Frequently Asked Questions on How to Plan a Family Holiday with Toddlers

Many parents are planning on taking their children on holiday this summer. However, what is the difference between booking a family hotel room or villa vs booking separate rooms? And how does one deal with meals?

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions of parents who are thinking of taking their kids out for an unforgettable holiday.

Questions About Accommodation

Q1. How do I find the best family resort near me?

A1: Use travel websites like Trivago or TripAdvisor to search for resorts that specifically cater to families. Read through reviews written by parents who have taken their children out before and pick accordingly.

Q2. Is it worth booking a villa rather than a hotel room?

A2: Families who are travelling with young children need plenty of space for their belongings, especially those who need to breastfeed and change nappies. If you have more than two small children, it is advisable to book a large villa over multiple rooms in the same resort or location, giving you more freedom. It will also mean that your kids can play around without bothering other guests and vice versa.

Q3. How do I deal with meals when we’re staying at a family resort?

A3: Not all resorts offer child-friendly menus, so do some research beforehand and request the staff if necessary. Many hotels offer baby food and high chairs for toddlers. However, if the hotel does not have these amenities, you can always bring your own food along to be heated up for your kid.

Questions About Travel Arrangements

Q4. How do I go about booking a family holiday?

A4: Go through your renter’s insurance policy or car rental service to see if it covers additional passengers. Then check with the airline whether children are allowed on flights for free or at a discounted price. 

Most airlines offer cheaper rates to kids under two years of age, whereas those who are 2-11 pay half the adult fare. If possible, book flights that depart between 10 pm and 6 am as they are often cheaper than normal ones. You should also consider flying direct instead of having multiple stops, which will save you time and money.

Q5. Are there any last-minute family holiday deals?

A5: If you are flexible about your destination, try searching for Park Holidays packages. You can also use price comparison websites to look for the best airfare prices. In addition, some sites offer exclusive discounts if you sign up as a first-time user, so make sure to check them out!

Questions About Travelling With Young Children

Q6. What items should I bring along for my toddler?

A6: Make sure that you have all his/her essentials, especially during travel times, including milk bottles, baby food, nappies, wipes, stroller, car seat, change of clothes, snacks and toys. Other items you might want to consider are medicine/ Calpol, umbrella stroller, infant carrier seat, earplugs and seasickness wristbands.

Q7. Is there anything special I can do at the airport for my toddler?

A7: Encourage him/her to walk instead of running around so that he /she will not get lost if you need to split up. If using a pram or buggy, make sure that it is light enough for you (or your husband) to lift onto the conveyor belt. For older children who can sit unassisted on an airport chair, give them some magazines or activity books to keep them busy until boarding. Another good idea is to keep a stash of snacks in your handbag or carry-on for them to munch on during the flight.

Questions About The Resort Itself

Q8. Is there anything fun I can do with my kids at the resort?

A8: Check out the list of recreational activities your hotel offers and plan ahead, so you don’t miss out. Most resorts offer family movie nights, singalong sessions, carousel rides, splash pools, kiddie pools and playgrounds to pass the time. There are also designated kid-friendly restaurants that allow children to run around without disturbing other guests.