Gone are the days
where parents had very little option but to take their brood camping or
caravanning at a seaside resort nearby. While there’s nothing wrong with
adventurous staycations, kids holidays have come on leaps and bounds
in recent years thanks to improved travel routes, affordable flights, carefully
sourced holiday packages and more families having the desire to be adventurous.
That’s right, an
increasing number of parents are taking their brood far from home to what
can only be described as ‘exotic’ locations, and so if you’re looking at
venturing further afield, here is everything you need to know.
1. Many countries
welcome families with open arms
When travelling
miles and miles away from what you’re used to, it’s normal to feel somewhat
apprehensive – but there’s really no need to fear. With many countries
welcoming families with open arms, you’re sure to feel right at home, but it’s
important to choose family-orientated accommodation that’ll meet your every
need. While many hotels and resorts offer playgrounds, children’s clubs,
seasonal activities and a range of wonderful facilities including swimming
pools, tennis courts, adventure centres and private beaches, it’s also worth
checking they have things like cots, baby monitors and a babysitting service if
you’re travelling with babies.
Even if you’re
going to the back of beyond, it is often possible to find comfortable
accommodation that’ll enable you to have an enjoyable relaxed stay, so be sure
to do your research and read all relevant hotel information and reviews. Look
for websites with pictures and perhaps speak with friends and relatives to see
if they can recommend anywhere from previous travel experiences.
2. Choosing
where and when you holiday is extremely important
As climates can
change dramatically throughout the year from location to location, it’s
important to choose your travel dates carefully. If you want to explore the
tumultuous mountains or fascinating ancient ruins of Cyprus, for instance, it’s
probably not a good idea to book a trip in August, as with temperatures
exceeding 40 degrees centigrade it’s likely to be too hot for excursions.
Similarly, if Thailand takes your fancy, be aware that monsoon season runs
through September and October and so it’s best to go between November and
February when it’s less wet and slightly cooler.
3. Vaccinations
are essential for many parts of the world
Before travelling
to a faraway land, you must find out what kind of travel vaccinations you
need. Many countries are home to diseases which could make you very ill if you
were to come into contact with them, so protect you and your children in every
way possible.
The presence of tropical diseases does not necessarily mean you need to be scared or that you should choose a different destination to explore, but it does mean you may need to take more precautions.
The presence of tropical diseases does not necessarily mean you need to be scared or that you should choose a different destination to explore, but it does mean you may need to take more precautions.
Similarly, if
you’re travelling to a malaria zone, be sure to get tablets from your doctor
before you travel and check that they’re suitable for youngsters. You should
also invest in insect repellent, mosquito nets and long, light clothing that’ll
protect you from being bitten.