Think plane travel might be too tricky with babies or toddlers in tow? Don’t give up just yet…
With a bit of forward planning, holidaying with a toddler needn’t mean endless staycations.
Fiona Bickmore, senior consultant at child-friendly travel experts Smith & Family, shares her top tips on stress-free flying en famille.
Leave home excessively early...
… so you can arrive in the nick of time. Unexpected shuttles, broken travelators and packed lifts stand between you and the check-in desk. Plan to leave early, then leave earlier still.
Pack the essentials
Don’t leave home without snacks, wipes and extra post-spill clothes. Invest in toddler headphones and try the Putumayo Kids world music CDs as a sanity-saving alternative to The Wheels on the Bus.
Sort the seating
Pay a bit extra to avoid scrambling for seats - Easyjet and Ryanair are launching allocated seating on all flights.
Aisle seats let you escape quickly to the loos, while windows are great for restorative naps.
Be kind (it might come in handy later…)
Let’s face it, who wants to sit next to a squirming toddler? Smile at your neighbours and the flight attendants – you never know when you’ll need a helping hand or an extra glass of wine.
Limit the jet lag
Time long-haul trips to land when it’s still light, so your toddlers can run around after being cooped up on the plane. Sunshine can help your family adjust, so get out there and make the most of it.
Smith & Family is a unique collection of child-friendly hotels that are as great for kids as they are for grown ups. Book through Smith & Family for the best available rates, money back on every booking, a Smith extra on arrival and 24/7 support from the in-house travel team. www.smithandfamily.co.uk / 0845 313 9007