Keeping your little ones safe on holiday

Taking young children on holiday can feel daunting. There seems to be so many more risks with children when you’re in an unfamiliar place and that can be quite stressful. So what can you do to minimise some of those risks? One concern is always your child getting lost. It’s important to discuss this with your child and talk about what they should do if they are lost. If you’re in a busy place you could show them a place they could go if they lose you. Another thing that you could do is have them all wear an ID bracelet that has your mobile number on them. You can buy these now that are light weight and waterproof to give you that extra peace of mind.

Water safety is another big worry for parents of young children particularly if your child cannot swim. Floatation devices such as arm bands and rubber rings are great as they allow your child to keep their head above water. You can also get vest style floatation devices that allow a little bit more unrestricted movement compared to bulky inflatables. It’s important to remember that even with these devices on you should never leave your child unattended near any open areas of water.

Stress-free holidays with toddlers

As much as we love our children there are times, especially when on holiday, that we wonder whether the cost and upheaval that a holiday with young children creates is really worth it. The amount of luggage that has to be packed catering for every eventuality is huge and many families struggle to fit it all into the family car. How can we make holidays with toddlers and young children easier and enjoyable for all the family?

Inevitably when on holiday normal routines go out of the window and this is often the problem with babies and young children as they need to keep some sort of routine in place. For instance, regular eating times should be in place so that they do not get too hungry, or they will get upset and grouchy. It is a good idea to have a supply of healthy snacks on hand in case there is a wait for food and always have cartons or bottles of juice or water available. Try to resist giving children too many sweets as this will raise their blood sugar quickly but may make them feel low after a short while.

It is sensible when on holiday to try to keep bedtimes roughly the same as at home or make sure that there is a pushchair available for a tired toddler to sleep in if you intend staying out in the evening. Children are generally adaptable to a certain extent and often the fresh air and full days will make them sleep soundly when they do go to bed.

English breaks for the discerning tourist

It is true that often we miss the jewels that are on our doorstep, and this is possibly true for the Cotswolds a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966. Visitors from countries far and near love visiting the Cotswolds as they view it as being a typical English region with a wealth of thatched cottages, quaint tearooms and country pubs.

Hotels, pubs and guest houses provide plenty of holiday accommodation, but booking is advised as during the summer months the area becomes busy with both British and overseas visitors.

Dining out in this area is a wonderful experience and whether you prefer a la carte dining or prefer a more relaxed pub atmosphere there is something to suit all tastes. Locally made delicious ice cream can often be found on sale in kiosks or sometimes even by a vendor on a bicycle.

The town of Stratford-upon Avon is just a stone’s throw away from the Cotswolds and so many tourists combine a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace with their Cotswold stay. There you can enjoy a leisurely river cruise finding out about the history of this famous town and you may also be able to visit the renown Royal Shakespeare Theatre for one of the memorable performances.

A family holiday to Thailand

If you are looking as to where you may want to book to go on holiday next year for your family get away, Thailand may not be the first place that comes to mind. But if you are looking for a holiday with a difference and want to try something new and away from the traditional beach holiday, then a trip to Thailand may be perfect for you.

Although it may be ok for younger children to go, you need to consider how long the flight will be, if there are any immunisations that you may need to have and also if they are likely to enjoy the holiday and also if you will whilst they are there.

Thailand is a country at the centre of the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is packed with culture and history and is a very vibrant country. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and it is said to be one of the most interesting cities in the world. This is why it is such a popular destination and has grown in popularity year upon year.

Often when in Thailand, you are greeted with a number of local people in the street who are looking to sell their street cuisine and tempting you in to local bars and restaurants. This is a great way to learn more about their local culture but just be aware of how the food is being prepared and consider if it is likely to make you ill.  

Booking in advance to get a better deal

Booking holidays in advance can save you a lot of money as you can often pick up a good deal. Another advantage of booking in advance is that you will secure the price that you have been quoted in case prices rise due to inflation.

There are some things to bear in mind though when booking a holiday that far in advance. As much as you may like to plan ahead for the next year or two, things can sometimes happen and you never know what situation you will be in when the holiday comes round. For this reason it is vital that you take out a good quality holiday insurance package that will cover you should you need to alter or cancel your holiday. If the holiday you booked is ATOL protected then that will cover you against cancellations that are out of your control such as due to Covid lockdowns but if you need to cancel for personal reasons then you may find yourself out of pocket. Shop around for insurance policies and check what they cover as you may want to pay a little extra to had that added level of cover.