Does having a foreign holiday have to be a thing of the past when you have kids? Parents often think that travelling overseas with small children is going to be stressful and unbearable, but with a little forward planning, it doesn’t have to be.
Plan the Journey and Holiday
Parents know their kids best, and can judge how well they might adjust to a new time zone, overnight flights or a disruption to their routine. If routine is important, look for daytime flights so that you will be arriving at your destination before bedtime, and think about opting for self-catering accommodation rather than a hotel so you have complete flexibility over dining times. Spend time researching possible destinations and travel options and this will maximise the chances of a stress-free holiday for every member of the family.
Take the Basics With You
Parents travelling with very small babies are often tempted to take supplies of nappies, wipes and formula with them, but this isn’t really necessary. All of these products are widely available in holiday resorts, and not taking them with you will free up valuable luggage space. There are some internet based businesses which will allow you to order your baby and child essentials before you leave home and have them delivered to your holiday accommodation. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and a basic first aid kit, and be prepared to deal with minor illnesses and injuries.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
If you are travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA), apply for your EHIC documents before you leave home. You’ll need to apply for separate cards for each member of the family, including any children or babies. Once you receive your cards, take them with you on holiday and this will entitle you to access basic state healthcare on the same basis as residents of the country concerned. That doesn’t necessarily mean you get free healthcare though, so check out the system of the country you are visiting. It will definitely work out cheaper than being admitted as a non-EHIC holder and being expected to pay the full amount. If you, or one of your children, need to see a GP or be admitted to hospital, show your EHIC at the earliest opportunity to avoid being charged. If you are travelling outside Europe, you will need to take full travel insurance. Also remember that EHIC will not pay to get you home from Europe in an emergency, and won’t cover for non-medical related issues such as loss of passport or theft of money.
Keep them Entertained
Journeys to and from your holiday accommodation is often the most stressful part of the whole fortnight, so keeping children entertained will make the process easier. Don’t give them all of the comics, puzzle books or toys at once, try to ration them so that you can produce something new when children start to get bored or restless. Small snacks and drinks will also keep them occupied, but remember that you can’t take cartons of juice, milk or water through airport security.