TUI travel expert’s five simple tricks to make kids happier and more confident on holiday

July 30, 2026

TUI UK&I

From ordering their own ice cream to making friends by the pool, a family holiday could be the easiest way to help children grow in confidence this summer.

New research from TUI reveals that almost six in 10 parents (58%) feel more comfortable giving their children freedom while on holiday than they do at home, while 77% admit they relax the rules when they're away.

And with nearly two-thirds (63%) of children saying they feel more independent on holiday, TUI retail expert Alex Wagstaff says everyday holiday moments can become confidence-building firsts.

To help children grow their confidence this summer and build on those everyday milestones, TUI's holiday expert Alex Wagstaff has given her five top tips for families and children to use over summer holidays.

Let them order for themselves – from asking for an ice cream to choosing from the buffet, small decisions help children feel trusted.
Give them holiday spending money – budgeting for souvenirs or treats is a simple way to practise responsibility.
Encourage them to meet other children – kids' clubs, hotel activities and poolside chats can build social confidence.
Help them try something new – whether it's a new food, sport, swim skill or waterslide, holidays make firsts feel fun.
Hand over small responsibilities – carrying a boarding pass, packing a day bag or helping choose an activity can make children feel capable.

The advice comes after TUI's research highlights a clear holiday "independence gap" between parents and children.

Children believe they are ready to walk around a holiday resort alone from age seven, while parents place that milestone at 10. They also feel ready to stay out later with friends around three years earlier than parents think they should.

Alex, Assistant Store Manager at TUI’s Holiday Store MK1 in Milton Keynes, added: "Family holidays allow children to try things they might not normally do at home. Away from everyday routines, parents often feel more relaxed, which naturally gives children more freedom.

"One of the easiest ways to build confidence is letting children take ownership of small moments. Ordering a meal, choosing from the buffet and combining weird concoctions, or buying an ice cream on their own can all help them feel trusted.

"Managing holiday spending money is another simple way to encourage responsibility. For example, budgeting for souvenirs or treats can help children practice valuable life skills but in a fun setting.

"I'd also encourage families to make the most of opportunities to meet new people. Kids' clubs, hotel activities or chatting to another child by the pool can all build confidence naturally and help children reach those small independence milestones that might feel bigger or scarier at home.

"That's why this summer we have created a 'My Holiday Firsts Passports' which is available in select retail stores. It's a lovely way for children to celebrate and keep track of those milestones as they happen, from trying a new food to making a new holiday friend."

The findings also show that this extra freedom can have a real impact, with 41% of children saying being trusted by their parents helps them feel more independent.

Almost three in 10 parents also said their children are more willing to try new things on holiday, from new foods and activities to making friends away from home.

About TUI UK&I

TUI is one of the world's leading tourism and leisure groups, delivering trusted holiday experiences to millions of customers every year through the UK's favourite holiday brands including TUI UK& Ireland, First Choice, Marella Cruises, and Crystal Ski Holidays.

Backed by a team of over 11,000 professionals and a network of over 300 retail stores and independent travel agent partners, customers benefit from expert advice throughout their holiday experience. TUI Airways, part of TUI Airline, operates to over 77 destinations in 31 countries including Turkey, Greece, Thailand and Egypt with 70 aircraft from 22 UK and Ireland airports. We partner with over 50 leading airlines giving customers unmatched flexibility to find their perfect holiday whether it be Warsaw, New York or the Maldives. Our award-winning service is recognised by Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended and trusted by customers with a 4.6 star Trustpilot rating. We were also awarded Best Travel Company for Accessible Holidays 2025 by Good Housekeeping and won various awards at consumer voted British Travel Awards 2026.

Part of the Markets + Airlines business division within TUI Group, TUI UK & Ireland operates a comprehensive portfolio including TUI River Cruises, TUI Cities, TUI Lakes & Mountains, TUI Tours, and premium accommodation brands TUI Blue, Holiday Villages, and Magic Life.

Visit the TUI Newsroom to learn the latest news and updates.

TUI's new My Holiday Firsts Passport are available in selected stores this summer. The passport is packed with stickers and space for drawings and notes so children can keep track of their 'firsts' over the summer holidays.

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July 30, 2026