Family Travel Tips: 25 That Actually Work

Travelling with kids doesn't have to be stressful. These battle-tested tips from experienced family travellers will transform your next trip.

The Mindset Shift

Family travel is not a holiday. A holiday is something you come back from rested. Family travel is something you come back from having had an adventure — exhausted, probably, but with memories that will last longer than any beach holiday you took before you had children.

Stop trying to replicate your pre-children travel style with children attached. Start designing trips that work for the specific humans you are travelling with.

The Age Factor

Plan Your Trip

Book Family Travel

Best prices across our trusted partners — no markup, no hidden fees.

Affiliate links · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you · Prices shown by partners are live and independent of TheTripsites

The same destination can be perfect or disastrous depending on the age of your children.

Under 3: Keep It Simple

Children under 3 have no memory of travel. What will affect the entire trip is whether they slept well, ate familiar food, and had space to run around.

Best destinations: Beach resorts with a kids club, self-catering apartments in a single location, destinations within 3 hours of home.

Avoid: Long-haul flights, multiple destinations, anywhere without reliable air conditioning in summer.

Ages 3-7: The Discovery Years

The sweet spot is destinations with a mix of beach/pool time and one or two genuinely engaging experiences per day.

Best destinations:

·**Ikos Aria, Greece** (from €350/night all-inclusive): The best kids club in Europe. Professional childcare from 9am-6pm. Parents get actual time off.

·**Club Med Punta Cana** (from €280/night): Excellent kids club, safe beach, activities programme keeps children engaged all day.

·**Costa Rica:** Zip-lining, wildlife, beaches, and a culture genuinely welcoming to families.

The kids club calculation: A resort with a professional kids club (9am-6pm) gives you 9 hours of adult time per day. This is worth paying for.

Ages 8-12: The Golden Age of Family Travel

Children are old enough to engage with culture, history, and nature. Young enough to still want to be with you. They can walk reasonable distances, eat unfamiliar food, and remember what they experience.

Best destinations:

·**Japan:** The safest country in the world for family travel. The food culture is extraordinary. The transport system is the best in the world. Temple ceremonies, tea ceremonies, and sumo are genuinely engaging for children this age.

·**Morocco:** The medinas, the souks, the desert — endlessly stimulating for curious children. The food is excellent. The people are warm and welcoming to families.

·**New Zealand:** Outdoor activities perfect for active families. The scenery is extraordinary. The culture is relaxed and family-friendly.

Ages 12+: The Negotiation Years

Teenagers have opinions, want independence, and are acutely aware of what their friends are doing instead. The key is involving them in the planning and giving them genuine agency.

What works:

·Destinations with activities that genuinely interest them (surfing in Portugal, skiing in Japan, street food in Bangkok)

·Some independent time (a teenager who can explore a neighbourhood alone for 2 hours is a happier teenager)

Best Time to Visit

Timing can make or break your family travel experience. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan.

January to March

·**Weather:** Mild in southern Europe, colder in the north.

·**Crowds:** Off-peak in many destinations.

·**Local Events:** Carnival in Venice (February) and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan (late March).

·**Prices:** Generally lower, with discounts on accommodations and flights.

April to June

·**Weather:** Spring brings pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes.

·**Crowds:** Moderate; spring break can lead to busy tourist spots.

·**Local Events:** Easter celebrations across Europe; Hanami (flower viewing) in Japan.

·**Prices:** Gradually rising as summer approaches.

July to August

·**Weather:** Hot and humid in many regions; great beach weather.

·**Crowds:** Peak season; expect tourist congestion.

·**Local Events:** Festivals in Europe; summer break for families.

·**Prices:** Highest of the year; book well in advance.

September to October

·**Weather:** Comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.

·**Crowds:** Moderate; families are back to school.

·**Local Events:** Oktoberfest in Germany; harvest festivals in Provence, France.

·**Prices:** Decrease as summer ends.

November to December

·**Weather:** Starts to cool; holiday markets begin.

·**Crowds:** Moderate to high during the holiday season.

·**Local Events:** Christmas markets across Europe; Diwali celebrations in India.

·**Prices:** Vary; can be high during the holiday season.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are suggestions across different budgets.

Budget (€50-100/night)

·**Hostels:** Look for family-friendly hostels with private rooms and kitchen facilities, such as **HI Hostel in Amsterdam** or **Generator in London.**

·**Guesthouses:** Small, local guesthouses in Europe often offer charm and convenience.

Mid-Range (€100-250/night)

·**Boutique Hotels:** Unique stays like **The Hoxton in Paris** or **Mama Shelter in Istanbul** provide a local touch.

·**Airbnb:** Self-catering homes with kitchens are ideal for families looking to prepare meals.

Luxury (€250+)

·**Resorts:** All-inclusive family resorts like **Soneva Fushi in the Maldives** or **The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun** offer activities and childcare.

·**Luxury Hotels:** Family suites at **The Four Seasons** or **Mandarin Oriental** cater to families with high-end amenities.

Free PDF: Top 10 Hidden Gems of the World

10 breathtaking destinations most travellers never discover. Yours free.

Getting There & Around

Navigating to and around your destination can be a stressor, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Flights

·**From Amsterdam:** Direct flights to popular destinations like Barcelona (€100-€150 round-trip) and Rome (€120-€180 round-trip).

·**From London:** Budget airlines like EasyJet offer flights to Paris (€60-€100 round-trip) and Madrid (€70-€120 round-trip).

·**From NYC:** Look for deals to London (€600-€800 round-trip) or Cancun (€400-€600 round-trip) for family-friendly vacations.

Local Transport

·**Public Transport:** Cities like Tokyo and Paris have excellent public transport systems, often featuring family passes for discounts.

·**Car Rentals:** If exploring rural areas, consider renting a car. Prices vary, but expect to pay around €30-€50 a day.

Journey Times

·**Within Europe:** Flights between major cities are generally 2-3 hours.

·**Local Travel:** Expect around 20-40 minutes for train or bus travel within cities.

What to Eat & Drink

Food is an integral part of any travel experience. Here are specific dishes to try, along with where to find them.

Local Dishes

1. Paella (Spain): A must-try in Valencia. Expect to pay around €15-€25 per serving.

2. Sushi (Japan): Head to Tsukiji Market in Tokyo for fresh sushi; prices start around €10.

3. Tagine (Morocco): A flavorful stew available in Marrakech; expect to pay €8-€15.

4. Croissant (France): Enjoy a buttery croissant at a local boulangerie for around €1-€3.

5. Gelato (Italy): A refreshing treat in Florence; prices range from €2-€5 for a cone.

6. Tacos (Mexico): Visit local taquerias in Mexico City for authentic tacos, priced around €1-€3 each.

7. Fish and Chips (UK): Sample this classic dish in London; prices typically range from €10-€15.

Where to Find Them

·**Local Markets:** Many cities boast vibrant markets where you can sample a variety of local dishes and snacks.

·**Street Food:** Look for food stalls for authentic and budget-friendly meals.

Plan Your Trip

Book Family Travel

Best prices across our trusted partners — no markup, no hidden fees.

Affiliate links · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you · Prices shown by partners are live and independent of TheTripsites

Insider Tips

1. Pack Smart: Bring a lightweight stroller that folds easily, and consider packing snacks and entertainment for long journeys.

2. Flexible Itinerary: Leave room for spontaneity. Kids often thrive on unplanned adventures.

3. Use Apps: Download local apps for public transport and dining recommendations to save time and stress.

4. Travel Insurance: Always opt for family-friendly travel insurance to cover unexpected events, especially with children in tow.

5. Engage Kids in Planning: Give your children a say in the itinerary to ensure they’re excited and invested in the trip.

By embracing a mindset of adventure, considering your children's ages and needs, and utilizing these tips, you can transform family travel into an enriching experience filled with unforgettable memories. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins in Rome or lounging on the beaches of Costa Rica, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Happy travels!

Family TravelKidsTravel TipsPlanning

Up to 50% off

View All Travel Deals

Limited-time deal · Book before it expires

25 Family Travel Tips That Actually Work (From Parents Who Travel Full-Time)

The Mindset Shift

The Age Factor

Book Family Travel

Under 3: Keep It Simple

Ages 3-7: The Discovery Years

Ages 8-12: The Golden Age of Family Travel

Ages 12+: The Negotiation Years

Best Time to Visit

January to March

April to June

July to August

September to October

November to December

Where to Stay

Budget (€50-100/night)

Mid-Range (€100-250/night)

Luxury (€250+)

Getting There & Around

Flights

Local Transport

Journey Times

What to Eat & Drink

Local Dishes

Where to Find Them

Book Family Travel

Insider Tips

Related reading

More in Family Travel

Travelling with Kids: What Nobody Tells You Before You Book

Budget Travel: How to Actually See the World for Less (What Works in)

The 10 Best Hotels in the World Right Now: Ranked Honestly