Family Travel Made Easier: Tips for Parents

Travelling with children can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, family holidays can become some of your most treasured memories. Whether you are flying from Dublin Airport, taking the ferry from Rosslare, or planning a staycation along the Wild Atlantic Way, thoughtful planning can reduce stress and make the experience more enjoyable for the whole family.

Plan earlier than you think you need to

One of the biggest causes of stress for families is last-minute planning. School holidays naturally drive-up demand, particularly during midterm breaks, Easter and the summer months. Booking flights and accommodation three to six months in advance gives you more choice, better flight times and a higher chance of securing seats together. Early booking also allows families to spread out the financial cost, making the holiday feel more manageable long before departure day arrives.

Choose non-stop flights whenever possible

When travelling with children, simplicity is key. Non-stop flights from Dublin, Cork or Shannon to destinations such as Spain, Portugal or France remove the stress of missed connections and reduce overall travel time. Long layovers and multiple transfers often lead to overtired children and frustrated parents. If long-haul travel is unavoidable, breaking the journey with an overnight stop can significantly improve the experience for young families.

Pack smart rather than overpacking

Irish parents often prepare for every possible occasion, but overpacking can create unnecessary stress. Most European destinations have supermarkets like those at home, meaning essentials like nappies, wipes and snacks can easily be purchased abroad. Focus on adaptable clothing that can be layered, particularly as evenings can cool quickly even in summer. Packing a small bag with everything needed for the first 24 hours is a practical safeguard in case checked luggage is delayed.

Prepare properly for the airport experience

Airports can be overstimulating environments for young children, especially during busy holiday periods. Much of the stress can be avoided by checking in online, downloading boarding passes in advance and arriving with sufficient time to move calmly through security. Dublin Airport provides baby changing facilities in both terminals and occasionally operates family security lanes during peak travel times. Hunger and boredom are common triggers for airport meltdowns, so having snacks and small activities on hand can make a noticeable difference.

Consider child-friendly flight times

While early morning flights are often cheaper, they are not always the most practical option for families. A 6am departure can mean waking children in the middle of the night, which sets a difficult tone for the day ahead. Mid-morning flights tend to align better with natural sleep routines and avoid late-night arrivals in unfamiliar destinations. Paying slightly more for a suitable flight time can often be worth the reduced stress.

Embrace a slower pace of travel

Trying to fit too much into a short break can leave both parents and children exhausted. Young children in particular benefit from routine and downtime, even while abroad. Planning one main activity per day and allowing time for relaxation helps maintain energy levels and enjoyment. Children often remember simple pleasures, such as swimming in a pool or playing on a beach, more vividly than busy sightseeing schedules.

Don’t overlook the value of an Irish staycation

International travel is not the only way to create meaningful family memories. Ireland offers a wide range of family-friendly destinations, from wildlife parks and activity centres to coastal towns and countryside retreats. Staycations remove the stress of airports entirely and provide flexibility if plans change due to weather, something Irish families are well accustomed to managing.

Budget for hidden travel costs

Many families underestimate the extra expenses associated with travelling abroad. Airport parking, baggage fees, car hire insurance, tourist taxes and daily dining costs can quickly add up. Building a financial cushion into your overall travel budget helps avoid money-related stress during the holiday itself and allows families to focus on enjoying their time together.

Keep travel documents organised

Irish children require their own valid passports, and some destinations require several months of validity remaining beyond the travel date. Keeping both physical and digital copies of important documents, including passports and travel insurance, provides reassurance in case anything is misplaced. Organised documentation reduces unnecessary panic if plans change unexpectedly.

Accept that not everything will go to plan

Even the most carefully planned trip may include delays, missed naps or minor mishaps. The key difference between a stressful holiday and a positive one often lies in flexibility. Children take emotional cues from their parents, so remaining calm when plans shift can help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

Parents often feel pressure to create the perfect holiday experience, but family travel doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Sharing ice cream along a Spanish promenade, walking on a beach in Kerry or enjoying a simple evening together in a caravan in Wexford are the moments that tend to last. With realistic expectations and thoughtful preparation, travelling with children becomes less about managing stress and more about building great memories.

^{An Post Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Chubb European Group SE.}