Going Away for Christmas

Going away for Christmas with the family can be a lovely idea and ensure that it is a year that you never forget. Whether you are setting off to get some much-needed winter sun or you are heading to a winter wonderland to feel as Christmassy as possible, you will find that it can be stressful travelling with kids so here are a few tips to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Choose an Easy Destination

First, you should choose somewhere that will be simple to travel to and provide an easy holiday experience. There are lots of good options for Christmas, including many major European cities–maybe a dream vacation in Paris or a relaxing staycation in Ireland. These places come alive at Christmas with beautiful lights, markets and festive events or you could look to somewhere with warmth and sunshine.

Choose Easiest Form of Transport

Often, the most stressful aspect of going away with small children is travel so you should think about the easiest possible route. If you are flying, you might find it less stressful to catch the train to the airport instead of having to drive which can be another cause of stress. You can also book your tickets online in advance, such as a train travelling from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport.

Create a Loose Itinerary

You will want this to be a holiday that is special and create many happy memories so it is a good idea to have something planned for each day. It is helpful to have plans but this should also be flexible as you do not want to force the family to do things if they do not feel like it.

Pack in Advance

Every parent that has taken their kids on holiday knows just how stressful packing can be. This is why it is a good idea to create a checklist for your kids and to help them to do a practice pack in advance of the holiday. They should then have their bag packed and ready well in advance of leaving the house so that there is no major rush and stress to start the holiday.

Going on holiday over Christmas can be fantastic and make it a festive period which is extra special, but it is also sure to cause some stress for the parents. Travelling with children will always be difficult but with added expectations it can cause a great deal of stress. Hopefully, these tips will help to reduce stress and allow for the best Christmas yet this year.