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How to Prepare for Your First Family Holiday

For new parents, the days of setting off for a spontaneous weekend away may seem like a long time ago. Holidays as a family may be less impulsive, but need not be any less fun. The secret is in the preparation; choosing an appropriate destination, planning for the journey and packing everything you will need. We’ve assembled a list of healthy tips, to help you prepare for your first family holiday and encourage many more.


For new parents, the days of setting off for a spontaneous weekend away may seem like a long time ago. Holidays as a family may be less impulsive, but need not be any less fun. The secret is in the preparation; choosing an appropriate destination, planning for the journey and packing everything you will need. We’ve assembled a list of healthy tips, to help you prepare for your first family holiday and encourage many more.

Taking a very young child away may seem daunting, but the earlier you familiarise them with the concept of travel, the earlier they can begin to share your passion. Many of our healthy family holidays have professional babysitting services, so you can use some of your time away to de-stress and recharge with revitalising therapies on a family friendly spa holiday. If your children are old enough to want a bit of independence, take advantage of the excellent kids clubs across our luxury resorts, to entertain them or even teach them a new sport. From preparing for the plane journey, to choosing the right climate, follow our top tips for an unforgettable first family holiday.

1. Think about how far you want to travel 

If your children have never flown before, it may be better to start them off with a short-haul flight, to ease them into the process. Being in an unfamiliar environment, especially one as small as an aeroplane, can be unsettling for children of any age. Our healthy holidays in Europe only require a few hours on a plane, so the little ones won’t feel uncomfortable or confined for too long.

2. Choose a comfortable climate

Be aware of your child’s comfort when choosing the destination for your first family holiday; infants are very sensitive to hot weather; they don’t perspire as efficiently as adults and so become overheated much more quickly. Babies also feel the cold more acutely than adults, so pack plenty of layers if heading somewhere cooler. Use our helpful When to Go calendar to pick the perfect climate for your children, so the whole gang can get the most out of your healthy family holiday.
 

 Soneva Kiri Jungle Treck

Embark on a jungle hike with the kids

 

3. Pick a child-friendly resort

This may seem like an obvious consideration, but it is important for family harmony that there are healthy activities available that both children and parents will enjoy. With fun-filled kids clubs, our family activity holidays have a variety of sports and activities available for youngsters, which together with babysitting services, give parents the opportunity to make the most of complimentary fitness classes. Our family friendly resorts will also be prepared to provide equipment, such as highchairs, that you just can’t fit in the suitcase.

4. Find your perfect accommodation

If your baby is still waking throughout the night, consider opting for a private villa rather than a hotel room. This will give your family privacy in its own little ‘home away from home’ and avoid disturbing other guests. Private villas, which are available at many of our luxury family retreats often have multiple rooms, giving family members more individual space. This is perfect for new parents wanting to relax together after baby has gone to bed, safe in the knowledge that your little one is only next door.

 Luxury Family Retreat

Enjoy your own luxurious private villa at Shanti Maurice perfect for the family

5. Plan your itinerary 

With so many sports, active adventures and spa sessions available across our family holidays, it is a good idea to plan individual activities to keep everyone healthy and happy. Be sure to schedule time together, but don’t be afraid to separate and pursue individual health and fitness passions. If old enough, let the youngsters choose some options such as surfing on a learn to surf holiday or child-friendly treatments on a family spa holiday, to get them really excited for your first holiday together.

6. Bring all your essentials with you

Don’t assume that you will be able to buy everything you need at your destination. Be ingenious with your packing; nappies make excellent protective padding for laptops and breakables. British airports let you bring self-prepared milk in a baby bottle and milk powder formula through security, so be sure to take advantage of this. However, you should research restrictions for your arrival destination as some countries do have constraints on baby food.
 

 Aro Ha Hike

Bring the kids to the beach with the proper attire and sun protection on a family beach holiday

7. Plan your airport experience with precision

The airport experience can be draining for all, but small children especially can struggle with the large crowds, strange noises and long process. Make the experience as calming as possible for all the family by giving yourself plenty of time to get to your gate. Most airlines let you check in at least two hours before departure; use any waiting time for a pre-plane feed and last minute bathroom trip.

8. Prepare for the plane

The sudden change in air pressure that occurs when flying particularly affects small ears, making air travel very painful for babies and uncomfortable for children. Bring something for the little ones to suck on during take-off and landing to limit the pressure change, and pack healthy snacks as an alternative to the heavy airline meal. Look after yourself too by following our guide to healthy flying, so that you all arrive ready for your family adventure.

9. Book an airport transfer for your arrival

A few years ago playing everything by ear and hopping into the back of taxis around the world was all part of the excitement of travelling. With a baby to think about, however, booking a transfer from the airport to your family friendly resort is a much better option. The majority of our healthy family holidays offer a transfer included in the cost of your holiday, to make the whole process much less stressful for you and your infant.

10. Make sure you pack a camera

Your first family holiday is a very special moment for you all, so pack a camera to photograph all the wonderful moments, especially if your children are very young. If you’re embarking on a family water sports holiday be sure that your device is waterproof. Also, consider giving the little ones their own disposable cameras to capture the fun from their height - print the pictures and stick them in a scrapbook to delight and inspire them in the future.


Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect healthy family holiday.

Get £50 off your first holiday