The first vacation with a baby – where should you go?
Most of the time the travel destination with a baby is a compromise between your own wishes and the child's needs – and that's perfectly fine. The main thing is that all family members get some rest and spend relaxed time together. As a general rule when choosing the destination: you know your child best, so trust your gut.
Near or far?
A long journey is exhausting for parents and baby alike. For a first trip, destinations that can be reached quickly are probably better suited. If you do decide on a long-distance trip, you should stay on site for at least two weeks 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 pack everything your baby needs. However, during peak travel times a long car journey is stressful for children and parents, especially in hot weather. Traveling by train may not necessarily be faster than by car, but parents can move around and play with their child during the trip. For more distant destinations, flying is optimal – many airlines offer special services for families with small children.
What else you need to know about the Flying with a baby that you need to know, you'll find out here.
City trip or nature holiday?
The bustle of a metropolis offers many attractions for parents, but for children it can quickly become sensory overload. If you can't come to terms with the idea of a nature holiday or a holiday apartment by the sea, you could, for example, book a destination close to a larger city. That way day trips are always possible. 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. The 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 generally includes specially trained childcare personnel on site.
What distinguishes family hotels from regular hotels?
In a family hotel everything is geared to the needs of children and parents. From hotel rooms with child-friendly furnishings to special playrooms or large playgrounds on the hotel grounds to a special menu for children. In addition, all family hotels offer a care program for children of different ages. That way families can decide each day individually whether to do something together, or whether the parents, for example, go for a little city stroll while the children go paddling, participate in children's theatre, or do some crafts.
For young parents – baby hotels
As an alternative to family hotels, 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 offerings and often a babysitting service for the evening hours, so that some time together as a couple is possible.
Well equipped – what you should look for when choosing a destination
Temperate climate: Very hot and very cold climates are hard on babies, because their temperature regulation is not yet fully developed; therefore 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 with other children on their own, it helps to know that you are 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 a midday nap is taken 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 to be able to wash onesies and little shirts in between.
Shopping facilities: If you don't want to lug everything from the jar of baby food to the diaper supply to the breakfast banana, you should choose a destination with a nearby shopping facility and ideally also a pharmacy.
