Travelling with children: stress-free journeys by plane, ferry and car
Whilst there’s no magic formula to guarantee stress-free travel with hyperactive children in tow, we’ve put together a checklist of top tips for making your family holidays in Crete as simple and easy as possible!
Travelling by plane
Crete is ideally located for travellers from around the world, boasting three international airports in Heraklion, Sitia and Chania (guests of Candia Park village should aim to arrive at Heraklion Airport, which is just 60km from the hotel). With flight times of 4 hours from London, 3 hours from Berlin and less than an hour from Athens (where most long-haul flights will change), Crete is ideally located for premium summer holidays, but even short hops across the Mediterranean may prove challenging for easily-bored children! Make sure to prepare with plenty of snacks, bottled water and games, with a big stash of wet-wipes guaranteed to be useful when there’s a queue for the airplane’s only bathroom. Be sure to make your hand-luggage a backpack rather than holdall, as this leaves your hands free for carrying tired children or dealing with passports and tickets. Additionally, many parents find that booking a flight at the normal time your children are meant to be falling asleep means that they snooze peacefully throughout the journey – leaving you free to enjoy the complimentary trolley service…
Travelling by ferry
For those arriving on Crete by sea, take note of the following to maximise your chances of experiencing a ferry crossing as smooth as the Aegean Sea! For those coming from Athens, a 7-9 hour journey awaits, so be sure to book a cabin even if you won’t be travelling overnight. Having a private space for naps will prove invaluable once the excitement of the ferry wears off, whilst the cabin also provides a secure option for storing the family’s luggage. The luxury of an en-suite is also sure to come in handy, allowing you to take a shower prior to arriving! On deck, most large ferries have a range of family-friendly facilities including a soft play area, games rooms and TV lounges, as well as casual canteens serving children’s meals. However, in the busy peak season be sure to bring an ample supply of bottled water and snacks, as queues can get long and hungry children won’t want to be kept waiting.
Take the stress out of your arrival with a luxury transfer from Candia Park village. Your private driver will meet you in the arrival hall / port, assist with luggage and whisk you along the coast to your holiday destination in a premium, fully air-conditioned car. For more information on private transfers, please contact us on info-candia@bluegr.com.
