If you’re accustomed to living a life of luxury, then adjusting to doing it all with children can be quite a shock to the system – especially when it comes to travel. Can you really still enjoy the opulent hotels and Michelin-starred dinners like you used to, or does everything have to change? And how on earth will you manage to pack all of their toys and other essentials without spending a fortune on excess baggage?
For many new parents, going on holiday or jetting off abroad takes a backseat in the early years, making way instead for weekends with family and perhaps the odd staycation. But if you can’t bear the idea of giving up your lavish Caribbean island stays and first class travel, then you might be wondering whether it’s possible to have the best of both worlds.
The good news is that with some of the world’s very finest hotels now catering to parents who want to relax and enjoy without leaving their youngsters at home, it’s entirely possible to travel as a family with minimal stress, as well as making sure that both you and your children have a wonderful time. Here, we take a look at the biggest things you can do to make sure your five-star trip with offspring goes swimmingly.
Pack their suitcases carefully
Packing your child’s suitcase can be a tricky task, but just like you, it’s essential they have the right outfit for every occasion. Plan their holiday wardrobe ahead of time so that you can ensure they have an outfit for every eventuality, and that they look the part from a fashion standpoint throughout your break.
Be sure to pack essentials such as child-friendly sunscreen and a hat for those long, hot days on the beach, and bring plenty of toys and games to keep them entertained. Don’t forget to choose their footwear carefully, too – they’ll need flip flops for the beach, a pair of stylish trainers for outdoor activities, and for everything else, the crocs classic clog is just the ticket for keeping their feet cool without compromising on fashion points.
Plan for the plane
Becoming a parent doesn’t mean you have to forget long-haul travel until they’re older, but keeping them entertained on the plane is key to ensuring a smooth ride for all. Be sure to bring along some of their favourite toys and games, and remember that even if you’re trying to keep younger children away from screens, this is one scenario where you’ll be glad you brought along a tablet to distract them.
Still, an even better strategy is to get them to sleep through as much of the flight as possible, so bring a blanket and a comforter and do your best to get them down shortly after take off. If you can, book a night flight, as this will make the process easier – and travel first class to ensure they can be kept away from other people’s glaring screens and reading lights.
Choose your hotel carefully – and book a suite
Today, many of the world’s finest hotels and luxury resorts cater to families with children, but nevertheless, this isn’t always the case with your top choices so it’s wise to do some thorough research beforehand to avoid any stress on arrival.
Some high-end hotels cater specifically to adults and have a minimum age requirement, so be sure to check whether your children pass the test if you’re determined to stay at one of these during your break. But your best bet for a hassle-free experience is to opt for somewhere that goes the extra mile to ensure children are made to feel welcome and places a particular emphasis on families without compromising on all those lavish details you love.
You might never have considered an all inclusive before, but there are some excellent resorts in dreamy Caribbean island destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius where choosing this style of holiday only up-levels the entire experience. Often, there are creches, butlers and even nannies on site to make plans for you, keep kids entertained and keep things as relaxing as possible for you, as parents. Book a sprawling family suite to ensure you have plenty of space and that your younger children can stay with you comfortably throughout.
