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Planning your family holiday

Your family holiday should be one of the highlights of the year, yet so many parents return from their break vowing never to attempt it again. But if you get the basics of a family holiday right, you'll come back with fond memories rather than needing another break to recover.

It all starts in the planning

• Make a list of the things each member of your family might want from the trip - such as a sandy beach or watersports lessons - and decide whether you all need a rest or are looking for something physically or mentally challenging. Then sort your list into “must haves” and “nice to haves” to help you make a decision.
• Decide on how long you want to be away for.
• Think about the length of the journey your family can cope with. This will vary by the age of your children and how long you, realistically, think they will handle being confined in a plane.

You should now be starting to filter out some destinations. To help you further:

• Think about the time of year you are travelling and do some research on the weather in your potential destinations.
• Find out whether you will need any injections or medication, such as malaria tablets, for any of your short list of destinations and address any health concerns.
• For inspiration, take a look at our article on 'Top 10 family destinations'. When you have a short list, it's a good idea to talk through the options with your family so everyone feels involved in the decision. That way, you'll have a better chance of starting off on a good footing.
• Set a budget and think about how you’ll pay for your holiday. Many travel companies offer flexible payment options with low deposits, so look out for pay monthly holidays if you’re booking in advance and don’t want to pay in one lump sum.

Doing your research will pay dividends

Time spent researching your trip will really pay off when you are there - you don't want any nasty surprises when you arrive

Start by looking online and browsing a good cross-section of websites - for example, travel companies and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - for help and advice on destinations and resorts that are suitable for children and families.

If you still have questions, speak to your local travel agent who should be able to recommend companies and accommodation to suit your needs. You could also pick up brochures for inspiration.

Talk to friends and family to get family holiday destination ideas, and ask your connections on social media platforms for advice and inspiration.

Travelling with children

Make sure that the journey to and from your holiday destination is as stress free as the time away itself by following our tips on travelling with children. You've done all of the hard work booking and planning your family holiday, and now is the time to relax.

Many parents are filled with dread at the prospect of being stuck in an airport for hours with an easily-bored child, or being the mother or father of the energetic toddler constantly kicking the seat in front on a plane. However, going to the airport and flying can be very exciting for children and, with a little preparation, needn't be stressful for parents.nf

Why is travel so brilliant for families?

We all love holidays but as well as being the chance to soak up some sun, they are extremely beneficial for the whole family. Find out why.

Do you have fond memories of a family holiday from your childhood? Many of us do and this is because travel - however near or far from home you venture - is something that can enrich and add so much to your life. It offers the chance to see places beyond your familiar neighbourhood, to experience new foods and cultures, to enjoy new experiences, to marvel at unique places and, often, to appreciate more about your own life and where you come from.

For parents, travel can be a great opportunity to teach your children more about the world they live in and to challenge any preconceptions they may have. Children are naturally curious and soak up new experiences, so holidays are the ideal time to introduce them to different sights, tastes, smells and sounds - while having fun.

After all, a family holiday is more than just a break in the sun, a visit to a city or ski slope, or a trip to a theme park, it's a chance for the whole group to learn and grow together while in a different environment.