The joy (and chaos) of travelling with kids

Travelling with children can feel like a whole new kind of adventure. Freya Talbot-Hill, our Experience & Marketing Manager – and mum of two young children – knows that better than most.

Having grown up around travel (she also happens to be Helen and Richard’s daughter), Freya has spent plenty of time helping families plan holidays that actually work with children in tow. Here she shares a few of her own lessons from travelling with kids.

Let me start by saying this: family holidays do come with a bit more noise, a lot more luggage and probably a few fewer cocktails on the beach. But they also come with more giggles, more unexpected moments and the kind of memories that you find yourself talking about for years afterwards.

As a mum of two lively little ones and someone who works in the travel industry, I can honestly say that with the right planning, family holidays can absolutely be fun and even – dare I say it – relaxing.

Although I’m not sure I would have said quite the same thing mid-nappy change on an EasyJet flight. Over the years, I’ve realised there’s a sweet spot somewhere between a military-level itinerary and simply hoping for the best. I thought I’d share a few things that have helped along the way.

It’s all in the packing

Snacks, wipes and a spare outfit for them – and for you. You’ll thank me for that when you’re covered in apple juice at 35,000 feet. That said, you really don’t need to pack the entire house. Many hotels are incredibly well set up for families and can provide cots, sterilisers, bottle warmers, highchairs and even pushchairs.

One of my early mistakes was taking an entire suitcase of nappies on holiday. Trust me – you don’t need to do that. Most countries have babies, and therefore supermarkets. A little bit of research in advance can save you a lot of luggage space.

Choose places where kids can be kids

Some destinations are technically “family friendly”, but that doesn’t always mean they’re the right fit for your family. When travelling with children, it really helps to choose places designed with them in mind. Splash pools, kids’ clubs, relaxed restaurants with children’s menus and space to run around can make all the difference.

Sometimes a villa is actually the best solution, especially with younger children. Having your own space, flexible mealtimes and room to spread out can make the whole holiday feel much easier. And if the kids are happy, everyone is happy.

Travel days don’t have to be stressful

Let’s be honest – travelling with children can feel daunting, especially when you imagine airports, queues and the unknown. But preparation makes a huge difference.

A small backpack with snacks, colouring books, a favourite toy and maybe a tablet loaded with a film or two can work wonders. I also find it helps to keep a sense of humour – because things rarely go exactly to plan. And that’s okay. Some of our funniest holiday memories started with something going slightly wrong.

Let someone else do the heavy lifting

Booking holidays online is easier than ever these days…

Until you’re 47 room types deep, googling “car seat laws in Greece” and trying to decode TripAdvisor reviews after a bedtime routine that has gone completely rogue. This is where a bit of expert help can make a huge difference.

Having someone who knows the destinations, understands which hotels genuinely work for families and can arrange things in advance – from interconnecting rooms to babysitting – can transform a holiday from a logistical puzzle into something that actually feels relaxing.

Embrace the chaos

You might not finish that book you packed. Someone might cry. And there may well be a dinner where your children decide the only acceptable food option is bread. But you’ll also have those moments where the kids fall asleep sun-kissed on a lounger after a long day in the pool.

You’ll laugh more than you expect. And you’ll come home with stories that become part of your family folklore.

So book the trip. Pack the snacks. And if you need a little help choosing the right destination for your family – you know where to find me.