Top Travel Tips For Families

#1 Accumulate and utilise airline miles as a family

Every airline operates its own loyalty program, offering various opportunities to earn miles beyond frequent flying. One of the simplest methods involves using a credit card to accumulate air miles with each purchase. For instance, KrisFlyer lets you transfer your child’s miles to your KrisFlyer account, allowing for family pooling of miles among parents and children aged up to 16.

Selecting the appropriate credit card and using it for daily expenses can significantly boost your miles accumulation. It's crucial to redeem these miles before they expire, as they can often provide access to business-class amenities.

#2 Involve the family in planning

Apps like Wanderlog and TripIt encourage group effort in planning a trip, from finding family-friendly hotel choices to meticulously mapping out the best time for outdoor adventures. Some apps even offer seamless integration with Google Maps whereby you can easily chart your course and discover hidden gems during your vacation.

#3 Seek directions from family-friendly mobile map apps

Getting directions from other families can offer a feeling of safety, as families travelling together for the first time may find it a little daunting to approach strangers at times. Some great apps like Sygic Travel, KidzOut, and Roadtrippers, provide detailed city guides, offline maps, and personalised trip itineraries. It offers information about attractions, restaurants, hotels, and other points of interest, which can be helpful for families to plan their trips effectively.

#4 Be updated in family-centric travel social groups

Engage with social media communities through social media groups like Traveloka Mom Squad Facebook group or telegram groups like @BY.KidO.SG, @SGfooddeals, which are tailored for family travellers to get tips on how to get the best deals for family-friendly attractions, accommodation and many other relevant ideas.

#5 Stay in family-friendly accommodations

Several accommodations around the world cater specifically to the needs of families, and booking one with kid-friendly amenities and concierge services can help ease some anxiety. Examples include:

• Mimaru Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi Hotel, Japan: This hotel chain offers special-concept, premium family apartments with specific themes i.e. Pokemon, Ninja, Board Games and even a Sushi theme that features in-room sushi counters.
• Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy: A beachfront resort with a waterpark, a kids' club with various activities, and even a children's cooking academy.
• Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives: This haven offers a dedicated kids' club with a plethora of activities, spacious villas with private pools perfect for families, and even a children's spa menu.
• One&Only The Palm, Dubai, UAE: A luxurious resort that houses a kids' club with a splash park, a petting zoo and more.
• Chewton Glen Treehouse Suites, UK: A family-friendly series of suites introduced by the Iconic Luxury Hotels group, this accommodation is actually situated in an actual treehouse, and the stay includes access to the treehouse-style kids club, cookery classes and more.

#6 Tap on credit cards travel benefits which cater to families

Credit cards which cater specifically to families like the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card, UOB One Card, and Maybank Family and Friends Card provide benefits including reward points which can be converted to cash back benefits or other forms of rewards like grocery shopping vouchers and more.

Other cards like UOB PRVI Miles Mastercard offer miles on all spending, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses for the family. Some premium credit cards provide access to airport lounges, and concierge services that can assist with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, and other logistical details. These benefits can be valuable for travelling families who may appreciate additional support during their travel journeys.

#7 Utilise Multi-currency Accounts

If you hold any air miles credit cards like DBS Altitude Card or UOB PRVI Miles Mastercard, you may want to consider getting multi-currency wallets (MCAs) which are offered by your credit card issuing bank or other MCAs like YouTrip, Revolut and Wise. MCAs offer competitive exchange rates which can help you save on currency conversion fees.

#8 Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is really important for both you and your family while travelling, providing emergency assistance and financial security in the event of unforeseen emergencies, medical costs, trip interruptions, and various other crucial considerations. which include:

• Personal safety through liability coverage which safeguards you and your family members in case any of you unintentionally cause harm to others or damage property. This aspect contributes to your personal safety during travel.
• Emergency evacuation coverage that is especially critical as children are often more susceptible to illness and injury compared to adults. This insurance guarantees their transportation to an appropriate medical facility when needed.
• Protection for unforeseen medical expenses, including coverage for hospitalisation, physician consultations, and prescription medications, will be invaluable for travelling families in need of quality healthcare abroad. This ensures access to necessary medical treatment without encountering exorbitant costs.
• Financial protection for trip interruption or cancellation that can provide reimbursement for expenses that are non-refundable and associated with your family’s trip interruption or cancellation.