A family holiday should be the best time of the year. But it is not always that simple: both parents and children have their own ideas about what makes a great holiday. There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your family holiday does not become an ordeal.
Why stress is often unavoidable during family holidays
Issues that are suppressed in everyday life often bubble to the surface during the holidays. When families spend 24 hours a day together, emotions and conflicts can sometimes boil up. These are usually down to disagreements between the parents or the diverging interests of parents and their children, especially if there are teenagers involved. Good advice is always welcome, but what can you do to make your holiday with the kids as relaxed as possible? Read our tips to discover how all the members of your family can get the most out of their holidays.
7 tips for a relaxed family holiday
1. Prepare well
Planning is the be-all and end-all for a successful family trip. Try to consider everybody’s interests and preferences well in advance, even before you choose a destination. Ideally, it should offer engaging activities for every family member. Bear in mind that things do not always go to plan when you are on holiday. For example, keep some options ready for bad weather so that you do not become frustrated when it rains. On rainy days, children can let off steam at a water park, a hands-on museum or an indoor park. Special travel guides for children can also make them more interested in the holiday.
2. Plan generously
A schedule that is too tight and too demanding creates one thing above all when holidaying with children: stress. So, plan generously. Waiting times at tourist attractions are usually the norm, as are extended travel times when the traffic is heavy. Planning in enough time, or only committing to one activity each day, will leave enough time for an ice cream in between. It is even better if you book tickets online in advance, for example for the zoo. Queues for pre-booked tickets are often much shorter, and the tickets can be cheaper.
3. Pack in good time
A holiday only truly starts to feel real when you start packing your bags. Start packing well in advance, at least one week before you set off on your family holiday. This way, you will soon notice if something is missing or needs to be washed – and you will be less likely to forget the important things. It is generally a good idea if the children help with packing. Depending on their age, they can pick out items to take or get their favourite things ready. A packing list is an especially good idea for children who are already able to read. On the one hand, they can show how independent they are. On the other hand, there won’t be any trouble because you’ve forgotten to pack their favourite T-shirt.
4. Small distractions
You cannot ever completely avoid hanging around waiting when on holiday. Little games to pass the time are a good way to prevent nagging or whining. Besides well-known games such as “I spy” or “Rock, Paper, Scissors”, a guessing game like “Who am I?” can also provide welcome distraction. For road trips, the traffic sign guessing game goes down well with little ones. If children do not feel like sightseeing on holiday, you can tempt them with their own basic camera. That way, you can head off exploring – and the excursion immediately becomes less boring.
5. Travelling with other families
Adults often get a raw deal on holiday, especially if there are very young children or infants. However, this does not have to be the case. Go on holiday with families you know who have children. That way, the little ones have someone to play with, while the parents take turns looking after the children and can sometimes do something on their own. It also helps if you consider child-friendly destinations when choosing your holiday spot. That way, there is a high chance that your children will find others to play with.
6. Plan in time for being together as a couple
When on holiday, many parents focus primarily on the wishes of their children. Spending time as a couple is also important on family holidays, but it requires good planning and a willingness to compromise. If there are childcare options on site, you can make good use of your free time without the kids to go out for a meal, say. Alternatively, children’ activities such as a tour of a museum or a theatre performance can also give you some freedom. These can enable both parents and children to experience something for themselves on holiday. If everyone gets their money’s worth, it can contribute to keeping the peace within the family.
7. Plan ahead with the right travel insurance
A lot can happen on holiday. If you lose focus for just a second, it might be too late. It can be quite a shock, especially on holiday. A first-aid kit can help with any bumps and bruises. See our first-aid kit checklist for advice on what to include. However, it is better to take precautions for all other cases. Protect your trip with the right travel insurance for family holidays.
What if your child falls ill while on holiday? What if you have to interrupt your trip? Travel insurance ensures you will be well covered for these and other events. At Generali, you can choose basic and supplementary modules that suit your needs. That way, you will be well prepared for your holiday with children.
Read about the Meier family's experience to discover how travel insurance can help.
