Congratulations mama! You’ve brought new life into the world - you most definitely deserve a holiday. 

But if the thought of your first family getaway fills you with more dread than delight, you’re not alone. Knowing how to nail parenting in a different country without your usual support and schedule can feel overwhelming. But fear not, we’re here to help.

At Tiny Travelship we pull on the collective knowledge of mamas well-travelled to act as your expert resource, proving that parent pleasing and family-focused can go hand in hand.

We’ve rounded up 5 of our top tips and destination recommendations for your first family holiday, from our community of mamas.

You can go the distance 

The younger the babe, the easier it is to travel. Make the most of your sprog being small, sleepy and super portable. Don’t fear long haul flights, they’re so much easier with still and snuggly newborns than tearaway toddlers. Clock in those air miles while you still can – night flights are the dreamiest. Planes basically act as a giant white noise machine, so you can make the most of all those contact naps with movies and magazines.

Stay

Spectacular scenery, world-class wine, beautiful beaches AND the same time zone as the UK – so no jet lag – South Africa is fantastic for families. La Clé des Montagnes are standout super-smart villas with hotel-style service

If you’re seeking an island idyll minus any seaplanes, Antigua is a winter sun island escape that’s relatively easy to get to. You leave London in the morning and thanks to the five-hour time difference you arrive by midafternoon ready for a dip in the pool, with cocktail in hand. Check into Blue Waters for an unbeatable beachfront location on sugar-sweet sands.

The golden ratio 

We’re all about beauty sleep – for mamas and minis. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with holiday pram naps, we highly recommend finding a snoozing set up where babes can rest their heads in their cots, whilst mamas rest theirs sunbathing on loungers. Rooms with outdoor spaces are a godsend. Even better are pool or beachfront rooms. It’s worth checking with your accommodation from which rooms the baby monitor range will stretch. 

Stay

Monastery Estate Retreat in Crete is home to spacious suites with private pools, and a very affordable price tag!

Further afield, check into an overwater villa at The Residence Maldives before your tiny traveller finds their sea legs. If you have a walker on your hands, the beach villas have direct access to soft, powdery sands 

Hand luggage only 

Ok, that might be optimistic, but it can be hugely comforting to find a hotel that provides all the parental paraphernalia you’re used to at home. Hotels, villas and even Airbnbs are getting savvy to mamma’s needs and offering a whole range of baby equipment, from the standard highchairs and cots to bottle warmers, sterilisers, baby monitors and toys. Check what’s available at your destination and don’t be afraid to ask for photos.

Stay

5* Almyra offers a game-changing packing service, Baby Go Lightly, to remove all your suitcase stress. Pre-order anything and everything from baby food and toiletries through to nappies, potties and even baby gyms, bouncers and walkers.

A room of your own 

If your Tiny Traveller is in their own room at home, it’s a good idea to look for places with separate sleeping spaces. There’s nothing worse than being a prisoner to your baby’s naps on holiday. This doesn’t need to be a suite with a second bedroom, you can make a nursery out of a walk-in wardrobe or even a super large bathroom.

Stay 

Penally Abbey is a cosy coastal country house in Wales with HUGE bathrooms, more than big enough to accommodate the provided travel cot. Elsewhere, cosseted comfort reigns supreme, with sultry interiors full of gorgeous nooks and crannies. The eclectic mix of local antiques, French market finds and Farrow and Ball hues is *chefs kiss*

Put yourself first 

The time will come when you’ll have to start incorporating your tiny traveller’s needs into your holiday planning a bit more, considering things like transfer times and entertainment options. One of the best things about travelling with really little ones is that all they really need is somewhere to sleep and bathe, so the world is really still your oyster. Don’t retire that pre-baby travel bucket list just yet. 

Stay 

Casa La Siesta in Andalucia is a gorgeous adults only boutique hotel that welcomes families during certain weeks throughout the year. Whilst Les Roches Rouges proves that the formula to a family-friendly stay included sleek aesthetics, gastronomy and a serious dose of 50s glamour.