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Booking a family holiday: share your top tips with ABTA. Voucher to win!

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  • Ask other families for good recommendations and then book as far in advance as you can, then you have plenty of time to check out local tourist offices for kids' activities & child friendly places.  Take copies of passports & credit card details in case of theft or loss.  

  • Speak to someone who has been to your chosen destination , if possible , before booking You can then be more confident with your choice .

  • make sure you take out valid travel insurance before booking as the holiday won't be covered if you don't

  • Do your research. Could you pay less money by paying for flights separately to accommodation? Mix clothing in suitcases just in case any go missing. This way, you will all have something to wear. 

  • I recommend getting recommendations from friends - as well as being a great way of finding family-friendly accommodation, the same friends can help with recommendations for fun local activities and eating out too.

  • The best thing we purchased was a Trunki for our first holiday when our son was 16months. It allowed us to pack everything he needed for the flight including plenty of toys, a change of clothes and a blanket. although he was too small to ride on it, it provided a good distraction in the airport as he could push it around. We’ve been on a holiday each year since and it is just as useful now that he’s 5. He can ride it through the airport and pack it with his favourite toys and iPad. 

  • ps a trunkie is a nightmare for people that don't have one and cannot explain to their kids of unreasonable fathom and waste of space they are just wheels afterall

    #

  • My tip is to give your child a cheap throwaway camera with them so that they can take pics of the airport and their trip. It keeps them entertained while you're waiting for the flight and they get to keep their memories afterwards.

  • Shop around for the best deals, look at different departure/return days to keep the cost down. Always get comprehensive holiday insurance, and make "busy bags" for little ones on the plane with things to do, little snacks, and a new small toy. 

  • Book early to get the best pick of those free child places, shop around for discount codes and if booking in store don't be afraid to ask them to price match.

  • we took our Toddler twinnies to Sri Lanka last August, 12 hr flight. so we made sure we are flying with Emirates as They have a nice selection of kids movies on flights. they gave nice toys, colourings, lots of snacks for kids too. I think its important to book with a good flight company specially if you are travelling long haul journeys. They certainly made our journey easier. we were so nervous at first but my Twins were so excited to know whats happening arounds and they loved watching people and watching their fav tv programmes.

    Thank you. 

  • Book very early to get the best price. We usually book 8 months in advance.

    Do lots of research on internet regarding flights, hotels etc. You can also look for discount codes.

  • Book a holiday with flights at sensible times during the day - nothing so awful as having tired, cranky children on an early or late flight - leave those for the singletons! 

  • Make sure everyone has been to the toilet before you leave, don't take their word they have packed the booking form.

  • Pre-book as much as you can before you go to save money and time when you get there. Leaving you more time to enjoy the whole experience without hassle!

  • You will find a good deal on British Airways Holiday sale just now

  • Be sensible about travel times - depending on the age of children upset sleep routines can leave them very fractious and ruin the start to a holiday and the journey home

  • Don't be pressurised by 1 room left type statements, or "30 people have looked at this in last hour" it is there on purpose to panic you. Take your time , read reviews and the best trip will come along in time.

  • have valid passports and remember to take a special teddy etc to comfort your child in a different place. Also chewy sweets when taking off and landing in plane. 

  • Nothing beats personal recommendation.  If someone you know well recommends a specific resort or hotel you can be sure you know what to expect.

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