accommodating, offering suggestions for family-friendly activities or rearranging things to suit your pace.
Consider Activities That Suit Younger Children
While certain activities may have age restrictions, many destinations offer tailored experiences for younger kids. For example, in Sri Lanka, even activities like safari drives are available for younger children, as long as they’re not disruptive to other guests. Likewise, many locations in South-east Asia are known for being exceptionally welcoming to families, with plenty of activities and excursions that cater to all ages.
Whether it’s a relaxing walk through the countryside, an easy hike in places like Costa Rica, or a more adventurous safari in South Africa, there’s something for everyone. Ask your travel consultant about age-appropriate activities, and they'll be happy to tailor your trip based on your child’s interests and energy levels.
Can You All Stay in One Room?
If you're travelling with young children, the question of accommodation is important. Many hotels offer family rooms or suites, which provide plenty of space and are often more affordable than booking separate rooms.
In destinations like Canada, South Africa, and the Czech Republic, family-friendly hotels are easy to find, with large rooms or interconnected suites to accommodate everyone comfortably. Just be sure to ask your travel consultant to ensure your family’s needs are met.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with young children doesn’t have to be daunting—proper planning and flexibility can make the experience enjoyable for the whole family. Whether you’re enjoying the wildlife of South Africa, the tropical climate of Costa Rica, or the cultural richness of South-east Asia, with the right approach, family travel can be a rewarding adventure and a trip not to forget!
Find your next family holiday using our handy search tool. Many of our trips can be tailored, so although we have an 'age guide', this is just a recommendation, and our expert travel consultants are on hand to help tailor your holiday depending on your family's needs. Contact us today to get started!
