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Have you been on a long distance holiday with your kids?

Ooooo, I just felt every parent in the room raise an eyebrow…

Going on a long distance holiday with kids is … stressful?  Terrifying?  Nothing new?

The internet (sigh) has a lot to say about how you need to start planning your holidays with the kids around 6 years before they’re born.

But… there are a bunch of parents at Fleewinter, so we sat them down, force fed them some biscuits, and asked for their tips.

The consensus was that while true that planning is more important when you’re sodding off with the sprogs, it’s not a limited-resource expedition.  You are going on holiday after all.

Plus… you can outsource the planning.  

Leave the holiday part to a tour operator (a-a-a-ahem, like Fleewinter) and focus on the more important things, like, how many different canapés can you eat in a 2 week period.

Be bribed by Barbara on a long distance holiday

When my daughter was young and I wanted her to stop dragging her feet during sightseeing, I didn’t resort to threatening her with the wrath of the gods.

Oh no.  I resorted to good, old-fashioned bribery!

I told her that a fairy was watching over her, and if she could keep her complaints to herself and enjoy the day, she’d be left a gift… I brought along tiny dolls packed in sets of ten, and my daughter was over the moon at how by simply enjoying herself, she came away with new things to play with.

I know it was a sneaky move, but desperate times call for desperate measures… and I got to see my sights for the price of a couple of tiny toys!  For peace of mind when going on a more long distance holiday, it was well worth it…

Luckily by the time she was older, places like Petra in Jordan and the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco were a lot more interesting – now she’s my firm FAM trip companion!

Barbara’s specialisms:

Morocco – Jordan – Seychelles – Bali

Carly plans ahead, then goes with the flow

My personal advice is to do a little more planning ahead that you might typically do – leaving you more able to go with the flow and soak it all up while away!

As an Asia specialist, I have found a cheap buggy with a good sunshade is a lifesaver for on the go naps and a makeshift highchair – typically these are outside of any packing allowance for the plane, and you can take them all the way to the gate too.

I always do a little research into the destination to see if I want to take or buy nappies and wipes but almost always I take these and on the way back use the space left over for my inevitable local shopping from the markets…  Oh and I always take 50+ sunscreen / kid friendly bug repellent solutions – these are hard to get in Asia.

Carly’s specialisms:

Sri Lanka – Maldives – Vietnam – Cambodia

Plane seat choices – Sarah’s tips

On my first flight with my (then) nine month old son, I discovered the best seat selection is the first row on the left when you enter the plane.

Once you have taken off and it is safe to do so, there is enough space to put their carrier on the floor, which will give you a needed break from holding them – and without you being seriously uncomfortable trying to sit around them.

Sarah’s specialisms:

Madeira – Slovenia – Spa & Wellness

Steffi plans her accommodation type carefully

When it comes to accommodation I highly recommend hiring a villa in warmer climes such as Sri Lanka (and yes there are some lovely one bedroom villas option as well, just ask us about these as they’re a well kept secret!)

You have so much more space, they often come with a cook and housekeeper, you can prepare your own snacks/food for little ones if needed or ask the chef to do it for you. You can dine when you want and eat what you want, plus your washing will be taken care of and the villa staff are always willing to help in any way they can.  Kick back and relax outside/by your own pool while your little one(s) nap inside only a stone’s throw away.

In a country such as Iceland, take full advantage of those long Midnight sun days so you have so much time to explore and go on adventures, without rushing little ones, as well as plenty of time for those all important naps (ideal whilst driving between beautiful locations).

I would also choose apartment hotels when staying in Reykjavik so you have more space and self-catering options in addition to restaurants.

In the most beautiful, rural locations cottage/farm stays are an ideal choice as you will be fully immersed in nature and the wonderful Icelandic culture whilst offering you more space and cooking and washing facilities should you need them.