Visiting a new place is an exciting experience and one that you can share and enjoy with your loved ones. It's true that choosing a family holiday can be stressful, especially with having a range of different tastes and age-groups to bear in mind. That's why we've made it easy for you with a selection of tips for picking the best family holiday for you. Here's what you need to consider:
Weather
When choosing a summer holiday, you'll probably want to visit a hot, sunny destination. If so, it's worth considering the effects this may have on your children. Choosing a location with scorching temperatures could make your little ones feel uncomfortable and even burn or become dehydrated.
That's not to say you can't go on a beach holiday, though. It's worth looking at the weather forecast for your chosen dates and the times at which the sun starts to set. This way, you'll be able to gauge whether the heat will be bearable when you're out and about during the day.
Whether it's really hot or just warm, remember to pack plenty of sun-cream and water for you and your family in order to avoid any instances of sunburn and dehydration.
Travel
Before you book your holiday, consider how you're going to get there. If you're going abroad, you'll probably choose to fly or sail. Whichever you choose, check the rules and regulations of your named airport or port to avoid facing any unexpected fees on the day of departure. This includes add-ons such as luggage - including baby carriers - and travel insurance.
If you're visiting somewhere closer to home and you're going to be driving a long distance in your car, ensure you take regular rest stops, pack food and drink for your journey and if necessary have a safely fitted baby seat in the back.
Culture
When travelling to a foreign destination, it's important to brush up on the culture of the country you're visiting. This involves factors such as traditional foods, languages and citizenship laws.
For example, certain countries may be quite strict when it comes to dressing in a certain way, so it is a good idea to be mindful of any culture norms so as to not come across as rude or disrespectful.
Accommodation
If you're travelling with very young children, make sure you check whether your villa, hotel or apartment comes complete with a cot to avoid any sleeping arrangement mishaps.
Villas are great for families as they normally come equipped with household appliances like a washing machine and dishwasher, so you don't have to worry about creating huge piles of dirty laundry. They're also self-catered, which means you can go to the local supermarket and choose foods that you know your family will enjoy. This is particularly useful if a member of your family has special dietary requirements, as this could pose a problem in certain hotel restaurants.
© Axonn 2015