When was the last time you had a really relaxing and fun family holiday? What? You reserve your best times for when you sneak away for a romantic weekend away with your partner. Well we’re here to show you how to have an amazingly relaxing weekend for all the family, in a stunning location that meets everyone’s needs.
The first tip for travelling with children of all ages is simple. If you’re happy, they’re happy. A holiday vibe is easy to catch, but a little bit of preparation is the key to a happy harmonious holiday. First up, let’s organise your accommodation. We recommend something with stunning views, something with ample space, so that everyone can have a spot to chill in without having to jump over each other.
Alluxia has already hand picked a selection of amazing houses for you to look at. A house you say - that’s too expensive? No, we beg to differ. In our experience, the best houses are those with the simple essentials- access to a pool, a spa, a beach or a canal. Yep, one of those, and you’ve got hours of entertainment for everyone in the family, no matter what the season is.
Want to know other benefits of staying in a house when travelling with kids? For mothers with infants and toddlers, a house means you don’t have to worry about the noise that the little ones make when they wake with boundless energy at 5am. You also don’t have to worry about the sound of chairs scraping on the floor and echoing through to the apartment below. It’s also nice to have some space to move and take the baby to sit on the deck whilst you feed, and gaze at the view. A scenic view is the best way to retain the holiday feeling whilst catering to the demands of the little ones.
Did we mention that houses give you room to bring the scooter and push trikes? Garden access is a sanity restorer, as you can let the kids run around. And if you choose a beach or canal front location, you have sand play in an instant, not to mention the ability to wear the tykes out so that they have that mid morning sleep without tears.
Now that we’ve convinced you on the benefits of a house, let’s get organised. The most stressful part of any holiday is the travel there and home again. Don’t rush around doing the grocery shopping only to tear your hair out wondering how you are going to transport the brie without it getting squashed. Now that you know where you are staying, be smart and do your online shopping and organise to have your groceries delivered shortly after your arrival time. All the major supermarkets home deliver, and if you’re into boutique and organic, google the local producers to find out who delivers in the area.
Alternatively check if there is a breakfast hamper or welcome pack as a part of your accommodation. If a restaurant is more your style then pre book your reservation for the first night. You don’t want to have to think. You just need to get from stressed mode to relaxed mode in the shortest time possible. Cue wine, cue aromatic candles (note to self to bring from home).
Now to the day of travel. Make sure all your electronic devices are charged and that you have packed the charger. Pre-download audio books, movies and playlists for each of your kids (unless yours are big enough and have already organised this). It will take time to set up, but you’ll have it organised for each holiday commute in the future. Buy headphones so that everyone can listen to their own music/books.
Make the days device free - that means for everyone. Check your iPads and phones in the pantry and allow everyone to become exhausted before they are allowed to chill out with them in the late afternoon. It’s good for the kids to complain that they are bored. Once they break through the “I’m bored factor” they become creative and invent games to play.
Simple family holiday games to pack that will entertain the whole tribe include bocce, frisbee, kites and a couple of good old fashioned board games for inside or rainy weather.
For those with older children a fun idea is to give everyone an underwater disposable camera or a polariod camera. The new polaroid cameras instantly print and your kids will love taking photos with them. Underwater cameras will provide hours of fun on the beach or in the pool.
And one last tip, pre-organise your meal for when you get home so you just have to get it out of the freezer, or call for takeaway on the drive home. Remember to preload the phone numbers in your phone. Travelling with kids is fun, and before you know it you’ll be asking your friends to come with you, and having joint family holidays. Happy Holidays, you’re going to have a fantastic time.
Katische Haberfield is a Brisbane based Writer and mother of two gorgeous children and knows a thing or two about holidays with kids.
Browse alluxia's handpicked collection of Family Friendly accommodation here.
