Planning a family holiday abroad can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its fair share of organising and preparation. From sorting passports to ensuring you have the right travel gear for little ones, there are plenty of details to consider to make your trip stress-free.

Whether you're heading to a sunny beach destination or visiting family overseas such as flying to Germany as we so often do, getting everything sorted in advance will help you avoid last-minute issues and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

Important things to do once you've booked your family holiday abroad

Here’s a list of the most important things to consider in preparation for a family holiday abroad:

Passports

Children used to be able to go on their mother’s passports up to a certain age, but now all children need their own passports.  It can take a few weeks for a passport to arrive, especially in high season, so allow plenty of time. 

I once applied for a passport and it was returned with my cheque as they had put the fee up!  Allow extra time just to be safe.  You’ll also need a minimum of six months left on your passport to fly so check yours now!

Top passport tips:

• Check the expiry dates on children’s passports early to avoid any last-minute surprises. Passport renewal times can vary, and delays are common during peak seasons.
• If you're travelling within Europe, check whether you need a visa post-Brexit as this can affect your travel plans.
• Photocopy passports or store digital copies securely on your phone or cloud storage in case they are lost or stolen.
• If you’re applying for a first passport for a baby or child, ensure you’ve allowed extra time for their identity documents to be verified.

Personalised passport cover from Etsy

Car hire

Are you hiring a car once you reach your destination?  Pre kids I’d have been happy to find something on arrival, but with two young children in tow I prefer to have everything organised in advance so there’s no waiting around with fidgety, tired and bored children. 

Top car hire tips:

• Compare prices online using car rental comparison sites and book early to lock in the best rates.
• Check if your car hire includes extras like a GPS or child car seats, or if you’ll need to bring your own.
• Take photos of the car before and after use to avoid disputes over damages.
• Look into full insurance coverage from a third-party provider as it’s often cheaper than what car hire companies offer.

Car seats and pushchairs

Don’t forget to take your kids car seats and pushchairs!  Most airlines allow two bulky items free of charge per young child and these items are a lifesaver when away.  You’ll want your child to be safe in the car in a suitable car seat and little legs can get tired walking along the beach and playing all day.

Top car seat and pushchairs tips when travelling:

• Consider lightweight, travel-friendly pushchairs that are easy to fold and carry.
• Purchase travel bags or covers for car seats and pushchairs to protect them from damage during transit.
• If you’re not bringing your own car seat, research local regulations and availability to avoid last-minute issues.
• Some destinations offer car seat rental services – check reviews to ensure quality and safety.

Gorgeous flower print cork passport and card holder from Etsy

Airport parking

Make sure you check for airport parking cashback and discount codes in advance.  If you stay at a carpark a little further from the airport you’ll get a great deal.  These often have a free shuttle bus to the airport and the tiny bit of inconvenience is made up in the savings. 

We’ve managed to book well in advance and pay only £20-£30 for a week’s parking before which is amazing!

Top airport parking tips:

• Compare parking options across different providers to get the best deal. Websites like Holiday Extras or Purple Parking can offer significant savings.
• Look into meet-and-greet parking services for convenience, especially when travelling with children.
• Book as early as possible, as prices can double closer to your travel date.
• Check whether your chosen parking facility offers extras like car washes or valet services for a bit of added convenience.

Luggage

Check your luggage allowances as many flights are quite sneaky about only including hand luggage nowadays so you have to pay extra to check in a bag – you’re going to need to check in some bags for a beach holiday abroad with kids! 

Make sure you have enough suitcases for you and the kids.  I’ve been eyeing up a gorgeous copper coloured Tumi Canada packing case.

Top luggage tips:

• Create a packing list for the kids to avoid overpacking or forgetting essentials. Include items like swimwear, lightweight clothes, and entertainment for the plane.
• Weigh your suitcases at home to ensure they’re within the airline’s limits and avoid hefty fees at the airport.
• Invest in colourful luggage tags or straps to make your bags easy to spot on the carousel.
• Consider buying a hand luggage backpack for each child with their favourite toys, snacks, and a spare outfit for the journey.

Personalised luggage tags from Etsy 

Holiday insurance

Airline disruptions continue to cause chaos for travellers, with recent reports of strikes, weather delays, and technical failures affecting flights globally. Many passengers have faced cancellations or significant delays, leading to missed holidays or additional expenses. It's a reminder of how crucial it is to have reliable travel insurance to cover emergencies, lost luggage, and unexpected changes to your plans.

My Grandad once hurt his ankle whilst on holiday in Europe and I always assumed with an E111 health insurance card we were covered.  Well, not so.  The hospital didn’t accept it so he had to pay upfront and then claim it back on his insurance once home.  This means it’s even more important to be fully covered, even in Europe.

Top holiday insurance tips: 

• Read the fine print to understand exactly what’s covered, particularly for activities like water sports or adventure parks.
• Check whether your insurance includes travel disruption cover for issues like strikes or natural disasters.
• If travelling as a family, look for family plans that often work out cheaper than buying individual policies.
• Always keep a copy of your insurance policy details and emergency helpline numbers accessible while travelling.

Final word

A family holiday abroad is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories, but preparation is key to making the experience smooth and enjoyable. By ticking off these essential tasks well in advance, you’ll save yourself unnecessary stress and be free to focus on the fun.

Take the time to plan carefully, and you’ll set yourself up for a holiday that the whole family will cherish. Safe travels!

 

 

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