We all dream of that perfect family holiday — sunny skies, relaxing poolside naps, and happy kids playing while we enjoy a cold drink. But let’s be honest… holidays with young children are rarely that simple.
For many UK parents, European holidays are a staple — quick flights, beautiful beaches, child-friendly resorts… it shouldbe the ideal break. But parenting doesn’t stop at passport control.
One mum told us her biggest struggle was bedtime in a new place. “The excitement, the heat, the strange room — it was impossible to get them down before 10pm. We’d just start to relax, and then they’d be wide awake again!”
Another parent shared their airport meltdown story. “We forgot to pack snacks for the flight and it was chaos before we even got on the plane.”
For others, it’s the mental load. Keeping everyone fed, safe, sun-creamed, entertained, and calm — while still trying to relax yourself — is no small task.
Even at family-friendly resorts, many of us have felt that tug-of-war between wanting to unwind and needing to be ‘on duty’ the whole time.
And let’s not even start on packing…
But we’re curious — what’s been your biggest challenge when holidaying as a parent in Europe?
Was it:
- Managing naps in the heat?
- Trying to enjoy a meal out with overtired little ones?
- Feeling guilty for needing time to yourself?
- Realising that “kids’ club” isn’t quite the solution you’d hoped?
We’re asking not just to share the struggle, but to share tips too. What’s helped you cope, or what would you do differently next time?
Let’s open the conversation — no judgement, no filters. Just real experiences from fellow UK parents doing their best to balance sunshine and sanity.
👇 Comment below or share your story!
