Millie Mackintosh may be a mother of two small children but, judging by her Instagram, the recent jaunt to Dubai was a joyously childfree affair.
The former Made in Chelsea star and her husband Hugo Taylor are parents to two-year-old Sienna and one-year-old Aurelia. But they made the most of their adults-only mini-break, enjoying spa treatments, culinary delights and a distinctly un-toddler-friendly wardrobe.
We're happy for them! Honestly! *Silently seethes with jealousy*
But the globetrotting couple are just as well-versed in how to have a stress-free break as a family. Those of us who weren't invited to Dubai are getting through January by fantasising about our next holiday, but is it possible to have a relaxing break with kids in tow? It might take a little more pre-planning, says Millie, but travelling with children needn't be an ordeal.
Here's her best advice…
What was your first holiday as a family of four?
Last summer, we went on our first family holiday to Zante in Greece. We made some amazing memories together, but holidaying with little ones certainly is a different experience and requires lots of forward planning. We’ve been to Greece a few times with Sienna, first when she was three months old, but it was different heading out as a family of four.
Since it was our first trip as a four, we took my parents with us too, which allowed Hugo and I to have a bit of couple time, as well as spending quality time with both girls. We love holidays, and being able to share them with our little ones makes them even more special now.
How does it differ from your holidays pre-kids?
Holidays without the children are really different, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It's a lot more effort, so can sometimes feel that you need a holiday after the holiday! Family holidays do require more forward planning, so I love to make a list ahead of time. I make sure it’s not left to that last minute rush – as then you’re more likely to forget something.
Before we went to Greece, I’d wake up in the middle of the night and remember that I needed to grab something else for the suitcase, so I would just add it to my list. I am a planner and an organiser, but it does help me properly enjoy the trip when we’re away.
How has going from one child to two changed your holidays?
When you have one little one, things don’t feel that different, you just have another little person along for the ride. When you have two, everything is different, from the amount of luggage you need to navigating the airport. Of course, there will always be stressful times, but the special moments you have make the travel and holiday stress worth it.
What are your top tips for new parents holidaying with children?
One. I use a foundation brush to apply sun-cream to a wriggly baby. It means you're able to cover all the hard-to-reach spots, and makes it more fun for your baby, too.
Two. It sounds strange, but cornflour on the beach is a gamechanger. After being in the water, let your baby air dry a little, then generously apply the flour to any area where sand is still sticking. Wipe off the excess and it's like you were never at the beach at all.
Three. We discovered a sick bag phone hack during the flight to Greece. Slot a sick bag through the back of your phone cover and attach it to the tray in front of you. It keeps the phone at baby’s eye-level and allows you to be hands-free, turning your phone into a baby sensory during any fussy or bored moments.
Four. For parents who are formula feeding, Aptamil Follow On Milk Tabs are a great way to not have to carry a bulky tub. Each tab equals one scoop of formula, saving time and space.
Five. We try to fly during the day, and around nap time if possible, to reduce disruption to baby’s routine. We did an evening flight back from Greece, and that was tricky with both the girls being quite tired and unsettled. People do look, which is hard, but I’m learning to try and not care.
What beauty products are in your travel bag?
SPF of course, for us and the kids – I love La Roche Posay and Ultra Violette SPF 50.
Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, and Génifique sheet masks – my top tip is to keep these in the fridge.
The Kérastase Soleil range for hair.
Dr Barbara Sturm face mist and calming serum, which is good for any areas of irritated skin, for me or the girls.
Aptamil Follow On Milk Tabs research found nearly a quarter of parents (23%) admitted to delaying a much-needed holiday, or day out, due to the stresses of travelling with little ones