Because when you have young kids its all about the planning

OK OK so it's only October and people are thinking about all things Halloween. Believe it or not though many people are already planning next years holiday though. For some it is a bit of winter sun after Christmas and for others it is something that simply needs to be organized early to accommodate the kids' school holidays and annual leave at work. 
We have just returned from a week in Fuerteventura and there are a couple of things we did that made a huge difference when we booked, packed and embarked on the trip. Things that made it a relaxing experience, rather than one that looked relaxing but was very stressful in reality. 
Here are my tips! 
  • Do not make the mistake we did last year and book a late flight home on the last day. The whole “we will enjoy the full last day” does not work when you have children and only applies to your pre-child life. When you wake up on the last day you have realistically checked out mentally and your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of packing and travelling. We left at lunch time this year and by 6pm we were home, had a wash on and bed time was at a reasonable time. It made a huge difference.
  • Put aside your opinions about screen time and do what works. We had cartoons and movies on the tablet at dinner time every single night and it meant that we could enjoy a peaceful meal. Little man was happy and as he was distracted and content he actually ate a lot more!
  • Don't neglect your own skin. I made that mistake last year. I was so focused on ensuring that my son had factor 50 on every inch of him that I completely forgot to put sunscreen on myself. Realistically the days of sun-bathing are gone and this year I didn't get burnt for the first time in my whole life. Shameful and embarrassing but true. I've learnt my lesson.
  • If your little one drinks cordial bring one of those mini capsules which allows you to add their favourite juice to water in a bottle or out in a restaurant. So handy!
  • We bought €5 worth of cheap toys in the pound shop for the way over on the flight. They also gave him hours of play time on the actual holiday and on the flight home too. I highly recommend this one. Inexpensive so you won't mind if they get lost or broken. The novelty of new toys is great for distraction on the flight too.
  • Is your child in the inbetweeny stage of being in a buggy? 100% bring it. Even if they are barely in it, it becomes really handy for putting bags in, is a handy place if they need a snooze and it makes the airport a lot more manageable.
  • Don't buy air plane food. The lunch deal in Boots is much better value and actually decent food. We picked it up in the airport and had it at the ready half way through the flight.
  • Don't leave your 10 day old phone at toddler's reach. It will end up down the toilet and broken. Happy holidays. 

Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff writer at www.familyfriendlyhq.ie.
Check out her own blog at www.loveofliving.ie

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