When you're planning a family holiday, after you've decided where to go the next challenge is deciding how to get there. If you're travelling with pets or small children, getting from point A to B can be a real undertaking, and there are things you can do to help make your journey as smooth as possible so you can start your vacation relaxed and ready for adventure.

Packing a large family into a small car isn't always ideal, and rising fuel charges make flights expensive and inconvenient for a family who needs to bring strollers, car seats or pets with them. Many families opt to get to their destinations by train, and in addition to having lots of room for luggage, there are meal services on board in case you can get hungry.

When you're heading out of town there is another important family member who doesn't want to be left at home. Taking pets along on holiday is a very popular option, and many families choose destinations specifically because they have space for their dog or cat to roam free. If you want to travel with your pet, then train travel is the way to go, as you can bring your dog and cat on board at no additional cost.

As your holiday draws closer, make a list of anything you need to get taken care of before you leave. Double check your booking at your destination to make sure they'll be ready to receive you when you arrive, and look to see if there are any service disruptions or other things you should be aware of when you're starting on your travels.

Leave yourself lots of time to fill your suitcase, and make sure you're bringing only what you need so that you can pack light. Put each family member in charge of something, so that one person doesn't feel overwhelmed being responsible for everything. Packing in advance will also help you to make sure you don't forget anything, and will leave you enough time to run out to the shops and get anything additional you might need in your suitcase.

Finally, in the days leading up to your holiday, have a discussion around the dinner table about your trip and what everyone is most looking forward to. Doing this will help you to get excited for your vacation, as well as establish the different expectations of each family member. Having an idea of the things each person would like to do on holiday will help save arguments while you're away and ensure everyone is having a great time.

By taking the time to plan your next family vacation carefully, you'll be prepared for everything that comes your way from taking your dogs on trains to making sure you've booked enough rooms in your destination hotel. With that out of the way you'll be able to head out of town and make the most of your holiday time with your family.

Timothy Jones writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.