Did you come back from your last family holiday feeling all you needed was a break? Our tips will allow you to have a great time when holidaying with the kids – and hopefully even arrive home feeling relaxed and refreshed

Whether you’re venturing long haul for the first time or braving a few nights for a short break in Europe, planning and preparation are your friends when you’re going on holiday with your child. Here are some top tips for happy travels!

Talk about it in advance
Start talking about your upcoming holiday with your little one before you go – where you are going, where you will stay, who else is coming, and what you might do, or have to eat and so on. For some children, it’s also worth reminding them that you will come home again at the end of the holiday – it might not be obvious to them.

Take it at a toddler pace
Wherever you’re heading, your holiday is likely to be packed with new experiences for your toddler, so allow extra time for them exploring, discovering and generally moving at toddler pace. There’s nothing like trying to drag your child away from a fascinating airport window to get your trip off to a flying start!

Share your plans
For older children, it can be helpful to involve them in some of the preparations – deciding which clothes or toys they want to pack – or talking about activities you’d all like to do. Getting kids involved in reading maps or spotting signs as you’re travelling can also be a good way of keeping them

Avoid airport rage
Get to the airport in plenty of time to check in and go through security. Warn your child about what is likely to happen at the security checkpoint – how their carry-on bag will be searched, they’ll have to take off their shoes and step through the security scanner. Some larger airports have play areas for kids, so head there before your flight to ensure your child burns off as much energy as possible.

Chill out
When you’re on holiday, it’s tempting to try to pack as much into every day as possible, especially if you’re staying in a resort where there are plenty of kids’ activities. Keep in mind that trips can be very tiring for young children, mainly because they often do more and get up earlier. Factor in some quiet time so they can relax and take in everything they’re doing and seeing.

Stay safe in the sun
Remember that little ones are especially vulnerable to heat and sun – apply sunscreen regularly, and stay out of the sun during the heat of the day between 11am and 3pm. If you’re going to a beach or park and not sure if there will be enough shade, you could buy a beach tent or umbrella to make your own shaded area for relief from the heat. engaged during a long journey.

Download some fun
Take along lots of entertainment such as small toys, stickers or books to keep little ones occupied…

Be flexible, but keep some key routines
Holidays are all about doing something different, but it’s worth sticking to some of your child’s regular routines while you’re away if at all possible. For example, your little one might be sleeping in a different bed or sharing a room, but it’ll be easier for them to cope with that change if their bedtime routine stays broadly the same as it is at home. Favourite toys or stories can all help give children a familiar point to hold onto.