Five top tips on how to have a fuss-free family getaway

Luckily, there are ways to combat any disagreements and to plan your next getaway easily and in a way that should please all travellers - plus get them to their destination fully prepared and packed perfectly! 

Here are our top five tips on planning your next family holiday abroad. 

Planning a family holiday abroad involves various preferences and expectations, so initiate the process with open communication. Gather input from each family member, including both adults and children, to understand what they’re looking to get from the holiday, along with what they'd like to do whilst they’re away. This should help in selecting a destination that caters to everyone's preferences.

A face-to face family meeting can help with lively discussion, or if easier, digital platforms can be utilised  to discuss potential destinations, activities, and any specific needs or concerns. By involving everyone from the start, you’ll ensure that the holiday is a collective and enjoyable experience.

It’s really important to try and set a realistic budget to cover all aspects of the trip, including travel, accommodation, activities, and meals. Once the budget is set, you can then look to start planning a detailed itinerary that accommodates both adult and child-friendly activities. It's worth thinking about mealtimes too, and researching places which cater for kids as well as adult cuisine, and which offer good-value dining for all ages. Be mindful of your holiday planning, as you’ll ideally want some relaxation as well as adventure. 

Factor in travel time, rest days, and consider age-appropriate activities for children. Ensure flexibility in your itinerary to account for unexpected changes or spontaneous moments that may arise during the trip too - you never know what might be available at the hotel you’re staying in that could be just right to keep the kids entertained. 

Selecting suitable accommodation is crucial for a successful family holiday. Family-friendly hotels that offer amenities such as play areas, pools, and kids clubs can be a wonderful way of catering for all travellers. Check if the hotel provides access to activities that you can all do together, such as table tennis, mini golf, football, basketball and beach volleyball. Evening entertainment is also good to consider, especially if there’s a variety available such as discos, magic or theatre shows that can engage the whole family. 

Additionally, think about your accommodation’s location. Consider proximity to local services, attractions, and transportation options to minimise stress and make the logistics for exploring the local area more manageable.

While it's essential to have an exciting itinerary, it's also equally important to plan for downtime and rest. Children, especially, may need breaks from activities to avoid fatigue and meltdowns. Allocate time for naps, relaxation, or simply enjoying the surroundings. Incorporate a mix of energetic and calm activities throughout the trip to balance the needs of both adults and children. 

Again, your choice of hotel accommodation can play a big part in ensuring that your family time away is well balanced - consider the size of hotel room you book so that the kids have space to nap or play, or check to see if there are baby lounges or quiet spaces around the hotel complex for you to use. Additionally, if you want some adult only time, some resorts offer evening care, allowing you some ‘us time’ time away from the kids too. 

Once you’ve decided on your destination and accommodation, take out some of the pre-planning stress by creating a comprehensive packing list well in advance of the trip. Consider the destination's climate and the activities planned. Pack essentials for both adults and children, including medications, entertainment for the journey, and comfort items. Ensure that travel documents, such as passports and visas, are up-to-date, as you need to have at least six months left on your passport to travel to certain destinations. Familiarise yourself with local customs and regulations, and have contingency plans for unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or lost belongings. Being well-prepared might feel a little like over-planning, but it can reduce stress and allows everyone to focus on enjoying the holiday.

Lots of travel companies specifically cater for families, so it doesn’t always have to be down to you to plan everything. They can help with destination choice, accommodation options and help you create an amazing holiday experience - for everyone. Some also offer deals and discounts at specific times of year such as February half term, so it’s also worth researching to see if you’re able to make any savings at the time you’re looking to book. 

WIth its customer-focused approach, wide range of family-friendly holidays across a range of wonderful destinations and great travel offers,  a TUi getaway is the perfect choice for your next family break.

Plus with 1,000s of free kids’ places up for grabs*, family fun in the sun is closer than you think. You can also book today and spread the cost by Direct Debit*.

There are many destinations for the ideal family holiday, whether you're looking for sandy beaches, the best waterparks, or kids' clubs to keep the little ones entertained. In terms of getting value for money Turkey is a must, with many all-inclusive hotels that have everything and offer fun for all the family.

With all-year-round sunshine, the perfect option for jetting off for the Christmas holidays is the Canary Islands, with all offering plenty to do.  For great restaurants and nightlife as well as a trip to the Teide volcano try Tenerife, or alternatively for water sports enthusiasts or beach lovers, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote are better options.

Suppose waterparks are high on your agenda, with lazy rivers and twisting tube slides. In that case, TUi offers a range of Splashworld hotels that provide unlimited access to a top-rated waterpark on-site or nearby for the duration of your stay. Explore all the latest Splashworld deals here. 

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