Never think your baby is too young to travel. Children nearly always surprise us, and rise to the occasion in ways we never think possible. Holidays are a necessary part of healthy family life – not to mention loads of fun! Careful planning will make them even more enjoyable.

Before you go

A golden rule if you are going abroad on holiday is to make sure that your hotel has facilities for children, and really is child-friendly. Things to look for in a hotel include such child facilities as a crèche (playgroup), a place where you can take your child for early supper, a children’s menu, highchairs and cots, a playroom, and an outdoor play area with trained attendants. It’s worth going to some trouble to ensure these things are available because if your children are not happy, you will not enjoy the holiday yourself.

Keep immunization requirements in mind well ahead of time. This varies from country to country so it’s best to call 2356 or speak to your doctor about what inoculations you require.

Planning in advance with a categorized list will help you remember pretty much everything you need and if you have forgotten anything, do not worry... you can always buy it (unless you are stuck in the middle of nowhere!).

Choosing the perfect destination

Most parents will be looking for a balance between a destination with organized activities for the kids but also plenty of things the whole family can do together.

Work out your budget and ask around for packages and deals. Try a few different places for ideas. Don’t rule out a destination because it seemed too expensive last time you checked. Seasonal specials are always on offer for resorts and airlines.

Ask friends for personal recommendations from recent holidays.

Take the time to talk to your travel agent as they might come up with ideas you haven’t thought of. The Internet is a good source of information once you have an idea of where you want to go.

Involve older kids in choosing the destination. The age of your children, together with your budget, represents the important considerations when choosing a destination:

• Beach holidays are excellent for children of all ages and beach-side resorts with child-care facilities are particularly good for families with infants and toddlers.
• Overseas destinations are great for introducing kids to different cultures.
  Farm-stays are great fun for kids aged between 4 and 12 years, allowing them to become involved with farming while you enjoy the fresh country air.
• Activities holidays such as sandboarding or cycling or are perfect for older kids and create an excellent opportunity for some family bonding.
• Theme parks are irresistible for all children – and a lot of fun for most parents too.

Other topics to check before going

Tips for a more comfortable plane trip

Tips for a more comfortable car trip

Sunburns and sunscreens