As a new parent, you may find that you don’t always have time to enjoy time together as a family. So, when the holiday season comes around, you need to make the most of it!
But which places are best for babies and toddlers? With the help of Babythingz — a leading UK supplier of cute cosytoes
for prams and buggies — I have found some of the top child-friendly holiday
destinations for you to choose from, as well as a selection of tips and hacks for
travelling with your little humans.
for prams and buggies — I have found some of the top child-friendly holiday
destinations for you to choose from, as well as a selection of tips and hacks for
travelling with your little humans.
The Algarve
You
can reach Portugal’s popular Algarve region in around two-and-a-half to
three hours by plane. So, if you think your little one can handle the
journey, treat yourself to a holiday abroad!
can reach Portugal’s popular Algarve region in around two-and-a-half to
three hours by plane. So, if you think your little one can handle the
journey, treat yourself to a holiday abroad!
As
such a popular holiday destination for Brits, the Algarve region has
plenty of child-friendly resorts, hotels and activities that will suit
kids from newborn
to toddler. There are lots of waterparks around the area featuring
sections for babies, although we recommend choosing some of the calmer
towns that may better suit your young family — such as Praia de Luz,
Cascais and Alvor.
such a popular holiday destination for Brits, the Algarve region has
plenty of child-friendly resorts, hotels and activities that will suit
kids from newborn
to toddler. There are lots of waterparks around the area featuring
sections for babies, although we recommend choosing some of the calmer
towns that may better suit your young family — such as Praia de Luz,
Cascais and Alvor.
Cornwall
The
safest bet when it comes to child-friendly destinations is to stay
within the UK to cut down your travelling times — beneficial if your
little one is fussy or easily aggravated. So, how about Cornwall? The Cornish coast in south-west England has a pleasantly warm climate and is one of the country’s most beautiful, peaceful and exciting spots.
safest bet when it comes to child-friendly destinations is to stay
within the UK to cut down your travelling times — beneficial if your
little one is fussy or easily aggravated. So, how about Cornwall? The Cornish coast in south-west England has a pleasantly warm climate and is one of the country’s most beautiful, peaceful and exciting spots.
Here, you’ll have a choice of relatively-secluded cottages to book, which is ideal for young families that have
crying babies or playful and loud toddlers! Or if you fancy the outfoors there are lots of places you can go camping with a toddler. Try to go for accommodation
that offers you and your family space but is still within walking
distance to activities to keep children entertained — like the beach. In
Cornwall, you can visit Newquay Zoo and the Minack Theatre, which is based in Porthcurno and features comedy puppet shows for kids.
crying babies or playful and loud toddlers! Or if you fancy the outfoors there are lots of places you can go camping with a toddler. Try to go for accommodation
that offers you and your family space but is still within walking
distance to activities to keep children entertained — like the beach. In
Cornwall, you can visit Newquay Zoo and the Minack Theatre, which is based in Porthcurno and features comedy puppet shows for kids.
Disneyland Paris
Who doesn’t love Disney? Although this destination may be best
suited to kids around three years old and over, all children will enjoy
the colours, lights and characters of Disneyland Paris. Plus, you have a
collection of great, family-friendly Disney hotels to stay in, which
will make travelling to and from the park much less stressful! I took Darcy for her 3rd birthday, and we stayed at the Sequioa Lodge which was lovely and opted for half board.
suited to kids around three years old and over, all children will enjoy
the colours, lights and characters of Disneyland Paris. Plus, you have a
collection of great, family-friendly Disney hotels to stay in, which
will make travelling to and from the park much less stressful! I took Darcy for her 3rd birthday, and we stayed at the Sequioa Lodge which was lovely and opted for half board.
Like
the Algarve, the capital city of France is only a short air journey
away from the UK, which makes it a great holiday choice if you’re
travelling with babies or excitable toddlers. At Disneyland Paris, you
have a wide selection of shows, rides and attractions designed to
captivate and entertain babies, toddlers and adults. Wander through
Wonderland at Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, go up in the air on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, enjoy the bouncing Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin ride, or book to meet Mickey Mouse himself!
the Algarve, the capital city of France is only a short air journey
away from the UK, which makes it a great holiday choice if you’re
travelling with babies or excitable toddlers. At Disneyland Paris, you
have a wide selection of shows, rides and attractions designed to
captivate and entertain babies, toddlers and adults. Wander through
Wonderland at Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, go up in the air on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, enjoy the bouncing Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin ride, or book to meet Mickey Mouse himself!
Scottish west coast
Similar to
Cornwall, the Scottish coast is a stunning place to enjoy a holiday —
although, it may offer a slightly cooler climate than Cornwall! Visit
here, and you’ll have your choice of child-friendly hotels and quiet
chalets to choose from.
Cornwall, the Scottish coast is a stunning place to enjoy a holiday —
although, it may offer a slightly cooler climate than Cornwall! Visit
here, and you’ll have your choice of child-friendly hotels and quiet
chalets to choose from.
If you have an infant as well as older kids, the Scottish west coast is perfect. You don’t have to head abroad for beautiful beaches — the Scottish west coast is peppered with gorgeous coastlines. Head to Sanna Bay, which features white sand and turquoise water, or take a family cycling trip to take in the incredible landscape of Glencoe.
Tenerife
Trust your toddler on a long flight? Then try Tenerife. After a four to five-hour flight, you’ll land on one of the most popular islands
in the Canaries and a place where there’s no time difference — no need
to spend time and effort getting your little one adjusted to a normal
sleeping pattern!
in the Canaries and a place where there’s no time difference — no need
to spend time and effort getting your little one adjusted to a normal
sleeping pattern!
Many hotels offer on-site childcare should you
and your partner want to head out alone at some point, or you can all
take a scenic walk up Mount Teide or give a few organised water sports a go. Tenerife has a fantastic climate for children as well — not too hot, little rain and practically no humidity, which will make sleeping easier.
and your partner want to head out alone at some point, or you can all
take a scenic walk up Mount Teide or give a few organised water sports a go. Tenerife has a fantastic climate for children as well — not too hot, little rain and practically no humidity, which will make sleeping easier.
Tips on travelling with kids
Even
getting to and from the car can be a challenge when you have a baby or
toddler in tow. So, what can you do to make travelling on holiday less
of an ordeal? Here are a few tips:
getting to and from the car can be a challenge when you have a baby or
toddler in tow. So, what can you do to make travelling on holiday less
of an ordeal? Here are a few tips:
-
Give
yourself plenty of time: if you’re late, you’ll stress yourself out and
a fussy child will only add to the anxiety. So, start your holiday on a
positive note by setting off early. -
Have
plenty of toys on hand: from the car ride to the airport to the plane
journey itself, make sure you pack your child’s essentials — toys and games. Preferably, opt for quiet games that are best suited for public transport. -
Think luggage: packing all the essentials for a baby or toddler can
add a lot of extra weight to your luggage, so cut down where you can by
opting for a lightweight buggy and travel-sized toys and sanitary
products. -
Check your booking: make sure you verify that the hotel is child-friendly with plenty of amenities for kids.
-
Comforts:
don’t forget the little things that soothe your baby, like their
favourite soft toy, blanket or even type of food. They may just help
calm them down during long car rides.
-
Be careful with baby food and milk: you can carry baby milk and baby food through airport security in containers over 100ml, so make sure you prepare this before setting off.
-
Check in online: minimise the airport hassle by checking in over your laptop or phone prior to your day of travel.
-
Discuss
the journey: if this is the first time your child is taking a
long-distance journey, make the event seem positive and exciting by
chatting them through what will happen — this may make them less
apprehensive, especially if you’re flying.
Hopefully,
this has inspired you to take that family holiday you’ve always wanted
to go on this year! Bear the above tips in mind to help make the journey
just as good as the destination, too.
