Collaborative post
Showing your children the world is one of the greatest pleasures as a parent. Watching their faces light up as they get to experience new things makes for a wonderful memory. Navigating new places allows your children to develop new skills such as communication and languages, confidence and exploring new foods.
Quality time together without distractions is important for family dynamics so picking the right holiday is key. There are so many destinations that you may feel overwhelmed with choice. Here are some tips for picking the best family holiday destination.
Sandy beaches
Beaches are a massive draw to travellers of all ages. Being able to utilise this natural beauty to entertain your kids and (hopefully) relax is key for a lot of holidays.
Some of the best sandy beaches are dotted all over the world. Greece is famous for them, in particular Santorini, Mykonos and Crete. Don’t forget to pack a bucket and spade as well as some high-factor suncream!
Going to the beach is great, but it is also a good opportunity to remind your kids of sea safety. There are different rules at different beaches so remember to check before you set up your sun lounger.
You could even experience multiple beaches by going on cruise. Family cruises are a great way to see the world in just one trip. With lots of activities and unlimited sun, it could be the perfect choice for your family.
Activities at the destination
Kids have lots of energy so in order for the parents to relax, activities are a must. Family activity holidays come in all shapes and sizes, so you need to find the best fit for your family.
If you are booking a resort holiday, then making use of the on-site kids’ clubs are a win for everyone. Trained staff can keep your little ones amused and happy whilst you get a well-earned break. Even if you don’t use the clubs, resorts are likely to have a choice of activities such as water parks or mini golf to amuse yourselves.
Travelling abroad means you can do new activities that are harder to find in the UK. Croatia, for example, is packed full of beautiful scenery for you to explore. Taking a trip on the Dubrovnik cable car will give you stunning views of the city as well as being a bit of an adrenaline rush for big and little adventurers.
Travelling distance
Travelling with kids can be daunting, especially if they are on the younger side. When picking your next holiday you will need to be realistic with how long your children will be able to sit still.
Going away in the car across to the continent may be easier as you can take breaks whenever you need, but it does put more pressure on the drivers. Aeroplanes can be a great adventure for kids, especially if you build up to it with some plane spotting or a trip to a viewing area near the airport.
There are some fantastic destinations under 4 hours away from the UK, which feels like a reasonable journey with younger kids. Denmark is an incredible country, full of culture and unique scenery. If you want somewhere a bit more tropical then Malta is only 3 hours and 15 minutes away from London.
Food
Having great food is always good – for both kids and adults! Consider the sort of food your kids will happily eat. Mealtimes on holiday can be a bit more relaxed than at home to make sure everyone has a good time.
Picking a resort will help with food choices as there is often a large range compared to a self-catering trip. You will need to consider your budget, however. Some kids may find the familiarity of a home-cooked meal a nice way to relax after a busy day adventuring.