With the Easter holidays just a few weeks away, many families will be looking forward to a UK break or a holiday overseas. As travelling with children can be a little stressful, we’ve put together our top tips for a smooth getaway. 

Before you go

• Visit our Travel Checklist for the essential steps to take in the weeks running up to your trip, including taking out comprehensive travel insurance, checking your passports are valid for travel and making sure you have a valid GHIC/EHIC. 
• Do your research - make a note of child-friendly events such as egg-hunts or crafts workshops near your destination. You might find there are special deals if you book in advance. 
• If you plan to eat out, make a list of the best family-friendly restaurants nearby – particularly if anyone has special dietary requirements.
• Think about whether you need to reserve cots or high chairs or book any childcare child-friendly services before you go.  If you booked with an ABTA travel agent or tour operator, they can provide plenty of advice.
• Write a checklist of things you need to take such as passports, money, insurance documentation, medications, clothes, favourite toys and sun cream.
• If you’re travelling abroad and carrying prescribed medication, ensure it has the original doctor’s label with the patient's name on it. Ask your GP for a letter to take with you if you have a lot of medication.  Some countries have restrictions on medication, you can find out about the restrictions for the country you’re visiting on the FCDO travel advice page.
• If you’re flying, check your luggage restrictions. The last thing you need is the stress of not having enough baggage space just before you’re due to fly. Once you know how much you can bring, start packing early and avoid the last minute rush.

For the journey

• Make travel fun and stress-free for children as well as you. Prepare a little pack with snacks, stickers, a few crayons and games to keep little ones entertained.
• Keep all paperwork and travel documents in one place and make one person responsible for bringing it and protect any important documents by storing them in a pouch or zip-lock bag.  You can also scan or copy all important documents to make them easier to replace if anything goes wrong. 
• Prepare your provisions - you’ll need plenty of snacks and water and lots of anti-bacterial hand gel. Carry a change of clothes for your kids and for you, you never know when there might be a spillage or an accident!
• Download your kids’ favourite films or game apps. If you’re travelling by car and have children who get a bit car sick, travelling early in the morning means there’s more chance they will sleep. Make sure you take plenty of sick bags just in case.
• When setting off, always build in extra time to allow for delays or unexpected problems on your journey, especially when travelling at busy times of year.

Now all you have to do is look forward to your family holiday. If you’ve booked with an ABTA member you can travel with confidence knowing you have access a range of support, protection and expertise should you need it.