8 things to do before a Family trip to a hot destination

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As we head towards summer many people are planning family trips abroad to warm and sunny destinations, travelling overseas is something we all look forward too, visiting beautiful countries such as Spain or Italy and enjoying fascinating cultures and people. However while this comes with a lot of excitement there are also some essential preparations we need to take to ensure everyone stays safe, healthy and has a good time. I thought I would share eight critical things that you and your family can do to prepare for a holiday in the sun.   

1. Pack loose-fitting clothes

Yes I know many pack outfits and styles for a breakaway (Instagram pictures come to mind) but do make sure you also take some practical and loose fitting clothes that help keep you cool and help you from overheating and feeling the effect of the heat, this is especially important for young children who just want to be comfortable and run around. 

2. Pack extra Sunscreen

You can never have enough sunscreen on a beach holiday so doubling up on the sunscreen is always a good idea as well as having some packed in your day bag and main luggage making it really accessible as soon as you get off the plane. Also, sunscreen is much cheaper at home and you will pay a premium buying it at a store near a beach. 

3. Carry Antiperspirant and Deodorant

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Why do I sweat so much as soon as the sun comes out?" If so, then you need to look for a solution as soon as you can because most of the paradise and European summer destinations can get very hot. It may seem simple but making sure you pack some deodorant can help ensure you don't get caught out which can be a little embarrassing. 

4. Don't forget the Hat, Sunglasses and UV protective clothing 

We recently visited the Channel Islands and it was unseasonally warm and I was annoyed that I hadn't packed hats for the boys as a bucket hat is essential in hot weather and helps protect your head and neck. The same can be said for your eyes so investing in a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. For children packing some UV protective swimwear that covers most of the body will help alongside suncream to make sure their delicate skin doesn't feel the effects of the sun.  

5. Invest a child-friendly cameras

It's not only the adults that want to capture the holiday memories but also the kids. While my children are far from having phones of their own, my eldest who is 8 does have a camera which he enjoys capturing our adventures on. Getting him into photography also entrusting him with his own piece of tech has been a fun learning opportunity as well as encouraging personal responsibility. You don't have to buy a "kids camera" but rather a budget-friendly robust camera that takes a decent photo. 

6. Read Travel Guides by Others

When I travel I always read up "real" reviews by real people and with so many travelling enthusiasts around the world love documenting their travels on their respective social media accounts and blogs there is a wealth of information out there. Following these individuals and learning from their experiences can go a long way in preparing you for your trip and helping you find those hidden gems. You’ll not only know what to bring with you but also which places to visit and so on.

7. Learn the local language basics & get a translator app

I've just written a post about why it's important to learn the local language basics as it can really help to reduce stress as well as improve your overall travel experience. Many sunny destinations in Europe do not have English as a first language so one should expect it to be widely spoken. If you do run out of time or just have not got to gist with the local language than downloading a translator app can also be very handy.

8. Check you're up to date with your vaccinations

If you're travelling somewhere hot, especially exotic destinations, it's really important to make sure you all have your vaccines up to date as they can protect you against some serious and potentially fatal diseases found in other parts of the world. Just remember that some vaccines need to be given weeks in advance of the trip and are there to keep you and your family healthy. 

Travelling to other parts of the world, it is vital for you and your family to prepare in advance. Doing so will help eliminate many inconveniences that come your way. Remember to carry out extensive research on the best preparations for your vacation so that you are well equipped both physically, financially as well as psychologically. Last but not least, don’t forget to go out there and have as much fun as you can! Spain is indeed a beautiful country, and that’s enough a reason to have the time of your life during your stay.