For new parents, the thought of travelling with a baby can be daunting. A recent survey by OnePoll revealed that 26% of mums and dads of children aged six months to five years are nervous at the thought of any outing that disturbs their child’s normal routine. But sometimes, the prospect of escaping the winter blues for some much-needed sunshine is often too tempting to resist.
Kelly Nairne, marketing director at Bugaboo commented: “When travelling with a baby, new parents get overwhelmed with worry about their upcoming trip. According to the OnePoll survey, parents spend the equivalent of seven hours preparing their children for family holidays. While thorough preparation is essential, selecting a family-friendly destination and investing in the appropriate equipment can alleviate the hassle and worry for new parents.”
By looking into temperature, flight time from London Heathrow, time difference from GMT, and safety ratings, these are some of the best places you can take your little one for a sunny trip.
Fuerteventura
One of the renowned Canary Islands, Fuerteventura, is famous for its beautiful landscapes, golden sand beaches and tranquilatmosphere. It is the perfect spot for new parents, and the data shows it.
Fuerteventura boasts a laid-back vibe, family-friendly features, and the ideal logistics for hassle-free travel. At only 250 minutes from Heathrow Airport, this magical destination welcomes visitors to magnificent nature spots, such as the sand dunes of Corralejo and the Oasis Park Fuerteventura with its zoo and botanical garden. The mild winter temperatures of around 21.37°C allow families to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural attractions of Fuerteventura in a pleasant climate without the discomfort of extreme heat.
The magical Fuerteventura also ranks the highest in terms of safety, meaning that you can stroll around with your baby, having peace of mind.
Madeira
Madeira, an enchanting island in the Atlantic, offers a unique and captivating experience for new parents seeking a sun retreat. Accessible withflights that take about 225 minutes from Heathrow, Madeira beckons with its mild and inviting winter temperatures, averaging around 19.23°C.
What sets Madeira apart are its lush landscapes and botanical gardens, providing a picturesque backdrop for family explorations. The island caters to families with a range of child-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. From family-oriented resorts offering kids’ clubs and babysitting services to attractions like the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Madeira Story Centre, there’s no shortage of engaging activities for parents and little ones alike.
Lanzarote
The Canary Islands seem to be a hot spot for new parents, and it comes as no surprise given the heavenly and relaxed atmosphere of the destinations and their family-oriented infrastructure. Being relatively small islands, they provide an array of amenities suitable for travelling with a baby, and you can easily explore every corner with a travel pushchair.
Lanzarote emerges as an enticing winter sun destination for new parents. Families can explore the island’s unique landscapes, from volcanic formations like Timanfaya National Park to the serene beaches of Papagayo, while their little ones are in the safe hands of an engaging kid’s club.
Known for its accessibility, Lanzarote boasts direct flights and short travel times of around 250 minutes from Heathrow, making it an ideal choice for families with infants. The island’s winter climate, with temperatures averaging around 21.4°C, provides a warm and comfortable environment for relaxation and exploration, elevated by its high safety score of 76.45.
Some of the best family-friendly resorts in Lanzarote are located in Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. They boast entertainment programs for kids, daily clubs, and family-friendly amenities. The Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, with its zoo and water attractions, is a hit among children.
Where else to go for winter sun?
While Fuerteventura, Madeira and Lanzarote are the top three destinations for winter sun for new parents, other spots have also ranked quite high.
Consider Gran Canaria, with its well-connected airports and direct flights, providing a diverse experience, from family-friendly beaches to the exciting Aqualand Maspalomas water park.
Tenerife boasts a balmy winter climate and family-orientated attractions such as Siam Park and Loro Parque, ensuring a memorable vacation for parents and children alike.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, welcomes families with its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Alcudia, and offers family-friendly resorts equipped with rich amenities such as baby pools, babysitting services and specialised activities. There are various excursions in Majorca that the whole family can enjoy.
Getting travel-ready
The OnePoll study showed that 29% of parents gearing up for travel are anxious about their first flight or long car journey with their little one.
When it comes to flights, 60% express concern about their child potentially being noisy and disturbing fellow passengers.
For an easier journey, pack a variety of toys and other entertaining items to keep your little ones occupied. Soft toys that attach to a stroller or aseat can be particularly useful. Combat discomfort during changes in cabin pressure by encouraging swallowing through a bottle, breast, or dummy. And if possible, schedule flights during your littleone’s usual naptime or bedtime.
The survey also reveals that 31% of participating parents feel uneasy about juggling luggage and their child.
Kelly Nairne, marketing director at Bugaboo commented: “Bringing a lightweight and compactable stroller ensures that travelling is that little bit easier. Make the transition through the airport an easy one as you keep your little one in their pushchair right up until you have to board or even right to your seat. A compact design can also make packing away and storing your stroller easier for you and your airline – including storing in your overhead luggage compartment.”
How to prepare for your dream trip with your baby
According to the OnePoll survey, a significant worry for parents is ensuring their child naps at their regular time (44%) and sleeps in their own cot or bed (36%) rather than cuddling with mum or dad.
To address this concern, you can bring along familiar items, from toys and blankets to the actual bed your baby sleeps in. A travel cot can be a great way to establish a travel sleep routine. Your baby will eventually become familiar with the experience and will be able to fall asleep effortlessly. Adhering to your baby’s usual sleep times as close as possible will also ensure they’renodding off in no time.
Another common concern for 35% of parents is adjusting to changes in temperature. To combat this, try adding a sun canopy and a comfortable seat liner to your pushchair, which can helpregulate body temperature when your little one is in their stroller. Choosing breathable fabrics like cotton and linen for your child’s clothing is also crucial in addressing hotter days.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a little trip away from home, finding the right place for you that offers sunshine and easy travel is crucial. By crunching the numbers, these destinations could give your family the break it needs. Each destination brings its unique charm, and paired with the right preparation, you can have a delightful family vacation filled with precious moments.
