Jennifer Dale
What do young families look for in a holiday destination?
Jennifer Dale
What do young families look for in a holiday destination?
With 195 countries in the world, it’s little wonder that choosing where to go for a break away presents something of a headache for many globetrotting families. It’s a difficult decision for anyone, but it becomes all the more important to get it just right when you’re traveling with young children.
Every family’s different and will have their own preferences when it comes to choosing a holiday destination. Some will favor the tried and tested spots that tick all the boxes. Others might prefer to be slightly more adventurous, and stray away from the tourist trail when exploring the world together. Whatever your preferred vacation style, there are a few non-negotiables when it comes to choosing a destination. Here are three of the most important things to look for when planning your next family getaway.
Safety
Top of the priority list for any parents will be the safety of their family. There are so many factors that go into determining how safe a place is; fortunately, there’s lots of information available online to help guide your decision and put your mind at ease when planning a vacation. Here are some of the things to look out for when researching safety information:
● Crime rates
● Vulnerability to extreme weather and natural disasters
● Social attitudes and the political situation
● Standard of policing and healthcare
● Threat of terrorism
According to the most recent data, among the safest countries in the world are Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and Austria. Wherever you go, it’s always important to still exercise caution and follow good safety habits when exploring a new place. Amongst other things, this could mean sharing your itinerary with loved ones back home, keeping any valuables hidden while out and about, being aware of common scams, and ensuring you have copies of your travel documents.
Similarly, you’ll want to make yourself aware of any health risks you may encounter, such as illnesses and diseases that are prevalent in the country you’re traveling to – some locations may require you to have preventative injections. So long as you’re mindful of the risks, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe holiday abroad – just make sure to do plenty of research before setting off so you know exactly what to expect.
Accommodation options
When traveling on your own or exclusively with other adults, there’s room to be a bit more flexible when it comes to the accommodation. However, when you’re also responsible for little travelers, there are some extra things you’ll need to take into account to ensure everyone’s happy and comfortable at your lodgings. That’s why, when it comes to choosing a destination, it’s best to find somewhere with plenty of accommodation options. This way, you’ll be able to compare facilities, amenities, and prices, to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.
Ease and accessibility
While there’s nothing better than traveling as a family and being able to witness your children experience new places and cultures, there will undoubtedly be some slightly more stressful moments on your family adventure. Parenting is hard, and when you’re out of your usual routine and far away from the comforts of home, it can feel a lot trickier to manage your kids’ needs and keep them happy.
For this reason, many families choose a holiday experience that makes for easy exploration – for example, a destination with shorter flight times, or a resort with all the amenities you need available on-site. Another option is to choose an all-inclusive holiday package so that all the essentials are taken care of, allowing you to simply kick back, relax and enjoy your time together as a family while you’re away
Learning opportunities
Children are always having new learning experiences and picking up new skills, and a holiday abroad is just another opportunity to support them in making educational discoveries. Whether you’re hoping to introduce your kids to different cultural practices and traditions, geologically unusual landscapes, or are perhaps eager to get them learning a new language, a holiday in a country very different from your own is sure to help them broaden their horizons.
It’s a good idea to think about the kind of learning your children could benefit from before booking your trip. For example, while exploring the sea and sand could be great for a young child’s development, older children and teenagers might benefit more from visiting a museum or attending a guided workshop.
Fun things to do
Of course, you’ll want to balance your kids’ learning experiences with plenty of less educational but equally enjoyable activities – ultimately, a holiday is all about breaking free from your usual routine and having a chance to relax between your exciting new adventures. When choosing a destination, it’s always a good idea to think about the sort of activities you and your children will be able to enjoy together as a way to unwind. For example, are you a beach-dwelling family who love to spend days on the sand, or are you a foodie family looking for lots of leisurely dinners and a chance to indulge in new treats? Whatever your travel preferences, you’ll need to make sure your chosen spot aligns with them, leaving you to enjoy all of the delights of your destination on your doorstep.
What are the benefits of a family holiday?
No matter the destination you ultimately choose, it’s the people you travel with who will make your holiday experience enjoyable – and when you’re with your closest loved ones, you’re bound to have a wonderful time no matter where you end up in the world.
The benefits of a family holiday are numerous, from deepening your bonds with one another, to learning new skills, experiencing new cultures, and creating lasting memories together. Travel can be particularly good for children’s development – it’s important to remember that while your holiday should be fun and relaxing, your kids will be learning new lessons every day that they’re away.
Author: Jennifer Dale
Jennifer is an avid explorer and a mom of three.
She balances plenty of solo travel with frequent family holidays, encouraging her kids
to explore new places and cultures and have many fun-filled adventures.
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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