On the face of it, a combination of exhausted parents, overexcited kids and higher prices do not have the makings of a relaxing break. Yet, most families will be contemplating a trip somewhere over the summer months.

So, how can you make your dollars stretch further? How can you keep yourself sane and the kids entertained on the road? Read on to learn how to buck the trend and leave home chilled with our top travel tips.

It’s Time for Some Blue Sky Thinking

The better prepared you are, the more likely you’re going to be able to relax. That starts with deciding when and where you’re going to travel. If your budget is tight, it’s worth removing the most popular destinations from your bucket list.

Last summer, families visiting Australia’s Gold Coast, Bali or Fiji faced warnings that they could expect to pay almost double what they would have pre-pandemic. A significant proportion of families are therefore:

• Shortening their trips
• Holidaying much closer to home
• Choosing cheaper accommodation

It’s tempting to want to take the kids out of school to beat the price hikes, but it’s a high-risk strategy, not least in terms of the classes missed. It may also be unnecessary because you could still have a fantastic holiday by compromising a little.

Higher Prices Don’t Always Mean a Better Holiday

A change is as good as a rest, and staycations can be as relaxing as an overseas trip. They do away with the stress of airports and planes for a start, and they’re better for your green credentials.

Sit down and listen to everyone’s expectations about what makes a great holiday and take it from there. Be open to new ideas.

Australians and New Zealanders are lucky enough to have an enviable climate with spectacular scenery on their doorsteps. Kids aren’t fussy about where they build a sandcastle, so it might be time to think out of the box. A glamping site, for example, might be more cost-effective and offer essential activities with a little extra comfort and style.

Travelling Overseas with Kids

There’s evidence that many parents would consider changing their hotel accommodation when travelling with kids if their children were unhappy. It, therefore, makes sense to do your homework when choosing accommodation.

When planning overseas travel, do your research using a wide range of resources, including:

• Travel and lifestyle media outlets
• Family members and friends who’ve been to the destination before
• User-generated review websites and forums

The Formalities

Check passports carefully, ensuring there are sufficient months left before the expiration date. Many countries require at least six months of validity remaining, sometimes from your return travel date. Make copies of passports. Carry them separately and keep a photo of them on your smartphone and as attachments within an email. 

Check vaccine advice and the latest general government information, along with the legality of medicines in your possession. Wear as few valuables as possible and carry a purse or wallet with a chain attached to the loop of your skirt or trousers.

Most places you travel to will have essentials like nappies and baby milk available. You don’t need to overpack. Ensure you take the correct travel adapters and chargers for all your devices.

Travelling On a Plane With Kids

If you can be flexible with dates, you’re more likely to find a better fare. Some airlines have created child-free zones on planes to cater for those willing to pay more for a seat without the fear of being next to a screaming child. It’s hardly a surprise that families with kids can feel on the defensive. Here are some ways to prepare:

• Talk through the air travel process beforehand, perhaps by using a YouTube video
• Go for early morning short-haul departures as they are less likely to have delays
• Dress the kids in comfortable layers and avoid shoes with laces
• Bring a couple of surprises, such as toys they can unwrap
• If possible, go for an airline that offers perks for children
• Avoid giving the kids an aisle seat, as it makes it too easy for them to run off
• Keep their hands well-sanitised and don’t overpack

Your Accommodation

Request inter-connecting rooms or rooms that are close to one another in advance. Be patient, as sometimes the logistics of fitting all guests into a hotel may make this impossible. Most hotels want their guests to be happy and will try their best to manage your expectations.

Hire larger items such as cots, prams, strollers and high chairs locally. If you’re using a cot, don’t be afraid to put it in the bathroom. It tends to be darker there and can encourage better sleep.

Take advantage of any babysitting services so that you get a break. If you have a nanny, you should always consider taking them with you on holiday, if possible. It allows you to get some downtime, and the extra help can be invaluable when travelling by plane.

Tips For Travelling Closer to Home With the Kids by Road

• Build in flexibility so that you can move activities like surfing if the weather’s bad
• Book child-friendly activities in advance
• Take advantage of free kids’ meals and visits to museums, botanic gardens & parks
• Take lots of breaks and plan a good mix of activities
• Combine comfort breaks with visits to star attractions
• Ask the kids to take it in turns as the car’s DJ
• Use public transport and hop-on, hop-off buses
• Have plenty of games up your sleeve, e.g. bring a frisbee
• Apply sunscreen regularly
• Make use of tourist information centres
• Read and follow all safety advice, e.g. for bush walks
• Encourage the kids to keep a written and photo diary of their travels
• Make sure your travel insurance is adequate and up-to-date

Happy Travels!

Part of the fun of any holiday is looking forward to it. Remember to include your nanny in the planning process. It’s always best to discuss time off in advance whether you plan on taking your nanny with you on a family break or not.

Pay the Nanny will sort your nanny’s leave entitlement as part of the payroll process. Get in touch with one of the team today and get your nanny payroll sorted.