How to keep the kids happy on holiday

The summer holidays are about to kick off. Whatever kind of break you have planned, whether it’s a holiday close to home or trip aboard (see our guide to the top travel accessories for 2020), this year every holiday requires a bit of extra thought and planning. Here are a few top tips to take the headache out of travelling with kids in tow. Just don't forget the hand sanitiser.

Whatever mode of transport you are taking with children, it's likely there will be trying moments for all involved, especially on long, hot car journeys. There are only so many times you can listen to the Greatest Showman soundtrack after all. Once everyone’s bored of eye spy and has exhausted the sticker books, a tablet and a decent set of headphones is a helpful distraction. Download their favourite programmes (preferably ones that last more than five minutes) and your trip will be a lot more peaceful.

If you’re hitting the beach for some socially-distanced sandcastle building, a well-packed beach bag is a major stress-saver. As well as ensuring you’ve packed the beach towels, swimwear, sunscreen and snacks/water, it’s all about having the right accessories.

‘Top of my list of holiday accessories for kids are a sun hat – I love a straw hat for older girls but sometimes a soft hat which fastens under the chin can be more practical for younger ones,’ says kidswear stylist, blogger and mum-of-two Charlotte Kewley @thelittlestylist. ‘Then some good sunglasses. And of course a well-made and perfectly fitted pair of sandals.’

Comfortable, fit-for-purpose footwear for kids is one of the great stress-savers on family summer holidays. ‘Over the years, I’ve learned that kids don’t need to take that much – I take no more than two pairs of shoes for each of my children,’ says author and mum-of-three, Ali Harris. ‘My nine-year-old daughter has a pair of Salt-Water sandals that go everywhere. I’ve also treated her to a pair of Boden silver sandals this year. My older son would live in his Nike trainers but I’ve also chucked in a pair of Havaianas and for my toddler a pair of robust Clarks canvas shoes that he’ll wear all summer long.’ Don't forget to measure your children's feet before buying shoes online – see our guide to how to measure kids’ feet at home.