Our first family holiday with our baby will always stand out for me from all the travels we’ve done since.  We weren’t really intrepid explorers before having children, just enjoyed visiting new places, taking time out from busy work schedules to relax and sampling the local food and wines.  And we wanted the same kind of thing again.  And so, where to go with our 18 month old and when?

Choosing a first family holiday

When was easy, as we were determined to take advantage of being able to book for time outside of school holidays and as our daughter is fair, we chose October so it wouldn’t be too hot.  We had enjoyed Spain a few times, and so plumped for Puerto Pollensa in Mallorca.  It turned out to be a perfect choice for our first family holiday.  It’s family friendly restaurants, safe beach and great climate were perfect for us. Continued…

Don’t forget the corkscrew!

Take a peep at our self catering holiday packing list to help with your next family holiday.  We’ve listed out some of life’s little essentials and some nice to haves that make catering for your family easier on holiday.  We’ll leave the toiletries and clothing suggestions down to you!  And do please let us know if we should add anything else.

Cleaning products.

When you’re on a self catering holiday, unfortunately, you still have to clean up after yourselves, but taking your own means not having to buy excessive amounts when you get there

• 2 x dishcloths
• 1 x scourer
• 2 x tea towels
• Bin bags
• Small bottle of washing up liquid
• Dishwasher tablets (1 a day, plus a few)
• Clothes Washing tablets (we prefer not to be doing the washing on holiday, but with kids, there’s a good chance of some spillage)
• 2 x toilet rolls

Continued…

Is taking a baby on a cruise asking for trouble? Absolutely not! Babies can travel wherever you want to travel to, but you must make sure you are thoroughly prepared before you leave the port.

We all need tips from those who have “been there and done that” when approaching something new for the first time and taking your baby on a cruise, mini or mega, is no different.  Take heed of the following tips for cruising with babies below. Learn from the experts and you’ll find yourself basking in baby cruise heaven as opposed to scratching to get out of baby cruise hell! Continued…

Finding baby and toddler-friendly holiday accommodation whether you’re planning a foreign break or a few days closer to home can often be a stressful matter.  But, with just a little bit of planning, you can be looking forward to a stress-free break in the UK with Sykes Cottages.  There are many reasons why self catering when you have little ones in tow is a fantastic option and here are just a few of them… Continued…

Er…no, not one of the 50+ tips!

Flying with children can be a touch stressful at times.  We recently blogged about the behaviour of children on a flight and it’s affect on other passengers.  We think the key to de-stressing the flight for ourselves, our children and in turn, other passengers, is to be well prepared.  So here are our 50+ tips to getting prepared and enjoying your flight with your children.

Before you get to the airport

1. Pack well in advance (don’t graze the house last minute looking for things to throw in your bags)
2. Don’t let kids pack their own bags. If you do, check what they’ve packed. You don’t want them taking anything that could be confiscated by security!
3. Make a list of the documents you need to take and have them accessible
4. If you’re borrowing a buggy, make sure you know how to put it down before you get to the aeroplane steps!
5. Check cabin baggage allowance (size and weight) with the airline before you pack. Airlines are generally strict and an argument with them over whether yours will fit is stressful and could be costly if you have to put your luggage in the hold.
6. Take a small travel change mat pouch as there is little room in the aeroplane toilets for a full size change bag.
7. When flying with children, give your self more time. Allow enough time to arrive including parking the car, taking the bus to the airport. Lateness = stress from the start.
8. Have coins ready for trolleys if you have a lot of baggage.
9. If little one needs to sleep on the flight, take a travel pillow and blanket like a Snoozihedz. Continued…

Relax! He’s finally sleeping…

Dear fellow traveller,

If you are one of those who sited kids as an irritant when flying on the recent blog post 7 ways not to irritate your fellow passengers by A luxury Travel Blog and fly.co.uk, then I’d like to educate you on why we parents insist on taking the little irritants on holiday with us, what we can do to minimise your disturbance and what we would love you to do for us in return.

We don’t fly with children just to annoy you

Firstly, let’s make it clear, I won’t stop travelling with my kids.  I want them to see the world and experience new cultures, foods, sights and sounds.  I think it’s important that they become well rounded individuals and in my view, experiencing other countries adds to that. Now, I’m no new-age hippie and it’s not all about the culture, and just sometimes, we want to fly to seek a little sun like you. Trust me, the more my kids travel, the more they will be accustomed to the behaviour expected of them.  Just think how irritating you’d find them on their first flight as an uneducated adult! Continued…