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When holidaying as a family, ensure your time isn’t jam-packed with activities, so everyone returns home feeling recharged. Striking this balance is key to creating a holiday that’s both memorable and enjoyable for everyone. With a little planning and flexibility, your family can take a trip that offers the perfect blend of adventure and restfulness.
Planning
The first step in planning any family holiday is picking the destination. Consider locations that cater to both high-energy activities and restful downtime. UK locations such as the Cornish coast, the Lake District, Snowdonia and Devon offer a mix of outdoor activities and scenic relaxation.
For those considering an overseas break, family activity holidays at resorts in warm weather countries such as Greece, Spain and Croatia are great options for families. They often feature kids’ clubs, evening entertainment and amenities designed to help children have fun and allow parents to unwind.
Planning is important, but so is flexibility. A rigid schedule can lead to stress, particularly if children become tired or plans fall through. Create a loose itinerary that focuses on key activities but leaves room for spontaneity. This could mean allowing time for an impromptu trip to a park or an afternoon by the pool after a busy morning of sightseeing.
Consider the logistics of getting to your destination. Long car journeys or extended flights can leave everyone frazzled before the fun starts. For UK-based holidays, it’s helpful to factor in regular car stops for kids to stretch their legs. If you’re travelling abroad, opt for direct flights whenever possible, and try to plan arrival times that suit your children’s day/night schedule – landing late at night can lead to tired and grumpy youngsters.
Balance fun and relaxation
Family holidays can lead to disagreements, with children and adults having different ideas of what constitutes fun. One way to keep the peace is by alternating activities – spending the morning at a museum, followed by an afternoon at a play park, for instance. Incorporate high-energy and more low-key experiences.
A day that starts with an exhilarating hike or a visit to a theme park can be balanced by a relaxed afternoon at the beach or a quiet picnic. This ensures everyone, particularly children, can burn off energy while also giving parents a chance to unwind.
Choosing destinations that cater to both adults and children, such as the Eden Project in Cornwall, keeps everyone happy. Locations such as the New Forest or the Cotswolds are perfect for mixing outdoor adventures with slower-paced relaxation.
Essential tips
Packing wisely is key to ensuring smooth travel days. Bring along entertainment options for children, such as books, toys and tablets with downloaded shows. Don’t forget comfort items like favourite blankets or stuffed animals that help children feel at ease in unfamiliar places.
Bad weather isn’t unknown on holidays, so have back-up plans. Indoor attractions like aquariums or soft play centres offer a quick fix when outdoor plans go awry.
To ensure everyone is excited about the holiday, involve your children in the planning. This can be as simple as letting them choose a restaurant or decide which activity to prioritise on a given day. Giving them a sense of ownership will make them more invested in the experience and easier to manage.