Low Cost and Tension Free Family Holiday

Kia Ora! My husband and I are based in New Zealand and are keen travellers. We have been around half of the world including England, France, Spain, Italy, Monaco, Rome, Greece, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Egypt, Portugal, Belgium, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, North America, Canada, and Vanuatu. Romantically, we first met at a backpackers lodge in Te Anau, South Island while we were travelling around New Zealand. We love holidays and try to have a trip abroad every six months, but with two new additions to the family in the last seven years, we have found vacations become a burden financially, physically and mentally.


This year 2007 we vowed to do better as we are planning for an extended family vacation in Asia. Based on our experience in the past, we have done extensive research on numerous topics to save us some travel costs and picked up lots of travel information on how not to stress when traveling with children. We would love to share our up and coming holiday tips with all the parents out there who have been longing for a low cost and tension free holiday!

July 2005 Vancouver, Canada with YY 1 and WW 5 years old.

Cost: $$$$$

Stress Level: @@@@@ max

Physical: extremely exhausting, constant nappy change & feeding

Mental: can't remember much of where we have been!

January 2006 Vanuatu, the Pacific Islands with YY 1.5 and WW 5.5 years old.

Cost: $$$$

Stress Level: @@@@

Physical: exhausting as kids club only for 3 years and up

Mental: haven't seen enough as some remote islands are not for kids!

July 2006 Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Australia with YY 2 and WW 6 years old

Cost: $$$$

Stress Level: @@@

Physical: tiring but starting to enjoy the holiday as a family

Mental: lots of sight seeing and finally able to remember half of them!

Step 1 - Planning Ahead

TRAVELLING doesn't have to stop just because you have children. Go ahead and bring them along! A family holiday will allow you to spend time together and enjoy each other's company. Sure, with kids your travel pace might have to be toned down and constantly meeting the children's needs could be stressful. But with a little planning ahead and preparation, you are well on your way to making your trip work.

Tips on planning a family holiday:

WHY taking the kids
The most important thing is to find out why your are taking the children on holiday. A family holiday gives you the opportunity to do something fun together and to share experience with the loved ones. Make sure you are prepared for all the extra cost and perhaps small amount of stress through out the entire holiday. If you do not think you could cope, stop right here before it's too late.

WHERE to visit
Most countries are safe for children but on contrary there are still a few aren't. Look into the facts and background of your destination carefully to decide whether it's suitable to take your kids. I would not recommend a family holiday to war zone or country infested with disease. Children have higher chance of catching disease due to lower immunity.

WHEN to go
It is usually a lot more pleasant to take the children abroad for a summer holiday than winter. Think of all the extra clothing you need to bring for cold weather and chances of catching cough and cold. Furthermore, most tourist attractions are closed early in the winter season due to shorter day. Kids love to be entertained and do not like being stuck in the hotel.

HOW to get there
Transportation should be well planned. If you are going abroad, try getting an evening flight as chances are the kids will fall asleep rather than moaning and grumping due to boredom. If you need to drive to your destination after landing, make sure you book a rental car ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Remember children do not have the patience to wait in a queue.

WHO to babysit
Find out in advance who could be the baby sitter should you and your partner need to have an evening out for a romantic dinner. Most hotels provide baby sitting service, some resorts have kids club or if you are visiting relatives overseas, they are the good ones to approach for some time out to yourselves. Kids often find it fun to have someone new to look after them.

WHICH hotel to stay
Accommodation is a key ingredient to a successful family holiday. Try booking one with Kids Club. Make sure you check out the location is not too far from tourist attractions, public transport if required and handy to supermarket or shops. Remember to find out what street the hotel is on and if it is suitable for a family. Note that most bargain hotels are located in red light districts which I do not recommend for a family stay not matter how cheap the rates are.