How To Handle Holidays With Children
Taking your children on holiday is the perfect time to get away from your day to day life and make some great family memories. No matter the age of your children, getting to see new parts of the world is beneficial for everyone in so many different ways. Whether you are opting for a staycation or looking to travel to another country, you can be sure that you will all experience something different and exciting. It is said that travel is necessary for opening up your worldview and understanding your potential, so it’s great to introduce that as early as possible to your loved ones.
Travel is all about discovery and finding new things you love. To make the most of your time and money, try to plan a trip to somewhere that is very different to where you spend most of your time; for example, if you live in a busy city, try to get out into the countryside and vice versa. You might stumble upon a new interest or hobby when you are out of your usual surroundings. The joys of holidays with children are that you almost see the world through their eyes and everything is new and exciting. There’s nothing better than seeing your children near the sea for the first time or hearing an unfamiliar language.
When booking your break, make sure that your accommodation is as child friendly as possible. Lots of hotels offer activity clubs to keep your family occupied, and that can also be a great way to make friends with other families. If you only have one child and make a friend, it also occupies them and gives you more of a chance to relax! If you are travelling with very young children, make sure that your accommodation offers travel cots, high chairs, and anything else you might use daily. Planning for food is essential, too, and if your child/children have allergies or specific dietary requirements, it may be best to contact your hotel in advance to let them know. The way the hotel/hosts handle this correspondence will tell you a lot about their service and determine whether that is the right kind of place you want to stay. Make sure you check where your local supermarket is in the area you are staying to be sure you have easy access to buy any essentials while you’re there instead of having to take too much with you or in case you run out of the supplies you do take.
Whether you’re loading up the car to go to another part of your country or hauling your baby stroller to Singapore, you will need to consider all eventualities with the items you pack. Packing gets easier the older your children get as they can decide on their own choice of items they know they will be entertained by (with some guidance, of course, so you don’t take twenty plush toys). Certain items are always useful to take regardless of the age of your children, and they are:
- Suncream
- Aftersun
- Insect repellent
- Insect bite cream (soothes itching)
- Any swimming safety apparel/accessories
- Pain killers (calpol or baby paracetamol for younger children)
- Sun hats
- Travel first aid kit (these usually contain bandages and plasters of various sizes, tape, burns dressings and foil blankets, but you can always add any items you see fit)
Of course, the above list aims at a warmer holiday, but if you are having a staycation and have no luggage restrictions, it’s always best to include the above items in case you need them, even if you’re not expecting a heatwave. If you’re packing for a colder holiday, make sure you pack as many thermal layers as possible!
The most important thing about family holidays is making sure you treasure your time together. A holiday is usually a break from work and the usual daily chores, so try to make it. Once you have returned from your vacation, make sure you talk to your children regularly about any fun times you had. Talking about events frequently is the best way to help memorise what happened and the perfect way to reflect.