Holidays with kids are a great time for your family to catch up and enjoy time together. With realistic expectations and some extra planning, you’ll all get the most out of your family’s break from day-to-day routines.

Involving kids in holiday planning

Getting your children to help you plan your holiday can get them interested and excited. Their input can help you have a holiday that’s fun for everyone.

You could get some books from the library or find some websites about the places you’re going. This way your children can look at pictures and tell you what looks like fun. You could read or tell some stories from the place you’ll visit, or learn a few words of the language if you’re going overseas.

If your children are younger, you can come up with a basic plan and give them some options to choose from.

Although holidays are exciting, some kids do get nervous about the break from routine. Talking about holiday plans is also a good way to help them settle into the idea and reduce anxiety.

Accommodation tips

Here are some tips for choosing accommodation that will help make your stay away from home safe and stress free:

• If your budget allows, book a holiday house, hotel or rooms that allow family members to have some privacy. One bedroom for grown-ups and one for children can make sleeping arrangements easier to manage. And separate bedrooms mean you won’t keep the children awake. Even a room with a balcony or patio can give you some space when the children are asleep.
• Look for accommodation with a self-contained kitchen. Having the option of preparing some meals yourself can help you keep to a budget and have snacks handy for children.
• If you’re staying in a hotel, check where the nearest fire escape is, and ensure that it isn’t blocked.