Anyone reading this that follows me on social media (@sarahnity_travel) will likely have seen that we are fast approaching our first big trip as a family of four. On Friday night (eek! Tomorrow!) we will be heading to Bali – two small people, long-haul. I’ll be honest – it’s a mix of excitement and slight panic.

This post is a focus on what I’ve done so far to prepare for our holiday to make it all feel a little more manageable – from what we’ve packed to the mindset to keep. Whether you’ve done this before or you’re thinking about booking your own family trip, I hope this helps – and if you’ve got your own go-to tips, I’d love to hear them!

Flight Times

I spent a lot of time weighing up our options. We booked these flights around nine months ago, so availability was wide open—especially with a destination like Bali, where direct flights aren’t on the cards.

Fortunately, I enjoy digging into the details. With a clear sense of what works best for us—and a budget to keep in mind, though not the only factor—I landed on a night-time departure.

We’re flying out around 9.30pm. The thinking? Adrenaline will likely keep the little ones going for a while. The youngest might nod off before take-off (no complaints here), but our three-year-old is so excited I wouldn’t be surprised if she powers through.

The long-haul leg is about 13 hours to Singapore, overnight. I’m hoping for a smooth dinner-then-bedtime transition onboard, giving us a chance to eat in relative peace—maybe even sneak in a glass of wine.

After that, we’ve got a 2.5-hour transit at Changi. I’m counting on it being a calm, breakfast-fuelled window. Plus, there’s so much to explore at Singapore airport (more on that in another post!).

Then it’s a 3.5-hour hop to Bali—the part I’m most nervous about. Short-haul flights tend to mean fewer in-flight distractions, but if they’ve slept well on the way to Singapore, I’m hopeful they’ll handle it.

I’ve also pre-paid for our Bali visas (worth doing in advance to avoid faffing at the airport) and arranged our transfers through the villa company we’re staying with. They’ve even included a car seat for the smallest, which takes another worry off the list.

We should arrive at the villa around midnight Bali time—conveniently close to their usual UK bedtime. Fingers crossed it’ll feel like a natural wind-down after a big (hopefully fun-filled) day of travel.

Thoughts?

Holiday Essentials

Gone are the days where all I had to worry about was jewelled sandals, swimsuit cover-ups, and tanning oil! My pre-holiday list has somewhat evolved.

Our eldest already has her own flight log book from previous adventures, so we’ve now picked up one for our youngest too.

These flight log books are a lovely way to record their journeys. Cabin crew have always been happy to fill them in mid-flight—it adds a really special touch to the whole experience.

Flight Log Book for kids*

A family member gifted these to the girls. I wasn’t sure at first, but I tested them out and they are volume limited, comfortable and a huge hit!

Over the ear Headband Headphones*

Here are some of the other essentials items that I have bought ahead to help ease my mum-nerves!

• Milton sterilising tablets*. We have taken these on every trip so far whilst the smalls are using bottles. We’ve are away for two weeks so have made sure to pack quite a few!
• Water purification tablets. Have needed these less, but carry them along for peace of mind!
• Collapsible bucket*. Main thought was to help with sterilising bottles of utensils, but doubles well as a bucket to keep drinks cool!
• Dry bag*. Clue is in the name. With a beach destination and plans to catch a boat or two – one bag to help keep things dry and safe. Also helps to store the liquid items in hold luggage with fewer worries about leaks and spills.
• SPARE BIBS! With a 15-month-old, these will definitely help prolong the life of clothes!

On top of these few items, the girls both have their essential colouring kits, books, Tonieboxes (love these items!), and a few surprises in their little plane backpacks to hopefully kill some time.

The iPads are stocked with downloaded ‘favourites’ to troubleshoot any tense waiting times, and kids meals are pre-booked.

Do you have any tried-and-tested tips for flying with little ones? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you—or what didn’t!

*Links are to Amazon products. I am affiliated with Amazon and may receive a small commission if any items are purchased using these links. I am not medically trained and what works for me and my family and what I am content to use may not suit everyone.