Ready to travel abroad again? Tips & tricks for families

Pros

• You don’t have to worry about cooking

• You can set your budget prior to booking and keep to that

• Family entertainment is usually included (keep an eye out for kids’ clubs)

Con

• Some places don’t offer baby food, so you better check

• It may seem more expensive at the first glance

• Some kids’ clubs don’t accept under 3s if you’re looking for childcare for your baby

TUI Blue Sensatori Biomar, Majorca

Luxury hotel experience. Kids have their own pool. Children’s buffet. TUI Kids' Club and BabyClub available.

TUI MAGIC LIFE Calabria, Italy

Shallow kids pool, pool with slides for kids. Heated family pool. Kids club from the age of 3. Youngster & Teen club available.

TUI BLUE Aura, Ibiza

This hotel had a total refurb in 2019, so its kid-friendly facilities are fresh from the wrapping. There’s a water park next door, you’ll get free entry. Heated indoor pool in May and October.

TUI BLUE Grupotel Turquesa Mar, Menorca

In the summer, you can hire bikes or take the kids for a swimming lesson. Kids’ splash zone with mini-slides and fountains. BabyClub, age-specific kids’ clubs and The Hangout for teens.

Pros

• You control when you eat and what you eat

• You can be in your own little family bubble (if you’re renting a house or apartment outside a hotel complex)

• You can find amazing villas that have your own private pool and BBQ

Cons

• You’ll need a more flexible budget as you may eat out and use local supermarkets

• You’ll have to learn how to cook in someone else’s kitchen

• If you’re doing a DIY holiday, you may have to rent a car to get about (driving will most likely be on the opposite side of the road)

Cerro Mar Garden Aparthotel, Algarve

1- and 2-bedroom apartments available. These come with a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. The hotel complex has a kids’ pool and an indoor pool.

Talayot Apartmets, Menorca

1- and 2-bedroom apartments with kitchen. The hotel complex has 6 pools and there’ll be a TUI Kids’ Club this summer.

Villa Ca’n Roman, Majorca

2-bedroom villa near Pollensa. Stunning countryside setting, short drive from the beach. Private pool and BBQ area.

Villa Kimbo, Portugal

3-bedroom villa near Praia da Luz. Private garden and pool. 10-minute drive from the nearest restaurant and beach.

Flight booking

• Avoid daytime flights if you’re going long-haul. If you’re on the plane for more than six hours, you’ll be thankful for their natural sleep pattern

• Most long-haul flights provide cots that will need to be pre-booked (up to 10 kg – check with your airline). We tested this on a flight to Mauritius, and it was a lifesaver

• Pre-book your seats, so that you’re all together as a family

• If you're after particular seats, check the plane layout here

• Book a window seat if you're travelling with a baby -- gives you extra support while feeding and baby can sleep comfortably against you

At the airport

• You are allowed to bring baby’s milk on board and through security

• Give yourself extra time at the airport. Most airports provide a dedicated family lane during peak time. Look out for that

• Most airlines will allow you to check in a pram and car seat complimentary with each child booking (best to check with your airline)

• You can click & collect baby milk, wipes, sun lotion, etc. at Boots at the airport, saves luggage space