Hayley Backley | Personal Travel Planner for Busy Families

Expertly planned. Thoughtfully delivered.

Booking a family holiday should feel exciting — not exhausting. Yet we all know how quickly joy can turn to stress: early flights, endless packing, snacks, tickets, and the inevitable little emergencies. The difference between a chaotic trip and a seamless one isn’t luck — it’s expert planning.

With years of experience, trusted contacts, and an insider’s knowledge of the world’s best family-friendly resorts and airlines, I share my tips and make expert recommendations to ensure every detail of your holiday is seamless. Every arrangement carefully considered. Every connection thoughtfully planned. So you can enjoy the thrill of having booked your holiday — without the overwhelm.

Here’s how I make family travel effortless and memorable:

Smart Packing — Peace of Mind

• Split clothing between suitcases — if one goes missing, the holiday doesn’t stop.

• Add Apple AirTags to luggage and favourite comfort items.

• Keep digital copies of passports and travel documents.

• Travel insurance in place from booking.

• Pack familiar snacks so food is waiting at your destination.

Hand Luggage Mastered

• Pack for 24 hours — even if delays aren’t expected.

• Always overestimate snacks.

• Fill children’s rucksacks with colouring, games, and comforts.

• A pillow, quality headphones, and power bank transform the flight.

• Spare clothes for children — and one for you.

• Keep a few nappy sacks for spills or accidents.

• Infant paracetamol in your hand luggage.

• Fruit pouches or yoghurt during take-off and landing ease little ears.

• Adjust sleep and meal schedules before and during travel to reduce jet lag.

Elevate the Airport Experience

• Most airlines allow a pram and car seat free, often right to the aircraft door.

• Security permits milk and fruit pouches for children.

• Pre-booked lounge access provides calm, space, and a serene start.

• Pre-booked, well-located seats on the plane keep the family together and make the flight smoother.

• Genuinely family-friendly airlines with thoughtful service.

• Private transfers — step off the plane straight into comfort.

Destinations That Truly Love Children

• Resorts and villas that genuinely understand families.

• Teen spaces, large pools, activities, and spacious family suites.

• Destinations where children are actively welcomed.

• Safe environments for exploration while parents enjoy fine dining, beautiful surroundings, and indulgent touches.

• Your personal concierge while you’re away — if anything isn’t right, you don’t have to spend hours at reception. I can organise amendments, upgrades, or local experiences so the holiday continues smoothly.

Family holidays aren’t about perfection — there may still be a forgotten charger or tired wobble.But when flights are smooth, the resort is perfectly chosen, transfers are waiting, and every detail considered, the experience feels entirely different.

Calmer. Smoother. Effortless.

For families who value their time and want their holidays to feel exceptional, thoughtful planning isn’t an indulgence — it’s essential.