Obtain passports for every member of the family. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can obtain passports by visiting the "Passports" page of the U.S. Department of State. Typically, passports take as much as six to eight weeks to process, so plan accordingly. Passports are required for people of all ages entering the United Kingdom, though unlike other countries, passports do not need to have a certain amount of validity left. If you are from the United States, you and your children will not need a visa to stay in England, so long as your trip does not last more than six months. If the children you are traveling with are not your own, you may need proof of permission to travel with the child. The U.K. Border Agency's "Child Visitors" page provides information on rules for children visiting the country. If you are traveling with your own children, the family's passports should be sufficient documentation for you to travel in England.
Purchase airline tickets for all members of the family via a travel agent or online booking agent. Typically, international flights to England arrive at London's Heathrow or Gatwick Airports. If you are traveling with a child who will be under the age of 24 months the entire duration of your stay, you may not have to purchase a ticket for that child. Check with your airline before you purchase your tickets to find out the rules on lap children. Think carefully about skimping on the ticket though, since you will have to hold the child on your lap throughout the long flight.
Determine your itinerary. A travel guide like the city's "Time Out" guide, "Let's Go" or "Lonely Planet" provides many ideas of places your would like to see and things you would like to do. A guide book also provides information on public transportation, local customs, cool places to go, and many other tips for travelers. London is a great place to take the family and could encompass your entire stay in England, if you so choose. Plan to visit the palaces and famous parks. Kids may enjoy visiting the London Zoo or London Aquarium, shopping for used treasures in Camden Town, and listening to the hecklers at Hyde Park's Speakers Corner. Outside the city, miles of rolling hills and green pastures make a great opportunity to visit a petting zoo, watch the waves of the English Channel, or walk through one of England's many nature reserves.
Book hotel rooms. You can use online booking agents or your local travel agent to find some good deals. Generally, Westminster or inner London are going to be some of the most expensive places to stay, and the rooms may be less spacious than you and the family are used to. Outside of the city, check out the smaller hotels or bed and breakfasts, which may have some homier extras that contribute to your family's comfort. The southeast part of England -- not far from London -- can be a great place to take the family. The area offers many kids' activities like theme parks and petting zoos, and ample accommodations around the towns of Portsmouth, Worthing, and Brighton.
Pack as light as possible. Try to keep your baggage to one bag plus carry on for each person. If you have older kids, pack a bag they can carry or wheel themselves. You may want to take a cab to your hotel when you first arrive in England. Packing light will save you the hassle of lugging heavy bags everywhere you go -- and it leaves you free to bring back some souvenirs. If you have children still in car seats, consider purchasing one on wheels that rolls like a travel suitcase. If you need a stroller, consider purchasing one that doubles as a car seat, or bring along a lightweight stroller that can be strapped onto the top of a rolling suitcase.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time, to give yourself plenty of time for you and your family to check in and find your flight. International flights typically start boarding earlier than domestic flights, so try to be one of the first ones to the gate, so you all can get settled in.
