Top Family Holiday Tips

Top Family Holiday Tips

Organising a family holiday can be stressful and expensive whether you're planning on travelling to a local destination, interstate or overseas which is why we've collated these top family holiday tips which take into consideration budgets and the need for family friendly entertainment.

Plan, plan, plan: Plan your trip in its entirety before leaving home, that way you'll be relaxed because you know where you're heading next and what's on each day. Think about organising transfers before you go and research the best family friendly entertainment and pre-book if the activity is popular, to avoid missing out.

Choose the right time to travel: Choose when is best for your family to travel but keep in mind school holidays and public holidays will be more expensive to travel. Look at travelling in the last week of the school holidays, instead of the first.

Hotel Deals: Always look for 'package deals' and 'add-ons' when choosing accommodation. Package deals (especially when flying) offer huge discounts whilst family friendly 'add-ons' will save you money. Look out for 'kids-stay-free' or 'kids-eat-free' to decrease the cost of the family vacation. Taking the time to research exactly what is included in your stay (linen, internet access, breakfast, and transfers) will mean you have more money for activities and could even plan a longer holiday.

Pack carefully: Write a list of what you need to pack, the week before you plan to leave, to ensure you don't forget anything - you'll be surprised how many items you remember two days after you write the list. Be sure to add games and toys (board or card games, portable DVD player, and reading and activity books) to the list to ensure kids are occupied during times of travel or rainy weather. Make sure you follow the rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights into and out of Australia; for more information see www.travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au

Research: If you're heading overseas, you should research the country before leaving so you know about their weather, currency and conversion rates, customs and specific rules, regulations that may be different to Australia and the basics of their language (invest in a translator book). It is also important to ensure you have all the right documentations before leaving, including Passports, VISA (if required) and travel documents. When travelling overseas, it is important to register you and your family with Smartraveller.gov.au

Most importantly, have fun!