5 Tips For Planning A Family-Friendly Holiday Abroad
Planning a solo holiday outside your country can be exciting. But when your family’s involved, there’s a lot to consider. Things like planning activities which your family will find fun can be challenging, but not impossible.
Global tourism hit record highs in 2018, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals. These figures dipped during the pandemic but have since been rising steadily. Because of this you’ll be competing with many others for plane seats and accommodation facilities.
Planning ahead can help turn your time away into a fun family holiday. This guide offers practical planning tips for an unforgettable holiday, so read on!
1. Prioritise accommodation comfort
Holidays are never complete without a good night’s sleep. And it starts by picking the right accommodation. Finding space where every family member can relax and rejuvenate is important.
Browsing family-friendly accommodation is a good start. Aside from a nice bed, consider amenities such as pools, play areas, and pet-friendly zones. These are important when looking for long term holiday rentals. A family suite is also a great option, separating your group from other holiday goers.
Other things to consider are the attractions you plan to visit. The location of the accommodation to these sites needs to be factored in as well. For example, if you’re travelling to Mt Buller or Mansfield in Victoria Australia, during the snow season, finding long term holiday rentals close by to the snow is key for a fun time. This helps to shorten travel time and preserves energy for the actual adventure.
Kitchen facilities should also be a big plus. It’ll make preparing meals easier instead of buying ready-made food. This saves money you can use for other things. Consider a place with a washing machine and dryer as well as to keep your clothes clean throughout your trip.
2. Choose engaging activities
The activities you choose should be interesting for everyone in your group. Activities that spark interest across all age groups are the best. Take time to research top-rated family destinations. Read blogs and watch videos which are targeted toward family travel. You may also find travel forums and social media groups worthwhile in your search for engaging activities.
Another must-try place is local tourist websites. These often list family-friendly attractions and events. You can also get decent discounts on these platforms, as well as family passes and skip-the-line options.
3. Streamline travel logistics
To begin with, consider booking direct flights. This reduces stopovers, which are potential stress points. But when stopovers are unavoidable, go for longer intervals to reduce the hassle of moving through several airports with kids.
Another worthwhile strategy to streamline your travel logistics is pre-planning your airport arrival with appropriate transportation apps. These ease the process of getting to your accommodation.
Regarding packing, don’t bring unnecessary items. Traveling with light luggage is often easier. The less bags you carry, the cheaper it is for you. Airlines often have limits on the size of carry-on luggage acceptable on the plane so always check the airline’s hand luggage allowance before you travel. If yours exceeds this, you’ll have to pay fees. Remember you can always wash your clothes if you’ve booked accommodation with a washing machine and dryer.
4. Tackle health and safety issues
Your family’s well-being during holidays is important. Things can go wrong like falling sick and this can interrupt your plans. Check travel advisories by your local authorities and avoid the named destinations which may be at higher risk of illnesses. Getting vaccinated against diseases which may be common in your destination is important. For example, if you’re traveling to Thailand or India it’s advisable to get vaccinated for Malaria. Consulting travel experts for destination-specific advice could help too.
Next, purchase comprehensive travel insurance that cover illnesses and accidents. Between 2020-2021, travellers spent an average of USD$234 (GBP£187) on travel insurance for two-to-three-week trips. That’s about 6% of the average trip cost. Have these average figures in mind when inquiring about the cost of travel insurance.
It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit when travelling with your family. It should have items like antiseptic wipes, pain relief, plasters, and prescription medication (if required). It’ll help in case of an accident during your adventures, as will knowing the location of the nearest hospital or clinic to your holiday spot.
5. Manage your budget wisely
Finances are a significant concern when it comes to family holidays. There’s often a concern of overspending and draining your savings. But with proper budgeting, you can stay on top of your finances. To begin with, book flights several weeks before your travel date. You can save some decent money through early-bird discounts. You get to pick the best seats. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend ones.
For accommodation, it’s cost-effective to rent a holiday apartment where your entire family fits. Alternatively, book a family suite at a budget-friendly hotel. Look out for kitchen facilities, as they decrease the typical expenses of dining out. You can also be lucky enough to get accommodation packages offering free meals for kids if you stay at a bed and breakfast.
Choose activities you can comfortably afford. If you’re on a budget, prioritise free or low-cost attractions. Many destinations feature free walking tours, museum visits, and so on. This is especially common during public holidays. Some cities also provide discounts to those with tourist cards.
Takeaway
Adequate planning is the backbone of a successful family holiday abroad. Identify the common challenges you’re likely to face when travelling overseas with your family and seek practical solutions. The earlier you start planning, the better. Early bookings often come with discounts. You’ll also have peace of mind when everything is settled prior to the trip. Whilst a last-minute rush is often stressful and expensive. Lastly, while structuring your itinerary is important, don’t forget to leave some free time to have the freedom to explore spontaneously. It ensures every family member comes home with treasured memories and tales to tell.
