Travelling when you've got the little ones in tow can be a tricky business at times, but the more you do it the more you'll realise that you can have fun family holidays that are fit for everyone, from tots to teens! We want your summer holidays to be as stress-free as possible, which is why we've rounded up the top hacks on how to keep the kids happy on holiday. Simply browse our fantastic beach and city breaks and you're set for a fantastic trip without any tantrums, thanks to our travel hacks for parents! 

SMART AIRLINE TRAVEL TIPS

A holiday begins at the airport and checking-in can be a task in itself if you've got young kids running around. Trunki's are a great investment if you want to keep the kids entertained in long queues - the small suitcase is perfect to carry on as their hand luggage and the strap allows you to wheel them along quite happily - saving their legs from those far away departure gates. If you're going on a low-cost carrier, take notes from our how to pack and suitcase hacks. 

It's smart to be selective when it comes to boarding too. If you're travelling as two parents and a child/children, try to book an aisle and window seat so the kids can sit in-between you - you can double check these details with the airline if you need to, most will be accommodating and willing to help out those travelling with family. If you've got the room, it's also a good idea to bring a pillow (not the small travel pillows but a normal size fluffy pillow) – yes, it’s a little bulky, but it can be a life saver if you want to settle the kids on a long journey (particularly if it's overnight). Plus, once they're finished with it, you can use it for yourself! With these hacks, you’re all set to travel to the best family holiday destinations in the world, along with the kids! 

FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH TEENAGERS

Once you hit your teenage years, going on holiday with your parents isn’t too popular – but our selection of top destinations for families of all ages will certainly keep it cool. Book an all inclusive resort and make the most of fantastic food, relaxing swimming pools, day trip facilities and plenty of beach fun – including watersports.

Activity themed holidays such as skiing, cycling and sailing can be a great way for the whole family to interact. So, how about planning adventure holidays with your teenagers? These bucket list adventures will make memories for years.

BEST KIDS HOLIDAYS

Hotels with waterparks nearby get a thumbs up with most younger cubs. The Siam Park waterpark in Tenerife is one of the best in the world, with its famously fast Tower of Power ride – so why not consider a stay at nearby Costa Adeje resort? The Neptuno Costa Adeje Aparthotel is a good value, family-friendly option with pools and a playground. It’s also close to the resort's other popular park, Aqualand. Even better than a trip to a waterpark on holiday is having your very own waterpark in the hotel. You’ll find lots of hotels with waterparks in Turkey. Just like waterparks, all kids love themeparks. Salou is a sunny holiday hotspot on the Costa Dorada, and Europe’s biggest themepark, PortAventura, is on its doorstep. These are some great travel hacks for parents, even if we do say so ourselves!

TRAVEL GAMES FOR TODDLERS

Even children who are normally well-behaved can get antsy on a long plane or car ride. If you have one, it's worth bringing a tablet on board and loading it with your child’s favourite shows and games. A new sticker book or story for the plane can be really handy too, especially for persuading active toddlers to sit down ready for take-off! If you plan on travelling around a lot, you can play music during car journeys or engage them in easy in-car games such as "I Spy". Check out some handy travel toys for toddlers on airplanes, such as stickers, puzzles and colouring books, to keep them busy (and distracted!) during the flight. 

TRAVEL FIRST-AID KIT FOR A FAMILY HOLIDAY

Put together, or buy from a chemist or travel clinic, a basic first-aid kit containing antiseptic cream, water sterilisation tablets, assorted plasters, scissors and tweezers (not in hand luggage). A first aid essentials kit is handy to have on holidays and will ensure you've got any unwanted bugs, bites or bashes covered. Decongestant tablets are handy for earache on flights, Calamine lotion and antihistamine cream is useful for soothing rashes, burns and stings (must be less than 100ml if in hand luggage), plus junior painkillers and, of course, high-protection sun cream!

TRAVEL BABY FOOD

The usual restrictions on taking liquids on-board aircrafts don’t apply to baby formula or bottled breast milk, but do take care to declare them during the security check. Most parents find it easiest to bring travel-sized cartons of made up formula for the journey but you can also bring powder and flasks of boiled water alongside your sterilised bottles. For older babies, pack plenty of water and food you know they’ll eat. Plane journeys are a good time to relax the rules and provide a few yummy snacks as the occasional tasty treat can go a long way towards battling boredom. If you’re flying with a baby, you can’t do without these hacks!