We all have a picture of the perfect family holiday, the one full of laughter and sunshine. Then the reality of it sinks in: the mountain of things to pack, the endless journey, and the constant threat of a full-blown tantrum. The prospect can feel completely exhausting before you have even started. But travelling with children doesn’t have to be something you just endure. With a few adjustments and a willingness to embrace a little chaos, you can make the whole trip a genuinely happy affair, building the kind of stories you’ll still be laughing about years from now.
Plan Together, Pack Smart
The smoothest trips are planned well before the suitcases come out. Get the children involved from the start. Show them where you are going on a map or let them pick one fun activity they would like to do. This builds their excitement and makes them feel part of the adventure, rather than just being taken along for the ride.
When it comes to packing, smart organisation is your secret weapon. Keep a separate bag just for the journey, stocked with plenty of snacks, drinks, wet wipes, and a small first-aid kit. A spare set of clothes for each child is a non-negotiable for dealing with any spills or accidents. If you are a foster carer, there is a vital extra step. You will need to speak with your agency, such as Foster Care Associates, to get permission for the trip. Your social worker will explain what is needed, especially for holidays abroad, so make sure to get this sorted early to avoid any last-minute hitches.
Tackling the Travel Day
Car, train, or plane – the challenge is the same: keeping the little ones happy and occupied. If you are driving, build frequent stops into your route. A quick blast of fresh air and a chance to run about at a service station can work wonders on a cooped-up child.
A bag of tricks for entertainment is a lifesaver. Tablets are useful, but do not rely on them entirely. Mix it up with audiobooks the whole family can listen to, some travel games, colouring pencils, and maybe a couple of small, wrapped-up toys to produce when you need a distraction most.
Go Slow and Enjoy the Moment
When you finally arrive, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to cram everything in. A jam-packed schedule is the quickest route to tired, grumpy children (and adults). Resisting the urge to see everything will make for a much happier holiday.
Try to stick to just one big outing a day. This leaves room for the unexpected, such as finding a brilliant playground or stopping for an ice cream without feeling rushed. Make sure you schedule in some proper downtime too. An afternoon by the pool or a quiet hour with a board game lets everyone recharge. You might find that these quiet, simple moments are the ones you remember most fondly.
A brilliant family trip isn’t about a perfectly executed itinerary. It’s about being prepared enough to handle the bumps in the road, while being realistic about what you can achieve. Thinking ahead, making the journey part of the fun, and giving everyone permission to just relax are the things that take the pressure off. That initial effort is what allows you to be present and soak up the good stuff, like the shared jokes, the new discoveries, and the simple joy of being together somewhere different.
