Home > Family & Social Life > Family Holidays

Family Holidays

Author: Beth Morrisey MLIS - Updated: 26 November 2010 | Comment
 
Family Holidays Holidays Travel Travel &

Family holidays can be a cruel twist of fate. What is supposed to be a relaxing, rejuvenating break that the whole family can enjoy often turns into a frustrating, tiring experience for everyone. Whether it is financial worries, too much time spent together, the wrong amount of activity, or even simply one member of the family being out of their element, holidays are a minefield of stressors. The following family holiday hints should make your next holiday a walk in the park!

Discuss Your Holiday with the Whole Family

Though obviously you are the one with veto power, soliciting your kids' opinions on your next holiday may help keep disputes to a minimum later. Rather than asking your children where they would like to go specifically, consider asking:
  • What they would like to do on their next holiday.
  • What they would not like to do on their next holiday.
  • If they prefer to go on holiday in the summer or the winter.
  • If they prefer sightseeing in cities or lying on the beach.
  • If they think they would enjoy an active or adventure holiday.
  • What has been their favourite family holiday so far?

Set a Budget before You Begin

The cost of a family holiday may be enough to set your stress levels rising before you even begin to pack. To head off this extra stress, this year set a budget and stick to it. Once you know how much you want to spend, begin tallying up:
  • Transport costs.
  • Accommodation fees.
  • Reasonable food budgets.
  • Expenditures for sightseeing.
  • Outlay for new clothes, toys, or books to bring with you.
  • Miscellaneous extras.

Take Age into Account

Regardless of the enthusiasm your kids have before you set off, or the budget you determine you can afford, take a good hard look at the ages of everyone involved in your holiday. Even if your three year old enjoys finger painting, is he really old enough to sit quietly for a tour of the Louvre? Ask yourself:
  • How mature are your children?
  • Can your children sit quietly when asked?
  • Are you children old enough to entertain themselves?
  • Are you children old enough to travel, sightsee or visit a beach alone?
  • Does anyone need a kids' club or babysitter?
  • Is anyone in your group young enough, or old enough, to require naps?
  • Is anyone in your group young enough, or old enough, to make being active a problem?

Consider Holidaying in the UK

Often in the rush to book a family holiday, many parents forget that great breaks can still be had in the UK. If you are interested in cutting down on travel time and airport lines, think about booking into a British holiday park, where you'll find plenty to do for all the family.

Find a Travel Agent You Can Trust

Travel agents are the travel and tourism professionals, and will have many ideas on what will make a great holiday for you and your family. Try checking for family holiday packages with varoius travel agents to get the best deal.

Regardless of where you go or what you do, a family holiday should first and foremost be fun and relaxing. Tailor your next holiday to your family's interests, abilities and budget and get set for a brilliant break!

You might also like...

Comments...

Why not be the first to Leave a Comment?
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Notify:
  Notify me by email when a response is posted
Validate:
Enter word:
Our Quick Links
Live Comments

Elle
Re: Football for Kids
This site is great it helped me to know football better so i could be better
14 May @ 6:09 PM

none
Re: Gymnastics
Looking for gamnastic class for my fourteen yrs olsd dughter for summer
9 May @ 5:26 PM

Drea
Re: Important E-Numbers to Avoid
Thank you for posting this valuable information. My family and I have been preservative and additive free in our home for almost 2 years and are…
24 April @ 3:10 PM

pete
Re: My 5 Year Old Deliberately Wets Herself: How Can I Stop This?
My daughter does the same thing, we have tried everything from rewards to stickers to days out. and also taking her toys off her.she doesnt seem to…
15 March @ 10:57 PM

alanis
Re: Choosing Summer Camps
Camp enables children to stay engaged during the summer and also gives parents both a safe and viable day care solution for summer. Younger…
12 March @ 12:41 PM

Thil
Re: Choosing a Nursery or Pre-School
Very very useful thank you!!My daughter is nearly 2 and a half and I wanted to get her name down for pre-school once we move home. I also want her…
10 March @ 9:50 AM

lauralouhutch
Re: Party Ideas for 8-11 Year Olds
Lazer tag is an amazing party I had it for my tenth party!
15 February @ 7:14 PM

Anonymous
Re: Party Ideas for Teens
Good idea for the pamper one they would love a sleepover afterwards (good choice) or maybe cinema and sleepover (also good choice) Whatever you do…
13 February @ 1:05 PM

hedge
Re: School Fees
My daughter has passed the entrance exam for a private education , I am receipt , as a single parent , of E S A. Is there any grants that could be…
2 February @ 11:11 AM

Sammy
Re: Swimming for Fun and Competition
This text of swimming competitions are really cool. It has inspired me to enter a swimming competition.
30 January @ 7:02 PM

GForce
Re: Party Ideas For 5-7 Year Olds
I have a great idea for a party. My youngest is turning 7 and we're having a space party. I've copied space pictures off the internet ( non…
22 October @ 5:48 PM

justin
Re: Gay and Lesbian Parents
Thanks for the first well balanced argument, most I have read have made me think twice about being a gay parent but this has really help support my…
7 October @ 6:38 PM

Jezza
Re: Talking to Kids About Puberty
This website is excellent!!!! :)
29 August @ 9:28 PM

ALH
Re: Dealing with Aggressive Teen Behaviour
From six years of going through these problems I can't take much more. He is aggressive and violent physicaly and verbally abusive. He has been in…
17 August @ 5:09 PM

Chaplain Gary
Re: Devising a Homework Timetable
I love receiving updates from Growing Kids. What a great range of articles that are balanced and refreshing. Keep up the good work.
15 July @ 10:00 PM

yoyo
Re: The Effect of Text Messaging on Spelling
sms doesn't influence spelling and writing
8 June @ 4:41 PM

Also on Growing Kids...
Our Most Popular...
Add to my Yahoo!
Add to Google
Stumble this
Add to Twitter
Add To Facebook
RSS feed
You should seek independent professional advice before acting upon any information on the GrowingKids website. Please read our Disclaimer.