With many of us working longer hours than ever, having some time away from the office and swapping it for a week away with the kids can give you some much needed time for some peace and relaxation. When it comes to booking a trip away, there are lots of factors to take into account. We all want to get good value for money, so here are five essential tips on how to plan and book your next family holiday.
Sort Out Passports
Your first port of call when planning and booking a family holiday is to ensure all your passports are in date. The last thing you want is to turn up at the airport and find you’re not allowed to travel, so keeping a close eye on your passport’s expiration date is important. Even if you have some time left on your passport, many airlines won’t allow you to board the plane, so make sure that you renew your passports before planning your adventure.
Research Destinations
Unlike in the past where you could have free reign on where you want to go on holiday, your kids should always come first, meaning you should pick a destination that’s family-friendly and suitable for all ages. With so many destinations to pick from, it can be hard to know where to start, so it’s best to have a sit down with your family and discuss the types of activities and excursions you want to do to make sure you pick the right place.
Flights and Accommodation
It goes without saying, the earlier you book your holiday, the more chance you have of securing the best deals when it comes to finding flights and accommodation, whether you are looking to stay somewhere like one of these mykonos luxury villas, or a budget-friendly option in a bustling city. For many families, every penny counts so doing your research into flight times and the best places to stay can potentially save you a ton of money. There are various websites that you can check out that enable you to compare flights and accommodation, such as Expedia.
What to Pack
We all know how much of a nightmare packing can be. Even if you’re only going away for a few nights, making sure you’ve got all the essentials is crucial. You don’t want to arrive at your destination to find you’ve forgotten something important, so getting your suitcase packed well in advance can help you be more organised. It’s advisable to create a checklist you can tick off to make sure you have everything you need for your family holiday.
Funding Your Holiday
With many families saving up throughout the year to afford a holiday away, budgets can be tight, therefore, to bring you peace of mind and to make sure you have enough funds whilst you’re on your trip, you may want to consider taking out a short term loan. Loan Pig is a MyJar loan alternative that can provide you with short-term funds should you find yourself in a financial emergency before your holiday.
Whether you’re off on a city break or a week away by the beach, going on holiday with your family should be something to look forward to, rather than fear. Being organised from the get-go can help you find the best deals, know what to pack for your adventure, as well as staying on top of your finances to ensure you have enough money for your family holiday.