Nothing is better than having a family holiday but if they’re not planned out well, then it can be a nightmare from beginning to end. They are important times to take into consideration the needs and wants of all family members. Family holidays are valued by children, both in the moment and for many years afterward in their memory. Make those memories more special by planning in advance, taking into account time, money, and for any unexpected things that can mean a change of plans.
Family holidays are vitally important. During this age of turmoil that we live in, parents shouldn’t be wasting hundreds of pounds on toys, but investing that money in memories that will bond families together will prove to be far more valuable and cherished for many years. Getting your children to help you plan your holiday can get them interested and excited. Their input can help you have a holiday that’s fun for everyone. We have gathered some tips to keep the family safe, sound, and sane.
Make it a fun-filled family chore so the kids are invested in the trip. Their input can help you have a holiday that’s fun for everyone.
If you’re driving there are a few things you can do:
- Plan for more breaks and fewer activities than you would if you were traveling on your own or with other adults.
- Make sure you have plenty of stops for meals and drinks. This will ensure to keep everyone’s energy levels are up.
- During stops give children plenty of opportunity to use their energy and get moving
- Look for activities and local attractions to keep children entertained – for example, swimming, games, playgrounds, carnivals, fun parks, and movies. But don’t forget, packing too many activities will also be tiring. When this happens you won’t have time to relax and enjoy.
- Plan some total time off for the adults too. If your children are entertained with organized activities, playing with other children, or being looked after at the kids club, you’ll get a break for yourself.
If you can, try to arrange your schedule with a few extra vacation days so you've got some wiggle room in case of bad weather, illness, or airline delays. This will also allow you to avoid the peak travel days just before or after those special holiday events including New Year's.
Things take longer with children and if you’ve packed too much in, you won’t have time to relax and enjoy. One way to plan the activities is to have each family member choose a type of activity to do. If your children are younger, it’s probably a good idea to come up with a basic plan and give them some options to choose from when it comes.
Make it a rule that everyone has to join in regardless of the activity (including the parents). This is just another way to ensure that there aren’t too many planned stops and that everyone gets to do an activity of their choice.
A Break From Routine
Holidays are about having fun, relaxing, and getting away from the daily grind. But many children benefit from routines, whether at home or on holidays. Some routines will slip but sticking to a few basics, like bedtimes and mealtimes, can help children adapt to changes whilst you’re away from home.
You might need to remind your child about rules and routines on holiday. For example, only go swimming with an adult, always wear sunscreen and a hat outside, or always tell parents where you’re going.
Travelling Overseas
If you’re going abroad, don’t forget to check passports and travel documents are up-to-date - try this acronym – PMMMT – Passport, Money, Medicine, Maps, Tickets – so that nothing is forgotten or left out! Another important note is to make sure you have copies of your passports and other important documents. Even the most experienced travelers can have important things disappear when traveling. Luggage can be lost or stolen, accidents can happen and mistakes can be made. So take these factors into account and make copies of all your crucial documents, including visas, passports, birth certificates, etc. This will make dealing with the embassies WAY easier if you ever have to replace them. We recommend keeping both a digital and a printed copy of each document.
Another important factor is medical care. Make sure you talk to your doctor at least one month before you leave to discuss your traveling plans. When making the appointment, take into account the ages of your children and ask if they need to come to the appointment; when you go, make sure you have a copy of everyone's vaccination records, and ask the doctor to also make note of their blood groups for you. If any of your children have a pre-existing medical condition, ask for help in identifying a doctor in your destination who specializes in the same condition.
If you're going to need visas for your destination, don't be surprised if they're a requirement for children as well as adults, and if their fee is the same as yours. As many countries require visas to be collected in person by applicants (including children), you may have to make a trip to the main embassy in your country, although it's often possible to apply in writing first to avoid two trips.
Whichever way you choose to travel, keep an open mind and be prepared for unexpected expenses not to mention illness and delays that can happen along the way.