Read Mumsnetters' top tips for planning a family summer holiday with TUI

[LucyBMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their tips on this thread

School may have only just started up again after the Christmas break, but many people are already daydreaming about their family summer holiday. But before you can imagine yourself poolside with a good book in hand, you’re quickly dragged back down to earth when you remember the planning that needs doing. With this in mind, TUI would love to hear your tips for planning a summer holiday.

Here’s what TUI have to say: “At TUI, we know that your family holiday is a time to reconnect and have fun. That’s why we’ve designed hotels especially for families to make it the best week, or two, of the year. From a wide range of fun activities to all day entertainment including evening family shows, kids’ clubs and children’s menus and buffets in resort, we’ve thought of every little detail to give you a hassle free and family-friendly holiday.”

Do you aim to book family friendly accommodation? Are there certain facilities that make your holiday easier, or that you couldn’t go without? How do you keep your children entertained while you’re travelling? Do you prepare activities for them to do on the flight or take easy to carry toys along with you? What’s the one thing you always forget to pack and only realise as you arrive at your destination? What do you wish someone had told you before you went on your first summer holiday with your children?

Tell us your top tips on the thread below and you will be entered into a prize draw where 1 lucky MNer will win a £300 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

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Do your research before hand for ideas / tips on places to eat, visit and keep kids happy

Do you aim to book family friendly accommodation?
My kids love camping, we went to the Netherlands and we bought a massive 8 man tent especially with inflatable mattresses. It was the best purchase for short breaks and going abroad.
We find the kids are fine with their favourite songs on the radio, we also take loads of books, colouring books, we also take tablets and plenty of snacks.

Always look in advance for what's nearby, and print directions if necessary. I make a list of nearest shops, nearest hospital, nearest big supermarket etc. As they say, it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

It's also handy to look up places of interest nearby, and see if you can find discount codes in advance or special offers.

I find it quite stressful planning a holiday. We need to find a venue that we can all enjoy (difficult when hubby just wants to sunbathe, the kids want to swim the whole time and I want to sightsee!). Once we've sorted our destination then I'm the one who organises everything, from passports to insurance, packing for me and my kids, and then ensuring I've got everything necessary to keep the kids entertained en route. I do think going all-inclusive takes lots of pressure off me from doing 'mum duties' and I can finally relax and enjoy the holiday too

Build in contingency time for things not quite going to plan!

Lists, lists and more lists. You need a list for the carry on items, I list of what to pack, a list of anything to buy at the airport, a list of what times you should be places - its the only way!!

We go camping and often quite a long way from home so i tend to buy sticker books and get audio cds to keep my daughters occupied in the car. Harry Potter has been a great favorite as we all like to listen to that one!
I take games for wet weather - bingo is a firm fave and colouring - the old faves come out in wet weather. i also always take one set of clothes for the opposite of whatever weather we are expecting - we have been caught out before!

We love short cruises and tend to travel to Southampton which is around 6-7 hours away from us. We break up the journey by staying overnight midway. We play games such as I spy, are we nearly there yet, yes and no games and tech does come in handy as a distraction too! Cruises themselves are fab for keeping the kids entertained. Lots of family friendly activities and kids clubs, staff really do look after families on board and go the extra mile.

My tips would be -

1. Plan ahead, children get bored so quickly! make sure you research your excursions and book them in advance. Theres nothing more disappointing then getting on holiday and realising the really fun excursions are all booked up.

2. Plan for the airplane journey. I really wish I bought a little pillow on for my son on our last holiday. He was so tired but just couldnt get comfy enough to sleep.

3. For those with little ones who are still on bottles, dont forget to pack your baby bottle brush! I forgot to and it was a nightmare trying to find something to clean the corners of her bottles with.

and most of all, have fun, make memories, smile often and enjoy every moment :)

Thank you to everyone who took part in this sponsored discussion. The winner of the prize draw is @dajohnston10 - congratulations!

kids club and a swimming pools are a must to keep the kids entertained and give us parents time to enjoy too!

It pays to spend some time researching before you get there. I always do plenty of research before getting to a destination so that I have an idea of what activities are available before we arrive and always make sure that there will be plenty of things for the kids to do to keep them entertained and amused so that I am able to relax and enjoy myself without bored kids harassing me to do things.

Book well in advance. Select a family friendly location. Use a packing app to be sure nothing is forgotten. Remember to teach that the holiday is the treat- not gifts once you get there- this makes our family enjoy just 'being'. Have fun!

Do you aim to book family friendly accommodation?
Yes, definitely

Are there certain facilities that make your holiday easier, or that you couldn’t go without?
Swimming pool or outdoor spa jacuzzi

How do you keep your children entertained while you’re travelling?
Electronic devices, dvds, music

Do you prepare activities for them to do on the flight or take easy to carry toys along with you?
Take toys

What’s the one thing you always forget to pack and only realise as you arrive at your destination?
I once forgot all my dc clothes ! Had to go and buy everything new.

What do you wish someone had told you before you went on your first summer holiday with your children?
You will need a holiday by yourself when you get back home !

For our first holiday as a family we booked a hotel with a children's club and swimming pool but they never wanted to go to the club and the pool was not heated so we ended up renting a car and explored the island. They were quite happy just seeing new things and having a choice of food at meal times really spoilt them.

We book early and try to pay it off as early as we can or in installments! I love a list and will write one about two weeks before of everything we need to purchase.
My tip is to be organised, but don;t pack too early - the night before is perfect as you then feel 'fresh' with everything you have packed. If you pack days before you might forget half the items you've put in your suitcase and end up rummaging around!

Eye your destination, save as soon as the last vacay finishes and budget

I always look for a family centred hotel so we can all enjoy a bit of down time!

Make a countdown list to get everything organised! Look for deals, and buy early everything needed.

Order items before you go and collect them at the airport so you dont have to worry about the 100ml limit.

We try to plan a few months ahead
Searching for a good deal online
We discuss where we all want to go

Somewhere near a beach!

i'm much more picky about family holidays, i book 12 months in advance, the location and facilities have to be right with the right activites available

We are making the most of the kiddies being young, and love going to Disney, and staying on property with the dining plan. This is like an all exclusive holiday. The only stress is having to decide which of the fabulous character meals to pick. There is something to occupy everyone, all hours of the day. Happy kiddies= happy mummy and daddy

I think the main thing is that there is plenty to do and places to go nearby, we went to Thailand last year and the resort was super child-friendly and my son LOVED it, and we enjoyed it as it was set on the beach and yet a short walk into the town and markets for eating out and seeing the local area. My idea of hell is being stuck somewhere where entertainment is lacking and there are no places to visit nearby.