When you think about going on a holiday, you can immediately feel the excitement and anticipation… but now, it’s completely normal that you might also have some anxious thoughts about how more complicated it will be this time with babies or with small kids.
With careful preparation beforehand and flexibility during the vacation, a holiday with a baby can still be an enjoyable experience. Enjoying a summer holiday with small kids requires a balance of planning and flexibility to create memorable experiences for the whole family.
Here are the 5 things to keep in mind when you start planning a holiday with kids:
1 – Choose destinations and activities that cater to children’s age-appropriate interests and energy levels, such as beach outings, nature hikes, or visits to amusement parks.
2 – Choose family-friendly accommodation that cater to families with young children, such as those with kid-friendly amenities like cribs, high chairs, and play areas.
3 – Pack essentials like diapers, snacks, toys, and extra clothing, and don’t forget any necessary medications or comfort items.
4 – Plan out travel logistics, whether by car, plane, or train, considering nap times and breaks to keep little ones comfortable.
5 – In case of flying – Check the airline’s guide about what you can take for your baby (you can take baby water, baby food with you on board/ stroller, baby seat can be checked in …)
You know your kid the best so you know what their capacity is for enjoying a holiday, how much activity they would like, how much downtime or routine they would require …but generally speaking according to my experience ‘Less Is More’.
The more flexibility you plan into the holiday the less stressful it will be.
Here are the 3 things to keep in mind when on holiday:
1 – No rush:
Kids love being in the present moment and just absorbing the new environment, playing in the sand or watching little ducks on the lake. One thing they don’t like for sure is being rushed. So, in general plan for a slow, peaceful holiday where they can just be in the present moment without rushing from one event to another, from one activity to another.
2 – Keep some of their routine:
Kids thrive on routine. They like when they have a certain timing for napping or they eat meals at a certain time – like after napping they eat fruit… etc.
Try to keep some of that routine so they will feel safe. But obviously kids are also super flexible and if they are on holiday, they are going to like to have some extra treats like eating ice cream or having unexpected surprises and just experience the whole holiday with you. Just feed into that balance.
3 – Support:
I have a magic tip for having a total relaxing amazing family holiday with little baby or babies, which is….take the grandparents with you! 😊 I know it’s not an option for everybody, but definitely it is worth considering since that way you can also have some relaxing moments, just the two of you, while your baby is enjoying some quality time with the grandparents.
If it’s not an option, then share the supervising role with your partner.
While one of you plays in the baby pool the other one can enjoy the sun and then swap over, whatever works for you.
One thing for sure is that you should not prepare for a perfect holiday with any hiccups, because most probably you are going to face some tantrums or things you forgot or some circumstantial challenges … what you should manage is your own expectations!
It comes in very handy if you can be flexible.
It’s OK if things aren’t perfect. It’s OK to go with the flow.
The most important is how you WANT to feel and how you WANT to react in any situation.
I remember we went to Spain when my daughter was 2 years old and she simply refused to go into the sea. We had all the shiny swim-belt and arm floats and everything ready… and she simply didn’t want to (despite being a little fish the previous year) We had to go with the flow and play with her in the sand while the other swam a bit.
We needed to adjust, but it was still a very fun and amazing holiday.
You’ll have a recharging holiday with kids when you prepare the best you can and then you drop the expectations and simply enjoy however it turns out.
By Eszter Bekesi-Szabo
This article was first published in the 2024 spring edition of the BCT’s Small Talk magazine.
