The first vacation with a baby – where should you go?

Most of the time the destination with a baby is a compromise between your own wishes and the needs of the child – and that's perfectly fine. The main thing is that all family members get some rest and can spend relaxed time together. As a rule when choosing the destination: you know your child best, so trust your gut.

Near or far?

A long journey is tiring for both parents and baby. For a first trip, destinations that can be reached quickly are probably more suitable. If you do choose a long‑haul trip, you should stay at least two weeks at the destination so your baby can acclimatize. Car, plane or train? Traveling by car offers the greatest flexibility – you can take frequent breaks, be mobile at the holiday destination, and bring everything your baby needs. However, long car journeys during holiday periods can be stressful for children and parents, especially in hot weather. Traveling by train may not be faster than by car, but parents can move around and play with their child during the journey. For more distant destinations, the plane is ideal – many airlines offer a special service for families with small children.

What else you need to know about the Flying with a babyyou'll find out here.

City trip or nature vacation?

The hustle and bustle of a metropolis offers many stimuli for parents; for children this can quickly become sensory overload. If you don't warm to the idea of a nature holiday or a holiday apartment by the sea, you could, for example, book a holiday destination near a larger city. That way day trips are possible at any time. In general, it's somewhat easier to relax in nature with a baby, and parents will appreciate the peace and freedom of movement.

Holiday at a family hotel – baby extras included

What are family hotels? Family hotels are becoming increasingly popular, especially for families with several children. Certified hotels can be found all over Germany and Europe. They are often located in rural areas and offer a wide range of leisure activities and courses. The hotel staff usually includes specially trained childcare personnel on site.

What sets family hotels apart from regular hotels?

In a family hotel everything is geared toward the needs of children and parents. Starting with hotel rooms equipped for children to special playrooms or large playgrounds on the hotel grounds, to a special food offering for children. In addition, all family hotels offer activity programs for children of different ages. This allows families to decide individually each day whether they want to do something together, or whether the parents, for example, go for a short city stroll while the children go paddling, take part in children's theatre or do some crafts.

For new parents – baby hotels

As an alternative to the family hotel, there are also special baby hotels throughout Germany. Here you'll find large family beds or baby cots in the room, a wide selection of jarred baby food in the hotel or communal kitchens for preparing baby food. For parents there are wellness offers and often a babysitting service in the evenings, so that some time together as a couple is possible.

Well equipped – what you should look for when choosing the destination

Temperate climate:Very hot and very cold climates are hard on babies because their temperature regulation is not yet fully developed, so in the first years it's better to choose a destination with moderate temperatures.

Other families:Even if your child is still too young to play alone with other children, it's helpful to be in a family-friendly environment, especially after a restless night.

Separate bedroom:Even if your baby sleeps in the parents' bed, a second bedroom in the hotel or holiday apartment is worth its weight in gold when the baby takes a nap or one parent wants to sleep in.

Washing machine:No one can pack as many children's clothes as will get dirty on holiday. It's good if you can wash bodysuits and little shirts in between.

Shopping options:If you don't want to lug everything from the baby food jar to the diaper supply to the breakfast banana with you, you should choose a destination with nearby shopping options and ideally also a pharmacy.