Family holidays should be about making memories, not managing meltdowns. With the right preparation, you can make the experience smoother for everyone. The secret is balancing structure with flexibility, so children stay happy, and parents actually get a break.

Choose a destination that fits your family’s pace. Short flights and minimal time zone changes potentially mean less disruption to existing sleep routines. Easy access to beaches or attractions can make a huge, hassle-free difference. Coastal resorts in Spain, Portugal, or southern France are popular for a reason, offering short haul flights to family-friendly facilities and typically reliable weather.

Accommodation matters too. Villas or aparthotels often work better than standard hotel rooms, giving you space to prepare meals, store snacks, and keep routines intact. Look for practical extras such as laundry access, ground floor options, or splash pools for younger children. Being within walking distance to nearby restaurants, supermarkets or pharmacies can also have a big impact on how the holiday flows.

When travelling, keep journeys simple. Snacks, entertainment, and spare clothes can turn a long flight into a manageable adventure. For road trips, plan rest stops in advance and keep essentials like wipes, snacks and entertainment options close at hand. Download plenty of audiobooks or playlists in advance, a smooth journey sets the tone for the entire trip.

Health and safety should never be overlooked. Pack a small medical kit, stick to sun safety, and carry a copy of your insurance documents in case you need medical care abroad. A family travel insurance policy ensures that if someone falls ill or plans change suddenly, you have the right support.

Finally, remember to build in downtime. Children thrive on routine, and everyone benefits from quiet moments between activities. Sometimes the simplest memories, building sandcastles or sharing ice cream, are the ones that last the longest.

The key to a great family holiday is planning just enough to give yourself room to relax. With the right destination, pace, and cover in place, you can focus on enjoying time together, not worrying about what might go wrong.