Families with young kids flock to the South Pacific islands for well-deserved breaks and first family holidays, and why wouldn’t they? It’s got pristine beaches, nanny services and kids clubs, English is the second language, and all within only a few hours flight of Australia’s East Coast!

But travelling with toddlers and younger babies can bring on bouts of anxiety for lots of parents; all the planning and packing can be overwhelming. But we are here to help! As the experts in all things South Pacific (and with a few mums on our team too!) we have the advice you need to make your trip a success. Read on below for our Top Tips, and Contact Us or call on 1800 800 722 for further info or assistance.

Flights and Airports

The logistics of a family holiday can be mind boggling, so let’s start from the beginning – the actual travelling!

When planning your trip consider the ages of your kids and what that means for their airfares. Infants under 2 years old generally fly at 10% of the adult price BUT they don’t get a seat and aren’t given a checked bag allowance. Remember this when you’re packing to avoid those excess baggage fees you can get stung with at the desk! Alternatively you can upgrade the fare to give them a seat of their own (great for night flights or longer durations to give tired parents a break! Must be with an approved child restraint system however) or include a suitcase. Kids from 2 to 11 years usually pay around 75% of the adult flight price, but some airlines such as Fiji Airways offer specials throughout the year with child fares at less than 50%, so plan ahead – and don’t forget to give your travel agent the kids dates of birth so they can be sure to secure the correct price for you!

International flights usually open 3 hours before departure, and aiming to arrive at this time means you won’t have to rush everyone through check-in and security. It also means you can get situated and allow the kids to play a bit, hopefully tiring them out before jumping onboard.

Once onboard babies must be strapped in for takeoff, landing, and during turbulence. Unfortunately this doesn’t include baby carriers. Feeding during these times is said to help little one’s ears adjust to altitude changes and generally keep them happier, but also consider headphones, tablets, or activity boards to keep youngsters focused.

If you’re travelling with a newborn or baby then bassinets are available on most airlines. These are to be requested with your flight booking due to limited availability. Our tip? Reach out to the selected airline for their dimensions as some babes are too big. Also there are limits to how many and where these can be placed in an aircraft, so parents of multiples (twins, triplets) may find they need to be seated in separate rows in order to have two bassinets.

Getting Around

Travel strollers are a fantastic way to get your littlies around a resort, and for some ages can double as seats at a table. They aren’t allowed in the onboard cabin so many airlines will ask you to check them in at the desk on arrival – we recommend getting your travel agent to check the dimensions and protocol with your chosen airline, as some will let you use it within the airport and then check it in at the departure gate!

While we are on the subject, it is worth investing in a pram fan when travelling to the South Pacific. The destinations can be hot and humid with air con limited or only in certain areas, so the fans help to cool the babes - and also double as a mosquito repellent!

If you’re travelling on the mainland in a car or bus then consider taking your child seat as a piece of checked luggage, or ask your travel agent about hiring one for your transportation in country. The hire may mean you have a different seat than you’re used to, but it is much more convenient and only incurs a small cost.

If you’re travelling out of the main land and to an outer island be mindful that there may be a boat trip required. These vessels won’t have child restraints so you may like to bring a baby carrier or use your stroller (depending on the size of the boat). Scheduled ferry services tend to utilise bigger vessels than private transfers and also access marinas and jettys as opposed to beach landings, so consider your preferences when booking transfer options too.

Food and Entertainment

There is incredible fresh produce in many of our South Pacific destinations including Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Alongside breakfast bars and buffet dinners there is a plethora of choice for children. If there are any allergies to consider or picky eaters, then consider contacting your resort in advance to check on availability or look to bring goods from Australia (which must, of course, meet customs requirements for your destination of choice).

It is always a good idea to bring a large supply of any formula or nappies required as it can be difficult to find many, and particularly certain brands, once you’re on an island!

You won’t struggle to keep the kids entertained! In Fiji particularly the nanny services are renowned for taking care of your babes as if they are a part of the village already, and you’ll find the little loves are swept into the arms of a waiting local as soon as you check in. The kids clubs also keep curious minds entertained with up to three sessions per day focusing on culture, language, cooking, boats and the water, and more. If you want to have a child free day or a romantic dinner date, this is what you need! Be sure to ask your Spacifica Travel team member to recommend resorts with a Kids Club on site!

Alternatively there are some great tours for the whole family to enjoy. Our favourites are:

• Lagoon Cruises
• Cultural Village Visits

Stress Free Family Time

Let our expert team take care of the planning, accommodation requests, transportation options and activity schedule so you can focus on the most important thing – family. We will happily listen to your needs and tailor make you an itinerary to suit, or you can check our out range of family deals. For more information call us on 1800 800 722. Stress free family time in paradise is only a phone call away!

Photos courtesy of Fiji Tourism, Naviti Fiji, Nanuku Island Resort, Cook Islands Tourism