The ultimate guide for family holidays in 2016
Going on a family holiday is one of the occasions where you finally get the chance to enjoy the company of the most significant persons in your life while at the same time enjoying a great change of scenery. However, before you book and start preparing the family for the best holiday yet, you have to keep in mind certain things. Organising a family holiday can be a challenge, but effectively it could boil down to two questions. So in order to share some of our passion in travelling, along with our experience in doing so with our children, we have decided to share some tips, tricks and destinations to make planning your family holidays in 2016 more pleasurable and easy than ever.
First of all, where should you go?
The best family holiday destinations are almost always the places with enough peace and quiet to keep you rested while not making you bored. Keeping the whole family satisfied is the main goal here and so these are some of the best places to catch some sun and enjoy life while making your children ask to stay more.
Benidorm
The all inclusive heaven by the beach, Benidorm, has long been amongst the prime destinations for holidaymakers around the sunny coasts of Spain. The activities on the list while on a holiday to Benidorm are almost endless and include -but are not in any way limited to- swimming, golfing, boat tours, shops and restaurants for any budget or age of traveller. Younger children will revel at the shallow, sandy, blue flag awarded beaches and the rentals and seaside activities are guaranteed to keep you occupied in case that you want to stretch your legs a bit. What’s more is that the area is surrounded by spectacular theme and water parks. Book for a full day of family fun in Aqualandia, Terra Mitica, Mundomar or Aqua Natura and let your inner child out while your children are kept entertained.
Lanzarote
The volcanic and barren surroundings of Lanzarote might look as if they came out of a sci-fi movie in some places but as a holiday destination it offers all the fun in the world. Enjoy one of its stunning beaches such as Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise and engage in a multitude of activities to remember such as diving or sailing to the nearby island of La Graciosa. Make sure to visit the Jameos del Agua and hike in the spectacular volcanic tube which also happens to be one of the longest in the world. In case that you prefer to discover some of the best beaches that you have ever seen on your holidays to Lanzarote, it would be wise to rent a car. Visit Papagayo or Famara for idyllic beach settings away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts.
Corfu
The Greek island of Corfu with its warm weather, friendly people and spectacular cuisine is an ideal family destination. Pay a visit to the world known Navagio Beach (aka shipwreck cove) and marvel at its unique settings, or swim in the crystal clear waters of the Keri caves. In case that you ever get bored of its beaches, make sure you pay a visit to the Old Town of Corfu and witness its spectacular architecture and historic buildings. What’s more is that holidays to Corfu provide a prime chance to learn more about ancient Greek and Chinese history by visiting the well-endowed museums hosted in town.
Kefalonia
Holidays to Kefalonia guarantee one thing in all certainty and this definitely is some breathtaking beaches! From the stunning white sand and dramatic outcrops of Myrtos bay, to the unique orange sand and impressive rock formations of Xi beach, there certainly is a unique beach close by to tickle your fancy. Visit the spectacular Melissani lake or the postcard perfect Assos village on the northwest part of the island with its colourful houses and bougainvillea-adorned narrow streets. The food and drinks on offer are also some of the wonders that this island offers so make sure you try the local cuisine during your visit.
Cancun
Cancun, with its long white sand beaches, impressive resorts and thriving life is one of the best long haul family holiday destinations money could offer you the chance to visit! Swim or dive in the warm waters of the Caribbean, visit the Mayan ruins around the area or trek in the jungle for an unforgettable experience. Holidays to Cancun however offer the unique possibility of combining all of the above in a day or more full of fun if you decide to visit one of its jaw dropping thematic parks. The likes of Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor will have you and your children jumping around full of joy as the rides, slides and shows are seamlessly incorporated in the magnificent tropical sceneries around the parks.
Second, is there anything that you have to know before you travel?
Family travel tips and tricks may vary but here are some of the ones we found essential according of course to our own and other people’s experience.
Plan Ahead
It is essential that you plan way ahead for what may happen. This might involve looking into activities for your children, childcare services provided in your intended accommodation as well as knowing about where to go to in case things go wrong (embassy or other authorities). Moreover, it would be beneficial if you knew where the nearest health clinics and hospitals are, as even minor health problems may burden you and/or your children and disrupt your holidays.
Keep some extra budget on the side
This is of utmost importance as no one likes to be left stranded in a foreign country, let alone a family with protected children. It would be highly advisable that you keep some money on the side for a rainy day rather than going all out and depleting your budget, because things might go sour fast in certain cases.
Passports and travel documents
Before you travel make sure that your family’s documents are up to date. Going to the airport with the intent of flying away from everything and everyone for a few days to discover that your or your children’s passports are out of date is annoying at the least. If you are travelling to a destination where security is not the best, try to keep photocopies of your travel documents. This helps in case that your travel documents get lost, damaged or stolen.
Know your child
Another thing of great importance is to know your children well before you travel. Oftentimes a short question towards their preferences and opinion on the total plan might go a long way in keeping your children satisfied and your holidays fun.
Ask someone who knows better
Most people tend to know someone else who has already been to the place they intend to visit. Ask your friends, relatives or travel agent for extra information on what to expect, what to visit and what to look out for. Firsthand experience cannot be bought, but it can be shared, helping you in making your family holidays in 2016 the best ones yet!
