Organising anything with kids can quickly become a stressful and chaotic experience. However, a week overseas in the sunshine can really be a way for you, and your kids to have the time of your lives. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your holiday without any big hiccups along the way.

Choose the right destination and the best place to stay

The right destination can really make all the difference for your holiday. Depending on the local weather and the activities that you are interested in doing, take your time to research and choose your destination and accommodation accordingly. If you are looking for a beautiful and relaxing place with a lower cost of living than that in the UK, Italy is one of the many great options. You can stay at one of the many villas in Sicily let out by locals and provide your family with much more room than the average hotel or other accommodation option; sometimes there is even a private pool!

Pack only what you truly need

It is easy to keep packing “just one more thing”. But save yourself the trouble of hauling oversized pieces of luggage throughout your travels and pack only what you truly need. Water shoes and SPF, those are certainly good items to pack. The three extra shirt options, and a framed photo of your cat however, are not worth the hassle. 

Take time for yourself

Traveling with family is always exciting and a great opportunity for bonding, but remember to take time for yourself. Whether it be 20 minutes for meditation in the morning or time with a book and a beautiful view, it is important to remember that this is your time on vacation, as well. The more relaxed and content you are individually, the smoother the time spent with your family will go. Often there are kids clubs available to offer mum and dad a little respite from the day care.

Let kids eat when they want so they don’t get irritable

Let’s face it- kids with rumbling tummies are not happy campers. To help avoid any meltdowns and keep energy positive, let your kids eat when they want so they don’t get irritable, even if that means working against jet lag a bit. Snacks can save the day, even when you least expect it. Think of it as a holiday treat!

Organize photos and put together a memory book

Going through photos from your holiday and putting together a summer scrapbook is a great way to look back on all the wonderful memories you and your family have created. After you have finished your holiday, it is much more relaxing to have all photos from it organised. It is that final step. Years down the road, you will surely appreciate the time and effort it takes to put together.

As you travel with family, flexibility is key. It would be miraculous if every single plan works exactly as you’d hoped. Just remember you are in a new country, with the ones you love, most likely basking in sun and enjoying some amazing food. It’s not the end of the world if you didn’t manage to find time to visit every single site. Enjoy the little moments and take a deep breath even if things do not go exactly how you’d planned.