Travel Guides
Travelling with Children
A practical family travel guide from BFM Travels to help UK parents plan smoother, safer and more enjoyable trips with babies, toddlers and older children.
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Introduction
Travelling with children can feel like a major project before you even leave home, but it can also be one of the most rewarding ways to spend time together. Whether you are planning a short family city break, a beach holiday in Spain, a winter sun escape or a long-haul adventure, good preparation makes all the difference. This evergreen BFM Travels guide is designed for UK families who want practical advice that works in real life, from booking the right flights and hotel type to handling airport routines, packing smartly and keeping children comfortable on the move. For any time-sensitive entry rules, passport requirements or health guidance, always check official sources before you travel.
Why This Guide Matters
Family travel is not simply adult travel with smaller suitcases. Children have different sleep routines, patience levels, food preferences and comfort needs, so the choices that work for a couples holiday may not suit a family trip at all. The right destination, flight time, room layout and transfer plan can turn a stressful journey into a smooth one. This guide matters because it helps you think ahead in a practical way. It covers the decisions that often shape the whole holiday experience: how much travel time your children can realistically manage, what to pack without overpacking, how to reduce waiting around, how to choose family-friendly areas to stay and how to avoid common mistakes that cost money or energy. It is also written to help you book with confidence, compare options sensibly and build a holiday that fits your family rather than forcing your family to fit the holiday.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose the right type of trip
Start by being honest about what your family enjoys and what your children can handle. A toddler may be happiest on a short-haul beach break with a simple routine, while older children may enjoy a destination with water parks, boat trips, wildlife experiences or cultural sights. Think about flight length, transfer time, climate, meal options and how much moving around the trip involves. If you want an easier planning process, look at Family Holidays, All Inclusive Holidays and Winter Sun Holidays for ideas that suit different ages and travel styles.
2. Book flights around routines where possible
Direct flights are often worth prioritising when travelling with children because they reduce waiting, connections and the chance of delays disrupting the day. Consider whether your child travels better in the morning, around nap time or later in the day. Early flights can be efficient, but they may also mean a very early start from home. Late arrivals can be difficult if you still have a transfer and hotel check-in ahead. When comparing flights, look beyond headline price and consider total journey time, baggage allowances and airport convenience.
3. Pick accommodation that works for family life
The best family hotel is not always the most luxurious one. Look for room layouts that give everyone enough space, practical sleeping arrangements, easy access to food, child-friendly pools and a location that reduces daily travel. Apartments and family suites can be especially useful with babies or younger children because they offer more flexibility around naps, snacks and bedtime. If you want a resort-style stay, check whether the property suits families with younger children, older children or mixed-age groups.
4. Plan documents well in advance
Check passports for every traveller, including children, and make sure they meet the entry requirements for your destination. If you are travelling with one parent, a different surname or a blended family setup, it is wise to review any additional documentation that may be recommended. Rules can change, so always check official government and embassy guidance before departure. It is also sensible to keep digital copies of important documents stored securely.
5. Build a realistic packing plan
Packing for children is easier when you break it down into categories: travel day essentials, clothing, sleep items, toiletries, entertainment, snacks and any medicines. Pack one set of spare clothes in your hand luggage for younger children and keep key comfort items easy to reach. Avoid taking everything you own. Many family destinations have supermarkets, pharmacies and baby supplies available, so focus on essentials rather than packing for every possible scenario.
6. Make airport time easier
Airports can be exciting for children, but they can also be tiring and overstimulating. Arrive with enough time to move at a steady pace, but not so early that everyone is left waiting for hours. Dress children in comfortable layers, keep documents organised and have snacks, wipes and entertainment ready before you join queues. If you are travelling from a regional airport or using airport parking, planning those details in advance can reduce stress on the day.
7. Keep the journey manageable
On the plane, train or transfer, aim for comfort and routine rather than perfection. Download films or programmes in advance, bring simple activities, offer snacks at sensible intervals and let children move when it is safe to do so. For babies and toddlers, familiar feeding and sleep cues can help. For older children, involving them in the journey with a small backpack, travel journal or destination facts can keep them engaged.
8. Ease into the first day
Do not overplan arrival day. Once you reach your destination, focus on settling in, finding food, locating essentials and letting children adjust. A gentle first afternoon or evening often sets a better tone than trying to fit in sightseeing immediately. If you are staying in a beach resort such as Tenerife Holidays or Algarve Holidays, a simple walk and early dinner may be all you need.
9. Balance activity with downtime
Children usually enjoy holidays most when there is a balance between fun and rest. A packed schedule can lead to overtired children and frustrated adults. Mix active outings with quieter time by the pool, on the beach or back at the hotel. Family city breaks work best when you choose a few highlights each day rather than trying to see everything.
10. Leave room for flexibility
Even the best-planned family holiday will have unexpected moments. Weather changes, naps run late, queues are longer than expected and children sometimes simply need a break. Build in flexibility so small setbacks do not derail the whole trip. The goal is not a perfect itinerary. It is a holiday your family genuinely enjoys.
Expert Tips
- Choose accommodation close to the beach, old town or main attractions to reduce daily transport time.
- Book airport transfers before travel if you want a smoother arrival with tired children.
- Pack one small bag of surprises such as colouring books, stickers or card games for the journey.
- Keep the first full day light so children can settle into the new environment.
- Use hotel comparison tools to focus on room type, board basis, family facilities and location, not just headline price.
- For multi-generational trips, check lift access, buggy-friendly routes and dining flexibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking the cheapest option without checking transfer length or room suitability.
- Trying to do too much on travel days.
- Overpacking bulky items that are rarely used.
- Skipping travel insurance or leaving it until the last minute.
- Assuming every resort or hotel is equally family-friendly.
- Forgetting to check official guidance for passports, visas, health advice or local entry rules.
- Planning adult-paced sightseeing days with no breaks.
Money Saving Tips
Saving money on family travel is often about making smarter choices rather than simply choosing the lowest price. Travelling outside peak school holiday dates can offer more choice if your circumstances allow it, while booking early can help you secure better room types for families. Compare the total holiday cost, including baggage, transfers, meals and airport extras, rather than looking at one element in isolation. Self-catering or half-board can work well if your children are flexible eaters, while all inclusive can offer better value for families who want predictable daily costs. Consider regional airports if they reduce travel time and overnight stays, and always compare hotel location carefully because a cheaper property far from the beach or attractions can lead to higher transport costs during the trip.
Useful Checklist
- Passports checked for all travellers
- Official entry and health guidance reviewed
- Travel insurance arranged
- Flights, hotel and transfers confirmed
- Child-friendly room type selected
- Hand luggage packed with snacks, wipes and entertainment
- Medicines and prescriptions packed
- Sun protection or weather-appropriate layers packed
- Comfort item packed for younger children
- Digital and printed copies of key documents saved
- Airport parking, lounge or transfer plans confirmed if needed
- Rough plan made for arrival day and first full day
Related pages to explore
Related destination pages: Spain Holidays, Tenerife Holidays, Algarve Holidays, Greece Holidays, Dubai Holidays.
Related travel guides: Packing Tips, Airport Guide, Travel Insurance Guide, Family Travel Tips, Hand Luggage Guide.
Related itinerary ideas: 3 Days in Rome, 5 Days in Tenerife, 7 Days in Dubai.
Image ALT suggestions: Family with children arriving at the airport for a holiday; Parent helping child with hand luggage before a flight; Family walking along a sunny beach resort promenade; Children enjoying a hotel pool on a family holiday; Family checking travel documents at home before departure; Child looking out of an aeroplane window during a flight; Parents packing suitcases for a family holiday; Family exploring a child-friendly city break destination.
Plan with confidence
BFM Travels helps families compare hotels, explore destinations and organise trips that suit different ages, budgets and travel styles.
Helpful links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to travel with children?
There is no single best age. Babies, toddlers and older children can all travel well with the right planning. The key is choosing a destination and pace that suits your child’s routine and needs.
Are all inclusive holidays good for families?
They can be an excellent option because meals, snacks and drinks are easier to manage, and many resorts include family-friendly facilities and entertainment.
How early should I get to the airport with children?
Allow enough time to move comfortably through check-in and security without rushing. Exact timings vary by airport and airline, so check your booking details and airport guidance.
What should I pack in hand luggage for children?
Pack snacks, drinks where permitted, wipes, spare clothes, entertainment, medicines and any comfort items your child relies on during travel.
Is a city break suitable for young children?
Yes, if you choose a walkable destination, keep sightseeing realistic and stay somewhere central. Shorter activity windows often work better than packed days.
Should I book transfers before I travel?
Pre-booked transfers can make arrival easier, especially after a late flight or when travelling with younger children and luggage.
How can I save money on family holidays?
Compare the full cost of the trip, travel outside peak dates if possible, choose the right board basis and avoid paying extra for facilities you are unlikely to use.
Do I need to check official guidance before travelling?
Yes. Always check official guidance for passports, visas, health advice and any destination-specific rules before departure, as these can change.
What destinations are popular for family holidays?
Popular choices for UK families include Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Greece and Dubai, depending on the season and the type of holiday you want.
Final Summary
Travelling with children becomes far easier when you plan around real family needs rather than idealised holiday plans. Choose the right destination, compare hotels carefully, keep travel days manageable, pack with purpose and leave room for flexibility. With the right preparation, family holidays can feel smoother from the moment you leave home to the day you return.
Ready to plan your next family holiday?
Use the BFM Travels Personalised Travel Planner, compare hotels, find travel deals and explore related destinations to build a family trip that works for everyone.