The Easter school holidays are one of the most popular times of year for families to travel and it’s the perfect opportunity to take a short break, whether that’s a countryside staycation, a city getaway or a long-awaited overseas holiday.
To no-one’s surprise, travelling with children can also come with its own set of challenges, whether you’re flying, taking the train or even driving somewhere in close proximity. From packing and navigating airports to keeping little ones entertained on the journey, the logistics can quickly become overwhelming but with a little planning and the support of a nanny, families can make the experience more calm and enjoyable for everyone.
To help you get prepared ahead of the school holidays, here are some of our practical tips for travelling with children over Easter and beyond.
Plan Ahead and Pack Strategically
Preparation is key when travelling with children. While adults may be able to pack lightly and adapt on-the-go, children will often need a few more essentials to stay comfortable and ready for anything.
Consider packing a dedicated “travel bag” for each child containing:
A refillable water bottle
Healthy snacks
A small toy or comfort item
A colouring book or activity pad
Headphones and a tablet for entertainment
Having these items easily accessible can prevent unnecessary stress during long journeys.
If you’re travelling with a nanny, they can assist with tasks like creating a packing list, organising children’s bags and ensuring everything needed for the journey is ready well ahead of time.
Keep Children Entertained During the Journey
Long journeys can test even the most patient children (and parents), especially when delays or queues are involved. Having a few simple activities prepared can make all the difference.
Some great travel-friendly ideas include:
Audiobooks or podcasts for children
Travel games like I-Spy or the Alphabet Game
Activity books or puzzles
Drawing pads and stickers
Rotating activities throughout the journey helps keep things fresh and prevents boredom from setting in too quickly.
If you’re travelling with a nanny, they can take the lead on entertaining children during travel, allowing parents to focus on navigating transport, organising luggage or simply enjoying a quieter moment.
Stick to Familiar Routines Where Possible
Holidays often involve exciting new experiences but children still benefit from a degree of routine, particularly when it comes to sleep and meals.
Where possible, we’d encourage families to try to:
Keep bedtime routines similar to those at home
Bring familiar comfort items such as favourite blankets or toys
Maintain regular snack and meal times
These small touches can help children feel more settled in unfamiliar environments.
If you’re travelling with a nanny, they can be particularly helpful in maintaining these routines while travelling, supporting bedtime or quiet time so children stay well-rested and content throughout the trip.
Factor in Downtime
It can be tempting to fill every day of a holiday with activities and sightseeing but children often benefit from a slower pace. Too many packed schedules can lead to overstimulation, overtiredness and (eventually) meltdowns.
Where possible, we’d suggest preserving time in the day for quiet play or relaxing activities at your chosen accommodation, and rest or nap time.
If you’re travelling with a nanny, they can help give parents the flexibility to enjoy moments of downtime themselves, whether that means a quiet coffee, quality time for the adults during the evening or even just a short walk.
Choose Child-Friendly Destinations
When planning a family trip, it’s helpful to choose destinations that offer plenty of activities for children. We’ve previously shared some affordable, family-friendly destinations if you need some inspiration but our suggestion - wherever you go - is to look for locations that include:
Parks or outdoor spaces
Museums or attractions with interactive exhibits
Swimming pools or family-friendly entertainment
Easy transport and walkable areas
Destinations that naturally cater to children will help keep them engaged and reduce the stress of constant planning, whether you’re travelling with a nanny or not.
The Benefits of Travelling with a Nanny
For many families, bringing a nanny along on holiday can transform the experience entirely. Rather than feeling like an extension of everyday responsibilities, the holiday becomes more relaxing for everyone involved.
For children, having a familiar caregiver present can also provide reassurance in new surroundings, helping them settle more quickly into the holiday environment.
Travelling with children over the school holidays can be a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences, as well as create lasting family memories. With a little preparation, the right activities and realistic expectations, the journey itself can become part of the adventure.
For families who choose to travel with a nanny, the added support can make a significant difference, helping parents relax and ensuring children remain happy, engaged and well cared for throughout the trip so travel is both smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.