Planning a trip with children

Travelling with children changes the pace of a trip, not whether it's worth doing. With a bit of planning the trip works for everyone — and children often notice things adults walk past.

Plan at their pace

• Fewer things per day. One main activity in the morning and something light in the afternoon is plenty, especially for younger children.
• Fewer moves. Each change of hotel unsettles routines. Prefer longer stays in fewer places, or one base with day trips.
• Keep naps and bedtimes roughly the same. A tired child on day two shapes the whole trip.
• Build in play. Parks, beaches and playgrounds are as much a part of the trip as museums.

Documents

• Every child needs their own passport for international travel in most countries, and the same entry rules as adults may apply (visas, travel authorisations, passport validity).
• Travelling with one parent, or with grandparents or other adults? Some countries and airlines may ask for a signed letter of consent from the parent or parents not travelling, and sometimes a copy of the birth certificate. It's wise to carry one whenever the child isn't travelling with everyone who has parental responsibility.
• If your child has a different surname from you, a birth certificate can help answer questions at borders.

Flights

• Choose times carefully. Flights around nap time or overnight can work well for some children and badly for others; you know yours.
• Seats together. Check whether your fare lets you choose seats together, and book early.
• Ask about baby and child allowances: car seats, pushchairs at the gate and cots on long-haul flights.
• Pack a cabin bag for them: snacks, a change of clothes (for you too), something new to play with, and headphones.

Getting around

• Car seats. Rules differ by country. If you're hiring a car, book seats in advance or bring your own.
• Pushchairs. Cobbled streets, stairs and busy transport can make a light, folding pushchair or a carrier more practical than your everyday one.
• Public transport is often free or cheaper for younger children; check ages and fares locally.

Where to stay

• An apartment or family room with a separate sleeping space lets adults stay up after bedtime.
• A kitchen helps with early breakfasts and fussy eaters.
• Being near a park, a supermarket and the main sights saves a lot of long walks with tired legs.
• Check for pools, balconies and stairs if you have young children.

Health and safety

• Pack a small first-aid kit and any regular medicines, with the doses written down.
• Check what your travel insurance covers for children.
• Put your phone number on a card in your child's pocket, and agree a meeting point in busy places.
• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before the trip about any vaccinations or medicines.

Involve them

Let children choose one thing to do each day, or plan a day themselves. Give older ones a job — reading the map, keeping the tickets. A trip they helped plan is one they're happy to be on.

Elio Travels lets the whole family share one trip plan and checklist, with private items kept to the adults who need them.