45 tips for stress-free family travel

With the summer holidays here, lots of families will be travelling and sometimes that can be stressful. Here are tips on making family holidays less stressful and happier, from our #happyfamilytravel Twitter party. The party was sponsored by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, which gives tips to parents around planning holidays and journeys. Check out www.WVRUKtraveltips.com. Follow @Wyndham_Rentals for latest in great holiday vacation rentals around the world!

What to pack

1. Pack lots of zip/resealable bags. Great to keep wet/soiled baby clothes in or to use as sick bags. @mummafelice

2. We always make sure our little man has his best friend – the stuffed giraffe – to talk to on his adventure. @laurasidestreet

3. I keep a packing list on the PC so I don’t have to think too much each time. @LeanneParker14

4. Pack a well-stocked first aid kit which includes Calpol/Nurofen, antiseptic cream, sting cream, plasters and bandages. @maddliesinclair

5. Don’t ever forget the wipes and the travel potty. @karenattwinlife

6. Also don’t forget little snacks and drinks in case they get peckish. @not_the_gumdrop
Smart travel strategies for smart parents

7. If travelling with babies or young children, dress them in layered clothing so it is easier keeping them cool @Mummafelice

8. Every journey we’ve planned starts at night/nap time. Your child will get sleep and you’ll at least get some peace. @WritingforFun

Games to play

9. Spot A Yellow Car.. Shout ‘Yellow Car’ First.. And You Get A Point! Fun For All!!  (Not Many Yellow Cars!) @bkybubble

10. We make up ‘company’ names from the 3 letters on a number plate – sillier the better! @tattooed_mummy

11. If you know the route, give kids a list of landmarks/things to look out for and check off @TravelPanoramic

12. Travel car bingo for the kids- pictures of things they may see, winner is the one with most marked off at the end xx @jammyjojo1

13. Kids invented fab car game … have to guess whether next bus passing is  higher or lower number than the last @gettingstuckin

14. I like to play car-snap with the kids. Look for cars that match ours. @JulieMRB

15. My LO loves role playing so lately we all pretend to be the Octonauts going out on big ‘adventures’! so fun! @MadameWeiss

16. Make a picture book of items they tick off on your journey as they see them I.e post box, cow, blue car or 3x house etc @courjor

17. Make a list of landmarks before you go so that you can give the kids things to look out for. @cherriemayhem

18. Download your childrens favourite songs to sing together @YorkshireMumof2

Smart travel tips for smart parents

19. Get the kids involved with the packing, I find this makes them understand the travel process better @TotstoTravel

20. Remember you know your kids’ limits. 8 hour trip is fine for 1 child not always for another. Plan holiday around it. @ljbarton

21. Make sure kids are involved in when decision making, after all its their holiday too! @not_the_gumdrop

22. We rented a villa with a secure gate, meant we felt secure and at home =relaxation @womanwithbaby

Enjoy car trips

23. Travel sick kids?  Have a bucket lined with muslin or tea towel. Have lots of towels too. @mumonthebrink

24. Another good idea is tray kits filled with books, small teddies etc. so they can have toys within reach. @JulieMRB

25. CDs (or Ipod etc) of audio books, plays, stories can all be good on a car journey. @tattooed-mummy

26. Plan your stops on long car journeys. Instead of service stations, search for parks or National Trust properties en route. @KirstyHornblow

27. If you travel to car, try to sit in the back next to your child. It is comforting for them and much easier for you. @WritingforFun

28. Take your own car seat rather than hiring when you get there – we’ve ended up with some real shockers before @Kiddieholidays

29. Pack some good tunes to sing along to on the car stereo. @Mygorgeousboys

30. Rear speakers separate from the front ones so children’s CDs do not drive you mad @fussfreehelen

How to enjoy a train trip with kids

31. Take a picnic on a train and get a table – lots of fun. @clairejustino

32. Going by train? Travel off peak! Nothing worse than grizzly kids and no seats on a long journey. @mysidekickandme

33. Write the stations on a list and let the children mark them off one by one. Fun. @clairejustino

34. My kids like to play cards on a train. They never travel without a pack. @clairejustino

The benefits of travelling by ferry

35. We choose to take a longer ferry trip over a car journey. They can’t run around in the car. @ljbarton

36. On a long journey by car or ferry, take your own pillows. @fabfortymum

37. If on a long ferry trip, if you can hire a cabin of your own to retreat to. @ljbarton

Up up and away in planes

38. Choose and book your plane tickets well in advance (even if you have to pay) to make sure you are seated together. @Wander_Mum

39. Kids enjoy exploring the airport, if there’s a chance of going up &down the escalator, it’s a game that never gets boring @maximka25

40. Take little drinks for babies/kids on planes. Children feel more ear discomfort due to pressure changes – swallowing helps! @apriljharris

41. On long haul flights, we pack an activity bag with books, crayons and plasticine @AModernMother

42. Lighten up on technology restrictions on long flights – will make life much simpler and it’s only 1 day. @thepottydiaries
The Last Word

43. Allow at least 30% extra time to your journey to save stress when it comes to being delayed by busy services or traffic. @WhoopAss

44. Take a zillion of photos. In a few years time you might laugh even at the the most stressful trip memories. @maximka25

Carpe diem!

45. Don’t be put off to try a family festival, we had an amazing time with a toddler under 3 in tow @laurasidestreet