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Any first time parent will understand both the allure and complication that a holiday presents – some time out, away from the everyday routine, but also the daunting thought that international travel with a young child can pose. Taking baby abroad though doesn’t have to be complicated, it simply needs a little extra planning – here’s our guide to planning a family friendly holiday.
Location, location, location
Travelling with small children will sway some influence over your destination of choice – parents may choose to side step tropical countries in favour of more temperate climates with less health risks. Flight time may also play a big part – short hops (3-4 hours) are manageable with young children, but night flights and long haul can pose more problems, especially when it comes to entertaining toddlers on a Trans Atlantic flight. Day time temperatures should also be factored in; the most health risks posed by an international holiday are via over exposure to heat and sun.
Passports, inoculations, insurance
In 1998 the law changed with regard to child passports and now all children, regardless of age, must have their own passports for international travel. The legislation was introduced in an attempt to crack down on child abduction and as such the documentation needed during the application process is now quite hefty, so be ready with yours and babies birth certificates – check out the Direct Gov for more information. Many parents will choose to wait until after the eight week jabs before taking baby abroad, however this isn’t essential, and if you do venture in countries where inoculations and jabs are required check with your doctor first. Travel insurance is also a must – make sure it covers not just the location, transport and type of activity, but also the entire family.
Dib, dib, dib
Be prepared: know your destination of choice and prepare in advance – stock up on travel money, research on the internet for family friendly restaurants and activities, book hire cars that offer child seats, shop around for family deals on attractions and baby centric hotels. Any hotel offering itself up as a child friendly destination should be able to offer high levels of facilities when it comes to accommodation, meals, safety in public areas, entertainment and even babysitting services.
Beach, city or slopes
Taking children on holiday may influence activity and destination – it may not, but the beach has to be the winner by far, offering wide expanses of open space, days and days of free entertainment and the chance to lie back and soak up some heat. It’s also a child friendly space, where shouting, crying and tantrums are pretty much acceptable – as apposed to city centre galleries, which are generally less than child friendly. Whatever your choice, the deciding factor has to focus on how well your child will fit into that environment and therefore how relaxed you are all going to be.
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