How to pick your perfect holiday

Abroad or in this country? Self catering or all in? Holidaying for the first time with a child involves some different decisions. Let us help you make them.

Holidays in the UK

There are many advantages of a holiday in the UK, apart from exploring our beautiful countryside. The journey to your destination is likely to be shorter and less stressful (although probably not stress-free!) than having to catch a plane or ferry. If you have to make stops on the way, you can speak the language, have the right money at hand and know more or less where you are.

UK holidays can be a cheaper option, but you may end up spending more on eating out and day trips. It will be easier to find brands you’re used to, so you won’t have to pack so much. If one of the family falls ill, you’ll be able to visit a local NHS doctor or hospital for treatment.

Seek out a relaxing home-from-home environment where you’re not expected to be on best behaviour. Don’t be put off by the concept of family resorts – many ‘hi-de-hi’ style holiday camps have enjoyed a complete makeover, with flexible childcare high on the agenda, and hotels are now specialising in family holidays.

Center Parcs (at Longleat, Sherwood Forest and Thetford) or Oasis Holiday Village (near Penrith) offer weather-proof holidays around the formula of a traffic-free, landscaped complex kept at a constant temperature, with baby facilities and outdoor entertainment.

Holidays abroad

Travelling abroad can be a wonderful experience and - of course - you’re more likely to get good weather, but remember young babies find hot temperatures uncomfortable. Some travel agencies offer cheaper packages abroad, in family-friendly hotels, than you can get in the UK, so shop around for good deals.

Going abroad is likely to take more travelling time, so think in advance about when and where you can feed your child en route. Water quality isn’t always as good as in the UK, so be careful about what the family eats and drinks - stick to bottled water if you’re not sure whether the local water is safe to drink. Bottled water still needs to be boiled and cooled before being given to your child.

Your child will also need her own passport - so allow plenty of time beforehand to sort this out.

Choosing self-catering

The best holiday homes offer all home comforts. You may end up doing as much cooking and cleaning as you do at home, though, and if it is remote, you may need to drive to activities, restaurants and pubs.

Think about:

* Stocking up on essentials if the holiday home is in a remote area.

* Asking for safety information - is the garden is enclosed, are fireguards are provided, where is the nearest doctor?

* Has the property got a phone for emergencies?

* Is the surrounding terrain very hilly, are there a lot of steps, if there is a balcony, is it child-safe?

* Holiday apartments - ask for one on a lower floor in case the lift breaks down.

* Checking whether the bathroom has just a shower, or a bath, too, for bathing your baby.

Choosing a holiday centre

You'll have your own kitchen, bathroom and television, on-site shops, restaurants and plenty of entertainment. Many offer babysitting or baby-listening services. But look carefully at the extras - often the only activity included in the price is the pool.

Think about:

*How much you’ll spend on the range of facilities.

* Avoiding the pricey food outlets, if you want to keep low-budget.

* Avoiding the busier and more expensive peak holiday times.

Choosing a hotel

You won’t have to do any cooking, make the beds or clean the bathroom, but hotels can be pricey and some charge extra for babies. If you opt for a hotel quiz staff there before booking. A relaxed, child-friendly attitude matters just as much as facilities, but those with a genuinely easy-going approach to children should offer at least some of these:

* Hire of equipment such as cots

* Family packages or discounts

* Baby food and children’s menus

* Babies allowed in dining areas

* Babysitters or a baby listening service

* A creche with qualified staff

* Organised family activities

Choosing camping

Children generally enjoy being in the fresh air and outside living. But you will have to walk to communal loo and shower blocks. Although electricity may be available, it may be difficult to use when you need to. You’ll also need contingency plans for bad weather.

Think about:

* Are there leisure activities such as a baby pool and swings?

* Is it possible to book a shady pitch?

* How near to the road will you be?

* What activities are available locally.

* Is there a babysitting service on site?

Choosing a caravan

Similar to camping but with a few more comforts. The soundproofing is better and beds more solid, with optional side guards. A caravan/mobile home is warmer than a tent and there is more space. Mobile homes can get very hot in the summer.

Think about: see for Camping, above.

Useful contacts

* English Tourism Council Hotline, 020 8563 3156 for their ‘Where To Stay’ guides indicating which places welcome children (Hotels, £9.99; Self Catering, £7.99; B&B, £9.99)

* Scottish Farmhouse Holidays, 01890 751 830, www.scotfarmhols.com

* Oasis Holiday Villages, tel 0900 086000

* Center Parcs, 0870 8400 2200, www.centerparcs.co.uk

* Butlins, 0870 242 1999 www.butlinsonline.co.uk

* "Children Welcome!" a guide to family attractions and holidays in the UK. Contact FHG