Embarking on a family holiday is an adventure filled with excitement and possibilities, yet the intricacies of planning can sometimes feel daunting. With a myriad of destinations to consider, from the serene beaches of Fiji to the untouched beauty of Norfolk Island, selecting the perfect getaway requires thoughtful consideration, especially when travelling with kids. This comprehensive guide from Spacifica Travel is designed to simplify the process, ensuring your holiday is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, whether you're seeking the vibrant cultures of the Cook Islands or the exotic allure of Tahiti.

Our exploration begins with the picturesque Fiji, where holiday packages offer an enchanting escape to crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, perfect for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Similarly, Norfolk Island holiday packages packages present a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and lush landscapes of this secluded paradise. For those drawn to the mystique of French Polynesia, our Tahiti holiday packages promise an unforgettable journey through stunning lagoons and tropical vistas.

Venturing further into the Pacific, the Cook Islands beckon with their unspoiled charm and warm hospitality. Cook Islands travel options cater to every family's needs, offering a blend of leisure and exploration amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Each destination, from the tranquil shores of Fiji to the rugged terrains of Norfolk Island, provides a backdrop for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Whether you're captivated by the idea of exploring the underwater wonders of Fiji, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Norfolk Island, or indulging in the luxurious escapes of Tahiti, our tips and hints are designed to guide you through planning and enjoying an unforgettable holiday with your kids. With carefully curated Fiji holiday packages, Norfolk Island, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands, your dream family getaway is within reach. Join us on a journey through paradise, where adventure and tranquillity meet to create the perfect holiday experience for you and your family.

Picking an Airline

The South Pacific is fortunate enough to have more than one airline travelling these beautiful destinations, and this gives you the option to pick the right one to suit your family. The things to consider with airlines are :

• Flight times – depending on the length of flight, picking the departure time and arrival time that will work with your kids sleep patterns is vital. No one wants to wake kids up to get them to the airport in the middle of the night. Morning flights normally have less chance of delays than late night flights.
• Baggage inclusions – look into the allowances for kids especially if you need to take a stroller, car seat or portacot as not all airlines baggage allowances are the same.
• Kids/infant Meals – does the airline offer these? If so make sure to prebook them.
• Seating – Does the airline offer pre-seating, extra leg room seats or bassinets for infants? For your toddlers, do they allow you to take a car seat on board for them to sit in? Will they allow you to wear your infant in a baby carrier?

Pram policies - check to see if your airline will allow you to take it to the gate, or if you need to check the pram in on arrival at the airport as this might make a difference to the time of day you fly

Ground Transportation in destination

Once you arrive at your destination you are going to need to get around. In the South Pacific most of the ground transportation to major resorts are done by bus. It might be an idea to ask about the safety requirements for infants and children eg. Can a car seat be installed on the bus or do the children need to sit on parents laps. If you are not ok with the answer, it might be worth booking private cars or hiring a car where you know you will be able to have car seats installed.

Picking a Hotel / Resort

Every family is different and look for different things from their hotel/resort. Depending on where you decide to go you will have choices from all types of styles of accommodation. Hotel rooms, apartments, or homes. 

Once you have picked the type of accommodation you want, then next is the decision on which property is best for your family. If you are using a pram a lot, ground floor accommodation is easier as you don’t have to deal with stairs and lifts. If you don’t need a full kitchen, it is worth asking if the hotel can provide a microwave for heating bottles or snacks.

One thing to always check is bedding. What does the room offer, are cots and rollaway beds free? Do your kids need to share a bed?

Many resorts offer special family deals such as ‘Kids Stay, Play or Eat for free’

Lastly, what activities/facilities does the resort offer for kids? Do they provide a kids clubs, kids pools, nanny services/babysitting. If so are these included in the room rate or paid locally?

Packing Tips

Once you have finalised your holiday plans, next comes the process of working out what you will need to pack. I like to break this down in two parts- firstly getting to and from the holiday, and secondly the actual holiday.

I always pack an aircraft bag per child and then a family bag.

In my kids bag I have things like:

• Headphones (as aircraft ones are never the right size for little heads) 
• Toys – quiet books, colouring in, small pack of Lego/blocks, cars or a doll
• BYO snacks – especially with fussy eaters, no one really loves airline food. Things like nuts/chips/popcorn/squishy pouches of fruit (just remember you will not be able to bring all items in to your destination due to quarantine laws)
• Lollipops – These help with the pressure changes on board the aircraft at take-off and landing.

In my family bag I have things like:

• Wipes – these things are so handy for all sorts of reasons
• Spare change of clothes for you and the kids – things can spill so easily on a flight and no one wants to sit in wet / stained clothes
• Nappy kit if travelling with infants.
• Muslin cloth & pram clips – cover up for obvious reasons if bub is breastfed but also great to create a little tent so bub can sleep in the dark while other passengers have their window shades up. 
• Jumpers/cardigan for the kids as they all react differently to the temperature on the aircraft

Family Experiences

Family holidays don’t have to be scary or stressful if you just do a little homework before booking and plan for the unexpected you will be fine. The South Pacific has so much to offer families so to help you start planning your getaway we have a number of family packages you might enjoy. Otherwise our team of specialists are available on 1800 800 722 or via live chat to tailor a stay to suit your desires. Just remember, paradise awaits you at the South Pacific!