Taking a well-deserved break should be a time of ultimate relaxation. You work hard throughout the year and deserve that little bit of luxury to make all those hours spent in the office worthwhile. But, when you throw a young family into the mix, things can get spectacularly hairy.
It doesn’t need to be difficult, however. With a little careful planning, you can make sure your trip away goes smoothly, you avoid the chaos and get enough time to relax. Here are a few things to think about.
Choose The Right Accommodation
Choosing your accommodation is the single most important thing you need to do when you have children to consider. It will be difficult for you to hop from hotel to hotel every night. When you have a young family, it is time to settle down in more ways than one. We recommend spending your holiday in one hotel or apartment only, to cut down on the huge hassle involved in shifting your bags and moving location. Although this will require a good deal of research beforehand, it is well worth it as you will spend a lot of time in those hotel rooms. To cover for bad weather, make sure you have enough space and facilities. A wi-fi connection and a TV always come in handy for the kids and adults).
Remember The Kids
If you have children of different ages, try and give them something to look forward to each day. Babies aren’t too fussy – just like at home, they only need feeding, sleeping, and simple engagement. But, toddlers can get bored if you are just dragging them repeatedly from the shopping mall to the North African market. And yes, that means even if the pound is performing well enough for you to afford that Louis Vuitton purse. Always check the web for family friendly holidays before you go. There’s no need to spend a lot of money. Most kids will be more concerned with running around on a beach or in a park than enjoying the refined dining experience at the Lasarte in Barcelona.
Travel Light
OK, so it’s hard enough just packing the car to get the kids to the nursery, never mind a two-week trip abroad. There isn’t any easy answer to this, other than pack wisely. Take what you need for the kids and travel light yourself. Be ruthless and realistic. If you have to take a sterilizer or bulky toys, then you’re going to have to leave behind a few beautiful dresses, suits and pairs of shoes you bring. Also, think about how you will be traveling. You will need a spare hand to grab hold of toddlers or push buggies around airports, seaports and train stations.
Food
If you want to experience the local cuisine outside of your hotel or resort, then we recommend that you call ahead first. Check whether they mind young children in the restaurant – some may not encourage it – and if not, suggest booking an earlier table. In terms of the food your kids eat, you might be surprised to see how experimental they will be. Out of their usual environment, children often make braver choices, and it is exactly the same for eating. Encourage them to eat different things and you will add to their education.
OK, so that’s all we have. With any luck, you will be able to get that deserved relaxation. Taking a trip away with the kids can be amazing fun, as long as you prepare well!