Top 8 tips for a hassle-free family travel experience

Top 8 tips for hassle-free family travel during the June school holidays

Angela Goh

03 May 2016

updated the 3 May 2019 à 11:27

You might think travelling with your little ones is too much trouble than it is worth. Fear not, these tips will change that.

1/8
Check for family-friendly services
Begin by checking for services that your chosen airline offers to groups travelling with kids. For example: priority check-in, seat reservation, pre-booked children’s meals, the availability of carrycots and child-seats.
2/8
Keep them entertained
A bored child can easily turn restless, grumpy and might even throw a tantrum or two. To keep your child happy, pack their carry-ons with their favourite toys, handheld games and books to keep themselves occupied. If you forget to do this beforehand, you could always ask the cabin crew whether the airline has activity packs to keep little ones entertained.
3/8
Pick your meals beforehand
Pre-order your children’s meals, especially if they are picky eaters. This ensures that they get to eat the food they like, and you won’t have to deal with a hungry (maybe even angry) child onboard.
4/8
Dress warm
Ensure your child is dressed appropriately on long-haul flights. Plane cabins can get quite cold while in the air and your child might require warm or layered clothing to stay comfortable.
5/8
A security blanket for easy sleep
If you know that your child finds it difficult to sleep in unfamiliar places, it might be wise to pack a security blanket such as their favourite stuffed toy or pillow to make them feel more at ease.
6/8
Don’t give them too much sugar
Resist the temptation of giving your children candy or high-sugar sweets. It may be the easiest way to keep them happy and under control, but a child experiencing multiple sessions of sugar rush might not be the best idea during a long-haul flight.
7/8
Prepare a first aid kit
Always carry a small pre-packed first aid kit in case of emergencies – some antiseptic, antihistamines and painkillers might go a long way to helping you during a dire situation.
8/8
Keep clean with wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Always carry around a packet of wet wipes for when inevitable spills happen, or when you need to clean toilet seats. Little bottles of hand sanitiser can also be helpful in keeping those nasty germs away.

Yes, the June school holidays are slowly creeping up on us and some of you might already be planning a family getaway. This period coincides with the start of summer in Europe, which gives you longer days spent with the sun up. If you are a parent, you’ll know all about the hassles of arranging a trip with your children, especially if you’ve got kids under the age of 12.

With vigilant planning and some practical guidance, a family holiday can actually turn out completely hassle-free and pleasurable for the everybody. Head of Asia Pacific sales for British Airways, Robert Williams, shares some simple tips and suggestions to achieving a pleasant travel experience. Head up to the gallery above to check them out!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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