Quote from Penny McCarthy on October 22, 2024, 2:35 pm

Photo: Unsplash

• 56% more young families are going abroad compared to last year.
• Away Holidays travel expert reveals top hacks for travelling with kids during half-term.
• Parenting expert and Mum of two also share their advice on stress-free family travel.

Half-term is a popular time for families to get away and enjoy a well-deserved break. Last year, 58% of young families went overseas (up from 56% in 2022) and those with younger children went on holiday abroad more often than those with older children. *

Having a stress-free trip requires planning and preparation. To help families prepare for their October half-term holiday, Gianni Leone, Senior Product Director at Away Holidays and parenting coach Isobel Champion have shared some helpful travel tips.

1. Research airline policies before booking

Airlines have different seating rule policies, so if you want to cut costs do your research before booking. For example, some airlines will require you to pay for a seat reservation if you’re travelling with children under 12, while others will guarantee you can sit with your children if they are under 12 at no extra charge.

Isobel adds “If you have more than one child and siblings are prone to arguing - why not book separate seats and split the family during the flight, one parent or family member can sit with one child, the other can sit with their sibling.”

2. Take your pushchair to ease security time

At certain airports, you can breeze through security if your child is in a pushchair. For example, at Manchester Airport, you can use the free fast lane and Gatwick Airport has dedicated family lanes for children in pushchairs. Research the guidelines ahead of booking to manage time expectations.

Isobel recommends “Always take a small foldable travel buggy, even if your child has graduated from the buggy, they might get tired during the journey especially the long distances in airports! It can also be useful for carrying extra luggage!.

“I’d also recommend buying your kids ride-along suitcases - these are almost like tricycles and a lightweight backpack each to carry a few favourite items to keep them happy and entertained – it’s also a much more fun way of travelling through the airport for them.”

3. Pack outfits in self-seal bags 

Pack each outfit for your child in your hold luggage and any spare carry-on clothes for them into clear bags; the organisation makes changing easier if an accident happens.

4. Use a portable cup to minimise spills and help blocked ears

Open cups can make a mess on flights, and spillages can happen. Instead, take a reusable cup with a lid and straw for your child to carry on the flight. Not only does it minimise spills, but the sucking motion will also help avoid their ears popping during take-off and landing.

5. Check if you can bag children’s freebies on board

Some airlines offer complimentary kid’s packs and toys to keep them entertained whilst onboard. For example, on a Virgin Atlantic flight, you can ask for a KiD backpack6 for children aged 2-6 to enjoy such as a holiday journal, and on British Airways, children can enjoy a Skyflyers7 activity pack, which includes a fun eye mask and a postcard to send home from your holiday.

6. Fly from a child-friendly airport

Waiting for a flight can be boring for kids, if you have the option to fly from an airport that has space to entertain your little ones then it will make travelling more fun and stress-free:

• Heathrow has areas for children, family-friendly restaurants, and stroller-friendly pathways. It also has free Mr Adventure Stay & Play areas with slides, soft play areas, and separate baby and junior zone.
• Gatwick has a small kids' zone in the North Terminal, while there's a larger soft play near the shops upstairs in the South Terminal.
• If you're flying from Birmingham, keep kids up to the age of 13 entertained in the interactive Sky Zone play area - which you can find at Gate 55.
• East Midlands and Leeds Bradford airports both have unsupervised soft play areas.
• Newcastle Airport caters more for older children with their Namco Games area, complete with air hockey and grabber game

7. Explain the plan to your child before travelling 

Isobel emphasises the importance of talking your child through any travel plans “If your child has never flown before or is feeling anxious, take some time to talk them through the sequence of exactly what will happen, when, and why, you can use pictures and videos to help prepare them mentally and visually.”

Mum of two Katie Poole, who recently travelled to Czechia and Austria with her two young boys advised:

“Other than leaving them at home, there will always be some element of stress to travelling with young kids. The best tips I can advise that have always helped us travel smoothly are:

- Always bring enough snacks and a different variety too, pack more than you’ll need so that they can pick at them throughout the journey.

-New colouring books As well as taking a variety of toys, taking paper and colouring pens will provide different activities for them, if you can, get some new books and pens for the trip as I find it’s a source of excitement for them and holds their attention for longer.

- Download any films and programmes so they can access them on any tablets or devices without any WIFI, I almost always forget to do this but it’s a lifesaver.

- Don’t forget headphones There’s nothing worse than listening to the same sounds of their favourite programme or game on repeat on a flight, take headphones to spare your and other passengers' ears, I’d advise taking spare ones too in case anything happens!

Headphones can be beneficial on flights for children who are sensitive to noise too.”

Gianni Leone, Senior Product Director comments on the travel hacks: “"Traveling with children is a wonderful way to discover new places and create unforgettable memories. However, it's crucial to be ready for the challenges that may arise. By making a few small adjustments to your travel routine, you can greatly enhance the chances of having a successful and enjoyable half-term trip."

Find out more about family holiday destinations here:  www.awayholidays.co.uk