Think having a baby (or two) means your travelling days are over? Think again. While travelling with a child in tow might not be as seamless as it once was, a trip with your new addition can actually be more meaningful when you’re forced to slow down and “smell the roses” — or tulips, if you’re in the Netherlands (you’re parents now; get used to the cheesy dad jokes!).
We debunk the most common misconceptions about travelling as a family:
Sure Travel Journey’s Assistant Editor, Rebekah Funk, was just 4 when she took her first trip abroad. Not only can she remember vivid details about that first plane ride to California, the smell of the hotel, or every ride she loved (and feared) at Disneyland, it instilled a passion for travelling that’s taken her to 40+ countries since (and counting).
And while her adult memory might falter when she’s trying to remember what she had for breakfast this morning, Rebekah says childhood experiences of road trips, camping weekends and new sights taught her to be open-minded, curious about news from other parts of the world, and grateful for the privilege to travel.
Lesson: travel early, travel often, and teach your kids about the world around them — they’ll be better humans for it.
If you think planning a trip, taking time off work, and packing (with all the baby accessories) seems too daunting, consider that the time away might be some of the most meaningful you spend with your kids.
Many parents who travel with babies and toddlers say they actually spend more quality time with their kids when they’re away from home; rather than getting distracted by the demands of work, life and chores, we can bond with our littles and make lasting memories.
Lesson: be intentional when it comes to travelling (near or far). Start out with small adventures, like a road-trip, weekend getaway, or multi-generational trip (so you’ve got the grandparents along to babysit). Each trip will give you courage to go further and longer afield — or at least help you better understand your capabilities and limits as a parent!
If you’re not keen on dedicating hours to planning all the details, our trusted travel partners at Club Med offer all-inclusive, family-friendly sun and ski holidays in France, Bali and Mauritius — and a host of other destinations.
With free accommodation for children (at select resorts), kids’ clubs for children aged 4 months to 17 years, ski lessons and live entertainment, you’ll be sure to find activities to keep everyone (no matter their age) busy and happy!
Plus, some Club Med locations offer baby equipment free of charge — cots, changing mats, a baby bath and bottle warmer, delivered straight to your room. Ask your nearest Sure Travel agent what kid-friendly extras are available when you book.
Free advice: travelling (or doing anything, for that matter) with young children is never “perfect”. Perfectly-tiring, perfectly-chaotic, perfectly-surprising, perhaps — but hopefully all those things in a good way!
The key to travelling with your expanded family is to manage expectations and be flexible. Will a newborn be perfectly-quiet and not fuss the whole flight? Perhaps — but unlikely. Will a toddler be artistically engrossed at London’s Tate Modern? Definitely not.
Lesson: with enough preplanning, creative tricks, and plenty of “kid-friendly” stops for food, naps and fun along the way, you can manage the meltdowns. Start with destinations in the same time zones as yours (to avoid the added challenge of dealing with jet lagged toddlers who’ll be ready to play in the middle of the night), and expect surprises along the way. Kids adjust to new situations with ease when their parents do — so treat travel as an everyday occurrence, rather than a big, scary deal.
Think the fun is over when you have kids? According to Hildegunn Taipale, a travel photographer, Instagram influencer and medical school student, trips became more meaningful and fun when she had her then one-month-old son along for the ride.
“People used to tell us that we better enjoy life and finish traveling before a baby arrived! Yes, we find it different in some ways — things take longer and you need to be more flexible with your plans, but babies are normally very easily adaptable,” she told Sure Travel Journey. “It has given us a completely new purpose and joy — and it has been surprisingly easy. You sometimes even get a fast pass through security!”
“It’s been fun showing people that it’s possible. Of course, I’m in no way a pro… but what we have found to work well for us is to have Benjamin sleep in his stroller wherever we are, so we don’t need to stay at the hotel during his naps or in the evenings. He is also used to sleeping with noise. And for the warmer destinations, we normally bring a portable fan and a foldable bathtub so he can cool off in the shade.”
Lesson: don’t believe to the naysayers. Travel with kids is fun, and it’ll give you opportunities to connect with fellow travellers and locals in a way you might not if you’re solo or a couple.
Little ones can be the ultimate ice breaker — whether they’re playing peek-a-boo with a seat neighbour on the train, soaking up languages in the places you’re visiting and greeting their new-found friends, or taking you to parks and places beyond the normal tourist traps. So savour the special moments and push beyond your comfort zone to find them.
While the costs of travelling with an extra child or two do go up as they get older, there are ways to save on transportation, food and accommodation to make a trip feasible. Plus, many outdoor activities (like hiking or the beach) are free!
Kids under 2 years fly free on most airlines (when they sit on your lap) — so travelling while your kids are still young can be a cost-saver on short-haul journeys (or even long-haul if you don’t mind less legroom). Moreover, some airlines and island resorts have “kids fly and stay free” promotions that help stretch your travel budget.
Not only that, but in many cities, public transit passes and admission to attractions are heavily discounted — or free — for kids. And if they’re not keen to try new cuisines, you can always order one or two adult meals at local restaurants and share until you’re back at your hotel (or can hit up a grocery store for child-friendly snacks).
Lesson: take advantage of family-friendly travel deals, particularly those with child-minding services and kids’ clubs to give you a break now and then. Ask our expert Sure Travel agents what family-friendly deals are available — or take advantage of savings at our favourite Club Med sun and ski resorts (details below)!
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Club Med Les Arcs Panorama
7 nights from R29,890 pps (land only; save up to 15%)
Set departure: 15 December 2019 (book + pay by 27 August)
Immersed in an enchanting alpine forest, Club Med Les Arcs Panorama is at the footsteps of a magnificent ski domain. Located in Les Arcs 1600, the resort combines the charm and convenience of a mid-altitude resort with the high mountain thrills of Paradiski, one of the largest ski areas in the world. It provides a perfect mix between the charm of being immersed in the forest and high mountains with amazing panoramic views overlooking the Tarentaise valley. This flagship family resort also offers the full range of kids’ clubs from 4 months to 17 years. Kids under 4 stay free.
Club Med Peisey Vallandry
7 nights from R27,420 pps (land only; save up to 15%)
Set departure: 23 December 2019 (book + pay by 27 August)
On the doorstep of the Vanoise National Park and perched high in the Tarentaise Valley surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, larch and pine trees, Club Med Peisey Vallandry, a cosy hamlet of chalets, is a true representation of French Savoy style and embodies the authentic spirit of France's Savoy mountains. Enjoy the magnificent views of the slopes from your balcony or the resort's main terrace. Choose between skiing, snowshoe walking, Nordic walking and hiking and end the day in the indoor and outdoor heated pool or with a treatment in the co-branded spa. Kids under 4 stay free.
Club Med Val d’Isere
7 nights from R45,550 pps (land only; save up to 15%)
Set departure: 15 December 2019 (book + pay by 27 August)
With the Championship Le Face ski slope, this Savoyard ski domain has long been the haunt of champions. At an altitude of over 1,850m overlooking the famous Espace Killy ski domain with 300kms of ski runs, Club Med Val d’Isere is perfectly located to ski straight out to L’Olympique gondola. The resort features traditional wood and stone built chalets in keeping with the charm of Val d’Isere. Experience the fantastic conditions of this world-renowned, championship ski station and enjoy aprés-ski on the large sunny terrace. Kids under 4 stay free.
Club Med Bali
7 nights from R20,750 pps (includes flights; save up to 15%)
Set departure: 20 November 2019 (book + pay by 27 August)
Connect to the soul of Bali through vivid experiences, and plunge into an enriching family adventure together. Indonesia's Club Med Bali (situated in Nusa Dua) is the perfect blend of modern comfort and Balinese culture and harmony for the whole family. The perfect destination to rejuvenate your body and soul. Nominated the #1 family resort in Asia by the World Travels Choice Awards — kids under 12 stay free in their own interconnecting room; baby equipment available.
Club Med La Pointe aux Canonnier
7 nights from R28,550 (includes flights; save up to R5K pps)
Set departure: 14 February 2020 (book + pay by 27 August)
Share Valentine’s Day with (all) the ones you love! Families can enjoy the Mauritian charm of this fantastic beachfront resort — live the ocean life; water-ski, snorkel or simply watch your children discover a world of tropical fish and coral. Kids under 12 stay free in their own interconnecting room; baby equipment available.
