The dream: golden sunsets, perfectly behaved children, not a tantrum or travel delay in sight. The reality: the toddler’s suitcase didn’t make it, your Airbnb has mood lighting instead of curtains, and someone’s got a mysterious rash.
If you’ve ever holidayed with kids, you’ll know one thing for sure—things don’t always go smoothly – but when the dream holiday turns into something that looks suspiciously like a sitcom, knowing what to do when holidays don’t go to plan can make all the difference.
Let’s talk about managing expectations, salvaging joy, and finding humour in the chaos.
🌧️ 1. Acknowledge It’s OK to Feel Disappointed
When plans fall apart—rain ruins your beach day, the hotel loses your booking, or someone comes down with a fever—it’s natural to feel deflated. You’ve spent time, money, and energy, and now it’s not what you imagined.
Give yourself permission to feel a bit grumpy, then try to shift your mindset. Ask: “What do we need right now to reset?” Sometimes it’s snacks. Sometimes it’s a nap. Sometimes it’s admitting defeat and watching a film in your PJs.
🔄 2. Embrace the Backup Plan
Every great family holiday needs a flexible Plan B.
When the weather turns or plans crumble:
- Visit a local museum or aquarium
- Have a board game marathon or scavenger hunt indoors
- Explore the area on a ‘rain walk’ with wellies and hot chocolates after
- Make a list of “holiday dares” like eating something new or speaking a few words of the local language
Let the kids help choose the backup activity—it gives them some control and might perk up the mood.
🧳 3. Expect the Unexpected
Lost luggage? Cancelled transport? Broken-down hire car? These moments feel massive in the moment, but they also become the stories you tell for years.
Preparation helps:
- Keep essentials (snacks, chargers, spare clothes, medication) in your hand luggage
- Travel insurance is your best friend
- Write down or download important contact numbers and booking references just in case Wi-Fi lets you down
Remember: most things can be fixed with a combination of snacks, kindness, and Google Translate.
🥴 4. When the Kids Aren’t Coping
Overtiredness, sensory overload, hunger, jet lag—it’s the perfect storm.
Help them reset by:
- Creating quiet time (yes, even on holiday)
- Sticking to familiar routines when possible (like bedtime rituals)
- Giving them permission to feel all their big feelings
- Having one-on-one time if possible—it can go a long way
If all else fails? Frozen yoghurt is a very valid form of therapy, and if it has sprinkles on top, well that is some sort of witchcraft.
🧘 5. Practise the Art of Letting Go
That over-packed itinerary? Scrap it. The matching outfits you planned for the beach photo shoot? Who cares. Your child may only remember the funny tuk-tuk ride, not the ‘cultural walking tour’ you planned for three weeks.
Let go of what should have been, and focus on what is. Even if it’s your partner washing everyone’s pants in the sink while you chase a gecko out of the bathroom.
🎉 6. Find the Joy Anyway
Joy doesn’t always come in the package we expected.
Look for it in:
- An unplanned ice cream stop
- The silly games you invent while waiting in a queue
- The local café that turns out to be a hidden gem
- The fact that, for once, you’re all in the same place with nowhere else to be
Holidays don’t have to be perfect to be memorable.
Final Thoughts
When it all goes sideways—and it will, at some point—remember that family holidays aren’t made of Pinterest-perfect moments. They’re built from the unexpected laughs, the chaotic breakfasts, the bonding over dodgy directions, and the teamwork that gets you through the meltdowns.
So if you’re in the middle of a “this is not what I booked” moment, breathe. You’re not alone. You’re just living the kind of trip you’ll laugh about for years.
Knowing what to do when holidays don’t go to plan isn’t just about damage control—it’s about embracing real, wobbly, wonderful family life.
