If you get it right, there is nothing quite like travelling with the family and giving your children the gift of experiencing new places and cultures different from their own. But if you get it wrong, travelling with the family can be a stressful anti-climax that might make you wish you hadn’t bothered in the first place. Much of that is decided by the destination and what it offers for you and your family. Does it have something for everyone?
It goes without saying that you must do your research and look into activities. Check on details such as travel insurance – did you know, for instance, that travel insurance is mandatory in Thailand and Cuba?
But once you have done that, what should you do to ensure that when it comes to choosing the right destination, you always get it right? Here are four tips for choosing family-friendly destinations.
1- Ask For Recommendations
The best way to find destinations that are both family-friendly and exciting is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Review sites are all well and good, but it is hard to know whether your standards are the same as the reviewer’s and there may always be that lingering question mark in your mind.
Asking your friends, who are your friends because you are like-minded, is the best way to find a destination that is going to work for you and your family. Knowing someone who has been there with children and can point out the pitfalls, and pinpoint the best things to do, is exactly what you need.
We live in an age where social media influences our travel choices in a big way. But sometimes you just can’t beat a personal recommendation from a good friend who has been there and seen it for themselves. Trust them.
2- Consider Flight Durations
Air travel with children isn’t easy. It is hard to keep them entertained, fed and watered during a long flight and the more tired they get, the more tired you get. It is a vicious circle. But what can you do about it?
Well, when it comes to choosing your family-friendly destination, use the length of the flight as part of your decision-making criteria. If you can make the most stressful part of your vacation less stressful, why wouldn’t you?
3- Make Sure The Climate Works For You
We all like to escape to sweltering climates, to feel the sun on our backs, but your children may not be quite as keen as you. Spiralling temperatures can be difficult for young children to adjust to, as the heat can make them tired, irritable and generally not themselves.
We are not saying not to travel to hot climates, of course, but we are saying this is something you should consider before you settle on a destination.
4- Check The Cuisine Will Work For Your Kids
As much as we all want our children to try new cuisines, new flavors and experience food different than what they eat at home, the reality of putting your children in that position can sometimes be quite different from the dream.
If your children are willing to try anything at home, they will most likely be the same in a new country. If they are a little more conservative with the food they like at home, they aren’t likely to change just because you are on vacation.
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