The family holiday doesn’t come around often enough. It seems like we are planning it for months. And when it does arrive we go into panic mode wondering how on earth we are going to keep everyone happy.
From the whining three your old, to the sulky pre-teen and the sometimes grumpy grandpa along for the ride, how will you ever keep everyone happy? Let alone enjoy the holiday you deserve.
Here are our top family holiday tips to keep everyone happy. And that means you too. This is your holiday as much as theirs, so stake your claim and enjoy it.
1. It’s family meeting time.
As a grown-up you get to make the big decisions. But some of the fun of a family holiday is in the planning. The anticipation, pouring over to-die-for photos and working out what you are going to do gets everyone excited. So, get the kids involved. Let them have a voice about the activities and experiences you do. But now is also the time to instill in them that it is EVERYONE’S holiday. That means they will do things they love but sometimes they will be doing things that their big sister loves (and vice versa). If they’re old enough chat about expectations, individual interests, budgets or anything that is completely off limits. You’ll be surprised how much more grown up they will seem on holiday.
2. Pick a family-friendly location
Beach holiday. Tick. City Exploring. Tick. Romantic retreat. Cross. You'll find the perfect family holiday accommodation at Search and Stay (You'll also find a romantic holiday getaway but that's for another time!!)
Holidays are not the time to have unrealistic expectations for your kids. Do you want attractions, the beach and parks close by? Find accommodation in walking distance. Will you be eating out a lot? Stay close to restaurants and food outlets to minimize the hassle of getting there at the end of the day. It could be worth paying that little bit extra to get the right location.
3. Slow down
Fact. Things take longer with kids. Even older ones. So instead of getting all antsy about it, flip it and make it a good thing. Because guess what? At a slower pace you will start to relax. If the kids are small, build in rest breaks. Maybe even embrace the afternoon siesta. Planning your day helps when holidaying with kids. Just keep in mind that things change and that’s OK too. Roll with it and keep an open mind. It usually leads to something unexpected (and in a good way).
4. KISS
Keep it simple. Kids get tired. Kids get bored. Kids get hungry. Be prepared for these three things and you’ll nail this family holiday thing. That means no 10-hour car trips, no mountain hiking beyond their capability and pack the snacks. Always pack the snacks. Be careful not to overschedule. I know you want to do everything you possibly can but usually with kids it is better to balance activity with chill time. After all it is a holiday.
5. Be flexible
Things change. And sometimes there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. So be flexible when it's needed. Any destination, regardless of how touristy it may seem, is likely to present you and your family with some differences. Take it all in, appreciate the differences and encourage your children to do the same. These are the pieces they will remember, so even if they are confronting, show them how to appreciate that difference. A family holiday is a holiday for everyone. Not just the kids. So, put our family holiday tips into practice to keep them all happy and try not to worry about what you can’t control. Just remember you can always leave the poorly behaved one at home next year.
More ways to keep everyone (and your wallet) happy on family holidays.
There are many choices of family holiday houses at Search and Stay and if you need to take your fur babies, there are holiday rentals with pets too!
For more great ideas for holidays with kids, try holidayswithkids.com.au.
