Vicky If you’ve ever tried to organise a family holiday, you’ll know it can feel a bit like herding cats. Especially when you’re juggling the needs of teens, little ones, and, let’s be honest, your own sanity. Over the years, our family has learned that the key to a genuinely enjoyable trip isn’t just the destination. But how you plan, adapt, and include everyone along the way. As a mum and a travel-loving teen, here are the lessons we’ve gathered (sometimes the hard way!) to help you plan a stress-free family holiday.
Let Everyone Have a Voice—Especially the Teens
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that family holidays work best when everyone feels involved. This is especially true for teens, who are at that tricky stage between wanting independence and still needing family time. My daughter Tilly, who’s been travelling since she was three, is now a seasoned explorer at fifteen. Her top tip? “Ask us what we want to do, not just what you think we’ll like.”
Before you book anything, have a family meeting. Get everyone to list one or two things they’d love to do or see on the trip. Try to include at least one “must-do” for each family member in your itinerary. Even if it’s as simple as an afternoon at the beach or a visit to a quirky local café. For teens, consider letting them plan a day or choose a restaurant. Giving them responsibility helps them feel valued (and can lead to some surprising adventures!). My teen loves getting ‘lost’ in new cities and finding new things to see and do.
Pack Light, Pack Right For A Stress-Free Family Holiday
If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to cause stress, it’s lugging around too much stuff. We’ve had our fair share of overpacked suitcases and forgotten essentials. Now, our motto is: less is more.
Tilly’s advice is spot on: “I used to pack for every possible situation, but now I just bring my favourite clothes and my camera. If I forget something, we can usually find it when we get there.” Write a checklist together as a family. Make it a fun activity and let everyone tick off their own items. Encourage teens to take charge of their bags (with a quick check from mum or dad before you leave). Pack versatile clothing and remember that most places have shops for anything you forget. Don’t forget the essentials: chargers, medications, travel documents, and a few snacks for emergencies.
Build in Some Downtime
It’s tempting to fill every moment with sightseeing and activities, especially if you’re travelling somewhere new. But too much scheduling leads to tired, grumpy kids and frazzled parents. Teens, especially, need time to chill—whether it’s reading, scrolling on their phones, or just people-watching in a café. Some of our best holiday memories have come from unplanned afternoons—like wandering through a local market or having a lazy picnic in the park. Even getting lost in a new city brings exciting new adventures.
Schedule one “free” day, or at least a few hours, with no plans. Be flexible. If everyone’s exhausted, swap a busy afternoon for a movie marathon in your accommodation. Be sure to choose a comfortable and spacious place to stay, such as this Braemar accommodation. Remember: it’s okay if you don’t see everything. The goal is to enjoy your time together, not tick off every attraction.
Embrace Technology (Within Reason)
Let’s be honest—teens and screens go hand in hand. While it’s important to have family time, allowing your teen some tech time can make the trip smoother for everyone. In our family, we set some boundaries (like no phones at dinner or during certain outings), but let teens use their devices for photos, music, or keeping in touch with friends.
Get creative by encouraging your teen to document the trip through photos or videos. Tilly loves using her camera to capture moments, and it’s become a fun way to reflect on our travels. Consider starting a family travel blog or Instagram account. It’s a brilliant bonding activity and gives teens a sense of ownership.
Expect The Unexpected For A Stress-Free Family Holiday
No matter how carefully you plan, things will go wrong. Trains get delayed, weather changes, and sometimes someone just isn’t in the mood. Rather than seeing these moments as disasters, try to embrace them as part of the adventure. Some of our funniest stories come from mishaps, like missing a train in Brussels or getting completely lost in a new city. We’ve learned to pack a sense of humour and go with the flow.
Always carry snacks, a small first-aid kit, and a positive attitude. The mishaps often become the stories you laugh about for years to come.
Focus on Memories, Not Perfection
At the end of the day, the best family holidays aren’t the ones where everything goes perfectly. They’re the ones where you connect, laugh, and experience something new together. Tilly’s final word? “It’s not about the perfect trip—it’s about making memories, even if they’re a bit messy.”
So, as you plan your next family adventure, remember to involve everyone. Pack light, build in downtime, embrace tech, expect the unexpected, and focus on fun over perfection. Here’s to a stress-free family holiday and stories you’ll cherish forever.
