12 Tips for planning the best long-haul family holiday

1. Happy kids mean happy parents 

Grumpy kids create grumpy parents. If your children are happy, you will be too, so be sure to design your trip around the needs of your little ones. Pacing is crucial, so try not to overstuff your itinerary and don’t be afraid to pay a little more to make life easier for your family. Think about each leg of your trip from all angles and always prioritise your comfort.

2. Variety is the spice of life 

Destinations that offer a mix of culture, nature and wildlife will keep both the big and little kids happy. Choose somewhere that will keep eyes wide and minds occupied - whether it's exploring the floating markets of Bangkok or setting off on a safari across the Serengeti. Kids can get bored, so moving around is fun and keeps everyone engaged, with continuous new experiences. Varied modes of local transport can add another layer of the trip, so try to build in train journeys, tuk-tuk trips, boat tours along the way. 

We love travelling about on holiday, so we break the trip into three or four different regions to explore, spending a few nights in each place. You'll be surprised by what everyone loves the most! In Tanzania, one of our kids' favourite places was a lodge run by local Maasai people, and in Sri Lanka their favourite place was inland, in hill country. Planning a varied itinerary will pay off in spades, and in smiles!

3. Never pass up a swimming pool 

If you’ve planned the holiday right, the destination itself is all the entertainment that kids really need. However, you should never underestimate the power of a swimming pool on a family holiday. As a golden rule, we try to include as many hotels with swimming pools as possible – it’s our secret to surefire success. After a hot day out exploring or a long journey between destinations, there’s nothing like a plunge in the pool. It’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

4. Involve your kids in the planning process

A successful family holiday begins with inclusivity, so we highly recommend involving your children in the planning stages. Not only will they learn a bit about the holiday destination, but they’ll be able to suggest activities that they would like to do and places that they would like to visit. Encourage each family member to voice their interests and preferences, and perhaps include a special experience for each of you. This will help to build a sense of ownership and shared excitement about the forthcoming adventure!

5. Find the easiest long-haul flights 

Long-haul flights can be challenging with little ones in tow, so planning is the key to ensuring a comfortable journey. Lengthy journeys with cranky kids are stressful, so make like easy for yourself by booking the best flights available. Flight timings are critical when you’re travelling as a family, so be sure to take your arrival and departure times into account. Consider booking overnight flights to avoid massive sleep disruptions and stay close to the airport for early morning departures. 

Another tip is to pick a good airline, even if it costs slightly more money. Kids often love the novelty of flying and they’ll figure out the onboard tech quickly, so choose an airline with a great entertainment system. That way, you won't need to keep them entertained. They’ll have guilt-free screentime on tap, complete with movies, TV shows and games. Packing travel pillows, snacks, and toys can also transform a potentially jangled flight into a manageable - even enjoyable - part of your adventure.

6. Don’t forget downtime 

It’s easy to get carried away and create a trip fit to burst with activities, but don’t forget that you need a holiday too. Pacing is everything. Be sure to build in some proper rest time, especially if the hotel has a pool or you’re near a beach. 

When we’re on holiday as a family, we try and do something together in the morning and the evening but leave the afternoon for chilling out. Equally, if we have a busy couple of days, we add a free day the following day, so that everyone to relax and do their own thing.

7. End on a high 

Try to save the best till last. This isn't always easy, but we try to end our holiday in the best accommodation on the trip. We once made the mistake of going more budget after a fantastic start, and none of us particularly liked it. It’s so much better to do things the other way around! Always try to finish on a high.

8. Challenge tiny taste buds 

Long-haul family holidays offer brilliant opportunities to broaden your children’s culinary horizons. Try adding a local cooking class, homestay, or street food market to your itinerary, and encourage your kids to try new things. Of course, sometimes they’ll just want trusted family favourites to eat, and Western food is generally easy to find. However, I was amazed how much our kids got into the local food, from noodle soups and tropical fruits in Thailand to spicy fish curry in Sri Lanka.

9. Flexibility is your friend 

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can go awry, due to weather, transport delays or simply feeling worn out. Being flexible with your itinerary will add a sense of spontaneity to your trip and allow you to see how you feel each day. Plan a few structured days but leave room for impromptu adventures or added downtime. Follow your gut feelings and don’t be afraid to change your plans if it’s the best thing for your family.

10. Take advantage of technology 

While flexibility is your friend, technology is your trusty steed on a family holiday. These days, there are all kinds of ways that technology can make your life easier, so use every app available to you! 

Our Travel Nation app puts your day-to-day itinerary at your fingertips, and there are plenty of other apps to find nearby attractions, local transport options and restaurants. Language translation apps can also be a lifesaver in new places. Not only does a tech-savvy approach reduce stress, but it can enhance your overall travel experience by helping you discover the best of your destination.

11. Capture memories as well as photos 

Step away from your smartphone! Yes, recording key moments from your family adventure is important, but remember to strike a balance between capturing memories and living in the moment. Encourage everyone to take turns in snapping photos, writing journal entries or keeping scrapbooks. These will serve as cherished mementos without taking away from the immediate experience.

12. Trust the experts 

Planning a family holiday doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. At Travel Nation, most of our consultants are parents and the family holidays advertised on our website are inspired by real trips that we’ve taken with our kids. This means that we can offer first-hand advice as well as expert tips. 

Our consultants will help you craft the perfect itinerary, tailored specifically for your family's needs. From flights to accommodation, tours and everything in between, we’ll ensure that every detail is taken care of, leaving you free to focus on what truly matters - creating unforgettable family memories.

Ready to plan your family trip of a lifetime? 

Whether you dream of taking your kids on a round the world family holiday or escaping to a tropical paradise for a couple of week, we’ll make sure your family holiday is blissfully hiccup-free. We’ll be there to support you from the moment that you get in touch to the moment you get home from your trip, so you can concentrate on quality time with your kids. 

To start planning your family trip of a lifetime, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email.

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