The @FalconHolidays Fool-Proof Family Holiday and tips from mums

Spring has finally sprung, warmer temperatures are upon us and planning a family holiday is on the agenda for many families in Northern Ireland.
Whether you are embarking on an Easter break away or planning a holiday in the sun, Falcon Holidays has developed some top tips to ensure you take off with as little stress as possible!

The Planning Stage
1. Pick a Child-Friendly Resort
All parents know the key to keeping children happy is to make sure they have lots to do, so it’s important to choose the right resort. Falcon Holidays has an abundance of holiday experiences that cater for a family’s every need.

Holiday Villages from Falcon are a one-stop-shop of endless entertainment for the kids…and adults too. If you’re looking for something even more energetic Falcon’s Splashworld resorts are ideal as they include an actual waterpark on site or nearby with free and unlimited access for the duration of your holiday.

2. Go All-In
Consider going all-inclusive. While this may seem like a more expensive option when booking, most people actually end up saving money as their food, drinks and ice-creams are taken care of before they travel.
This is the perfect option for people with young kids as it takes the hassle out finding somewhere suitable for the family to eat each day.

3. Value For Money
The last thing you want to be worrying about while you’re trying to enjoy your holiday is money. Be smart with your booking; book early where possible, opt for one of Falcons Family Holiday Deals and take advantage of the Free Child Places and Free Room and Board Upgrades while they are still available!

Packing Smart
4. Pack For The Journey With Little People In Mind
Smart packing for every step of the journey will help to avoid any mini-meltdowns! Often the most stressful part of a family holiday is the plane journey.

Keep a book, some crayons and paper in your handbag and bring along your little ones’ favourite toy for comfort. It can also be worth giving in to technology in this instance.
Sure, you don’t want them to have their head stuck in an iPad for the whole holiday; but having a few games and their favourite movie will keep them happy and quiet for the journey.

5. Remember The Essentials
The first thing kids usually want to do on holiday is jump in the pool! Make sure you bring two swimsuits so they can use one while the other is drying. Waterproof sun-cream is essential so bring a few bottles of high factor to ensure they are well protected.

Pack both at the top of your suitcase so you can start having fun as soon as you arrive. When you travel with infants check out what is available for you locally to keep your bags light.

You don’t have to pack the kitchen sink if you buy things locally like nappies or bottled spring water for making up your baby’s formula. In Falcon’s Holiday Villages you can even book a Mothercare pack in advance that has the essential equipment you may need.

While on holiday
6. Take Time For Yourself
This is your holiday too! Remember to take a few hours out to pamper and enjoy yourself. Lots of Falcon properties offer adult exclusive areas such as spas, pools and bars so why not try a beauty treatment or À la carte dining for two while the children are having a good time at the Kid’s Club?

7. Have Fun
The kids will have lots more fun if they see you having fun too! Have a go on the scary looking waterslide, go pony-trekking or just have a game of volleyball on the beach and finally enjoy yourself!

To book your Falcon holiday for Summer 2014 or Winter 2014/15, check out www.falconholidays.co.uk, pop into your local agent or call 028 90 389 359.

Tips from NI mums:

Cathy Martin:
Preparation is everything when travelling with kids – and anticipating anything from minor ailments and infections to potential boredom situations means that packing becomes a bit of an art. When our older kids (and the littlest one, Valentina) are occupied and interested, it means we as parents can relax more, so I bring plenty of easily packed toys and games, and it’s amazing the toddler games you can create with simple things like a deck of cards! Choosing the right resort can help, so you’re safe in the knowledge that there are plenty of relevant activities and child-friendly places to go, plus packing a well-stocked accident and emergency bag is also prudent, as summer colds and poolside slips and trips can happen in the excitement of playing in water all day.

Khara Pringle:
I recommend lots of bribery, technology & books – but I also don’t bow to pressure with a child, this is very important!

Emma-Louise Johnston:
I’m probably stating the obvious but ‘be prepared’ is probably my biggest tip – have drinks, snacks and books that your kids like and a couple of changes of clothes so that if there are any accidents it’s easily sorted. While I dislike the way kids can get slightly addicted to them, a tablet – iPad or whatever – can definitely keep them occupied on a long journey which means you might even get the chance to read a few paragraphs of your book – bliss!