Generation Covid

Generation Covid: Babies and toddlers on holiday

The consequences of the pandemic have been vast and felt across society but, for some, it is all they have ever known. How will today’s babies and toddlers up to two years old cope with leaving their familiar home for the first time and encountering a new environment and experiences? Will families change their own behaviour in a bid to smooth these potential issues and what are they expecting? 

Nothing beats determination

Just under 90% of families (89%) are not deterred by any potential obstacles and still intend to travel with their young ones in 2022. More than half (54%) will be staying in the UK but 44% will venture into Europe and the boldest 20% plan to travel even further afield. 

Summertime is the favourite season to travel with these youngsters (45%) followed by an Easter break (33%) and the spring bank holiday (23%). 

Up to the task

Travelling with very young children has always come with its own set of challenges. Parents have to cope with the colossal number of items that are essential to pack (36%), finding accommodation suitable for babies (31%), securing time on the holiday to take a break themselves (30%) and finding reliable, trustworthy and affordable childcare facilities (23%). Other people can also be a bit of a trial, with 27% of parents saying that their fellow travellers often complain about the amount of noise produced by such a small human being. 

When it comes to what additional, very real concerns that families face when travelling with a small child since the pandemic, the primary worry is that they as parents will catch the virus and not be able to look after their offspring (36%) and also that a sudden change in travel restrictions will strand them with a baby somewhere abroad (35%). The baby could also catch or spread the virus as they are not vaccinated (26%). 

The lack of the usual socialising during the pandemic is another area of apprehension with anxieties about how the baby will adapt to the new environment, having spent much of the time at home in the last two years (31%) and the fact that the baby is not used to meeting or being handled by strangers as they did not meet many new people over this period (23%). 

Other practical matters involve finding a clean and safe place to stay for the holiday (29%). 

From planning to execution

This is a time when the support of a wide circle of family and friends really comes to the fore as 70% of UK families holidaying with babies and toddlers in 2022 plan to travel with other people who can help out, if needed. These can range from grandparents (30%) to extended family members such as uncles/aunts and cousins (16%) and adult siblings (16%). A strong buddy group is also a significant benefit with 16% travelling with friends who also have kids and 13% with pals that do not. 

However good the support, there will be a greater degree of preparation needed to ensure the holiday runs smoothly. Parents plan a range of coping strategies, ranging from starting a list of items to pack for the baby (36%), researching baby-friendly accommodation (24%) and investigating baby travel essentials (24%). Advice can come from several sources, such as families and friends (19%) and the baby’s paediatrician (15%), as well as podcasts (10%), blogs, books and magazines (10%). 

A cute 13% will buy matching travel outfits for the baby and themselves.  

On a more positive note, UK parents recognise the unique value of spending quality time together as a family on holiday in terms of increased bonding (34%), making memories (34%) and new experiences to help the children learn and grow (33%). More specific developmental benefits include getting them comfortable with air travel (20%), socialising with other parents and babies (18%), sleeping away from home (18%) and adjusting to a different routine (17%). 

When travelling with a small child, the main areas of concern for parents booking accommodation are immensely practical. Child-proofing safety measures were chosen as key to 36%, with the availability of baby equipment and cleanliness both earning (33%) and easily cleanable surfaces close behind on 32%. 

Sufficient space, easy access to childcare facilities and good kitchen equipment including a microwave were important to 20% with privacy on 17% and a parking space on 14%. 

The most preferred type of accommodation when travelling with young children is a holiday rental which could feel like home, chosen by 35% of parents, followed a hotel with all the facilities and services (27%), a resort to be able to socialise with other people (15%) and a campsite (11%) or a motorhome (11%). 

The dream of a longer break

The majority of parents are not fazed by the prospect of taking even more time away with their new offspring than the usual two weeks, with 69% saying they would consider taking part of their parental leave together with the baby for a longer period, if that were a possibility. More than 20% would stay in the UK, either touring (22%) or taking a holiday rental (21%). A more adventurous 19% would even consider taking a round-the-world trip, with staying in different places while touring Europe and renting a holiday home abroad achieving the same percentage.