At our recent #funnestfamily Twitter party you shared your best tips for a good time with the family. Here are some of the ones we loved most.
The party was sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines (@CarnivalFamily), the alternative to all-inclusive land-based family holidays, with loads of family-focused features on board. Check them out.
Be prepared
Spend lots of time talking about holidays and looking at pictures before you go. Helps younger children settle. @JJMcGlynn
Ensure there is Wifi – that way your kids can play games, watch Netflix kids etc. … @Ellen27
Do research. Just because they take child bookings, don’t assume they are child friendly or orientated. @jibberjabberuk
Make sure you check the weather so you can plan activities if there is a rainy day. @not_the_gumdrop
What to pack
Remember to pack the kids, along with Calpol, the scrapbook and sticking plasters. @familyonabike
Old clothes are best for holidays as they get covered in suntan, lotion, and ice-cream etc. @chrisme2
Remember the sun cream. Sun burn isn’t fun or pretty! @MumReinvented
Break in kiddies’ summer footwear before you to away to avoid blister/sand fiascos! @Hollietabeta
Don’t forget baby wipes. Useful for washing hands, cleaning toilet seats and wiping down restaurant tables. @anna8301
Take jumpers – even if you are going somewhere hot, evenings can get chilly. @ChelseaMamma
Coping with long journeys
Take plenty of snacks on all journeys. Whilst mouths are chewing, they can’t be whining. @AnnieQPR
We have holiday CDs that we play before and after in the car to keep the excitement going. @crazywithtwins
I always pack my kids a travel goodie bag full of books, activities, games, sweets and pens. @7hippopotamus
Health and safety first
Don’t forget travel insurance so there are no problems seeing doctors if you need to while you are away. @Hollietabeta
Invest in arm bands, rubber rings and life jackets before you travel. @Swimstar2000
You should see our first aid kit! Medicines for every eventuality from wind to worms! @mumsgoneto
Don’t forget anti-bacterial gel. I use anti-bacterial wipes in hotel room for door handles, telephones etc. @not_the_gumdrop
Be realistic
Be prepared to go by children’s schedule about how much you manage to see and do. Enjoy your time together. @scattymumofboys
We do 1 children activity then 1 parent thing and intersperse with plenty of ice-cream. @goriami
Change your expectations! Holidays with kids are great but totally different to pre-children ones. @craftsonsea
Just go with it! Don’t worry about weather, mucky clothes or lack of money, promise to laugh & enjoy every minute! @thewaywewantto
Family fun
We always buy a cheap set of beach toys and enjoy family games of cricket and rounders. Good family fun. @Swimstar2000
We ask our sat nav for points of interest once we are there. We’ve found some great activities that way. @V82CHRIS
We have our own family talent shows for laughs. Great indoor fun if it’s raining. @V82Chris
Hire bikes so that you can enjoy scenery and burn off holiday beer and chips. @NellHeshram
If like me you have bigger age differences, the pool is always a winner. Especially with slides. @Ojosworld
Encourage children to try something new – a food, activity or language. It’s all education. @goriami
Grown-up fun
As little one is in bed at 7, we make sure we have a nice terrace to relax with a glass of wine. @MamaMyselfandI
We do have a hot tub to enjoy when moo goes to bed. @Miamoos_Mummy
For adult time together, look at kids clubs or go away with friends so you can make quality time for yourselves. @Hollitabeta
Memory-making
When son was little, I used to get him to make a scrapbook. Now I get him making a video. @ItsMeMel
Make sure you get photos of everyone in the family. I usually take them and am missing. Memories are important. @ali991
Let the kids explore, make new friends and make their own memories. @jooleroo
The last words
Order you food shopping online before you travel to arrive on the day you return. @businessmum
Just go with it! Don’t worry about weather, mucky clothes or lack of money. Promise to laugh and enjoy every minute! @thewaywewantto
Teach the kiddies what to do in an emergency situation e.g. what to do if they get separated. Have a plan ready. @not_the_gumdrop
About Jennifer Howze
Jennifer Howze is the Creative Director and co-founder of BritMums. She blogs about family travel at Jenography.net, tweets at @JHowze and Instagrams at @JHowze. Previously, she wrote the Alpha Mummy blog at The Times and as a journalist has contributed to The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure, Budget Travel, CNN.com, Allure, SELF and Premiere, among others. She won The Maggie Award from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America for a health article in Seventeen magazine.