How to plan the perfect customized family vacation

After spending months at home stuck in lockdowns, it's time to start thinking of your next family vacation! Of course, while travel restrictions are only beginning to ease up, it's never too early to plan. Here are some key things to keep in mind which will go a long way in helping to ensure that everyone will have a memorable trip.

                                Image via Freepik

Pick the Right Destination

The all-important "where to go?" question is something that parents have to grapple with before any family holiday. Apart from deciding if you are going to travel within the country or go overseas, you also need to keep in mind factors like what the weather may be like (depending on the season); the last thing you would want is going on holiday and experiencing downpours regularly.

Also, keep in mind aspects such as travel and transfer times because you should ideally look to minimise both where possible; long layovers and transits pose altogether different challenges of keeping the kids occupied! Another important thing parents may forget to do sometimes is to get the kids involved when choosing the destination. Get them to join in the process, seek their ideas and come to a decision together; of course, it may help if you shortlist the options first.

Choose Suitable Accommodation

As vital as the destination is the accommodation. The last thing you want is sub-standard accommodation ruining the stay experience. So before you book hotels online, make sure to check that the chosen properties meet your requirements and are as advertised; for the latter, reading current traveller / guest reviews will help, especially comments from other families who have stayed at a particular property.

Apart from choosing a hotel, resort or apartment that meets your budget, there are other factors worth considering; these include the availability of family or adjoining rooms, location, distance to attractions and transport services, onsite leisure facilities such as a kids' club as well as offered activities and excursions. Choosing well-known hospitality brands the likes of Avani Hotels & Resorts helps to meet such requirements along with the added assurance that stringent health and safety protocols will be followed to combat COVID-19.

Make a Practical Itinerary

Careful planning of an itinerary for your family holiday should be done way before you land and ideally not once you get there. While you could add or remove things on the itinerary when at the destination, it is better to have a proper plan on what you are going to see and do. When doing this, make sure that it is practical too and takes into account whether or not the activities or attractions will interest the kids as well.

Come up with a clear schedule for each day and you can divide it into the morning, afternoon and night; plan what you will do during each time of the day and don't forget to factor in transport time. It is also helpful to have back-up plans; what happens if there is rain and you can't visit a certain place? Look to see what indoor attractions or activities are available in your destination of choice and pack some board games too!

Take Time to Unwind

This applies not only to parents but kids too! When making your itinerary, don't forget to include time where the whole family can unwind or even enjoy some space. Don't pack your schedule or itinerary with so many activities that you don't have time to relax too. There is also much laid-back fun to be had while playing at a beach or park, having a family game night or just chatting with one another; these are some of the memorable moments to be enjoyed during your holiday that are not always part of the "things to do" list.