Going on holiday with kids is never going to be an easy option. Sure you want your children to experience fantastic things, and you want the break away from normal routine. That is understandable. But how can you ensure that you enjoy the time you are away, and make sure that you get the value from the money spent as well as the experience that is on offer. Here are some of the essential tips to help you do it.
Have a schedule
Children thrive on routine, so try and stick with one while you are away. This may be as simple as working it around mealtimes. Your children will be much more aware of their time. I understand holidays need to be a relaxed affair, so keep things casual. A routine doesn’t have to be strict or timed, it can be just about times of day where you do things. At a more relaxed pace.
Vary your days if possible
Keeping your days varied is key to keeping everyone happy on vacation. It is after all, for everyone to enjoy. So try and mix things up by alternating pool and beach days. Maybe adding a bit of sightseeing or day trip out. Whether abroad or staying put there will be plenty for you to schedule into your days. A great resource is heading online to find out what tourist attractions there ahead of your vacation. This may enable you to book tickets for certain attractions online, offering you a great saving in the process.
Don’t rush about time
Try and not rush your timings. While it’s important to have a schedule it doesn’t need to be adhered to so closely. Timings don’t need to be important on holiday. Just stick with a relaxed routine of “morning means breakfast and evening means mealtimes”. Everyone will be happy then. As mentioned before, children are often hungry. So this should form a great basis to work your days around those timings. Also, you may want to try and cram in as much as possible, but don’t rush the experiences that you have booked.
Consider self-catering options to eat in your accommodation
Considering self-catering options when going on holiday is a fantastic idea for a family. This makes your eating much more flexible. While you have the option to eat out in restaurants you can also consider cooking or having takeaway foods in your accommodation.
You may want to look online to find alternative self-catering options to what holiday companies can offer you. This may open up the possibility of other things such as renting out a penthouse where you can enjoy the lovely surroundings and a more luxurious feel. Or even a family home that is rented out privately so that you can enjoy the home comforts as well as feeling like you are experiencing the holiday vibe. Having a self-catering accommodation option allows you to keep mealtimes more varied and takes any pressure off. Especially if have had a particularly full-on day.
Try and find restaurants with a varied selection
Whether you have fussy or great eaters it’s important to try and find restaurants to dine in that have a varied selection or a good kids menu. Many vacation hotspots should have a good variety of food outlets on offer. After all, they are wanting to attract the tourists so they should be prepared for that. During the vacation, it is the perfect time for you to eat as a family. This will encourage children or fussier eaters to try a few different food options. So take advantage of this extra time you have. As much as some families love to eat at home, they don’t always get the opportunity. It’s a great bonding opportunity.
Eat earlier to avoid peak rush
The last thing you want is to be dining in a packed restaurant in peak times. This is where being on holiday offers you a great advantage. You could choose to eat earlier or later to avoid the mad rush. This makes for a more relaxed mealtime. Being on holiday gives you this flexibility, as while you’re still trying to create a routine or stick to something loosely, you can also be relaxed more than you would be at home. Later mealtimes often coincide with later bedtimes, as being on holiday sometimes means you don’t always stick to the 7 pm rule you might have at home. So try and relax a little in this area.
What are your top tips for holidays with kids?
This is a collaborative post
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