Revealed: The Secrets to a Harmonious Family Holiday

Whether you’re taking them abroad for the first or fifteenth time, holidaying with children can be a daunting prospect. That’s why Jet2holidays surveyed 2,000 parents across the UK to unlock the secrets to a stress-free family getaway, some of which may well surprise you!

In fact our respondents told us that creating a great family holiday is easier than you think – which will encourage the one in ten parents who admit that they have never taken their children on holiday, in fear that the experience will be one to remember for all the wrong reasons.

Time it Right

It seems that when it comes to enjoyable family holidays, timing is everything, with a fifth (18%) of parents saying that one week was the ideal holiday length. What’s more, ‘Stress-Less Spain’ proved popular as a whopping 30% cited it as their preferred destination for holidays with children, plus the short-haul flight is just enough for their little ones to manage.

A third (29%) of parents also recommended all-inclusive packages, and believe that they offer the best value for money. However whilst all-inclusive resorts have a great range of activities on offer for children, two-fifths (44%) of parents said it’s important to have lots of family time too.

Sauce for Success

Jet2holidays also asked parents to share their advice for holiday success, and based on their feedback we’ve compiled a list of top holiday tips. Who would have thought that tomato ketchup would be as important as sun lotion!

• Ask the kids what type of holiday they want, and allow that to influence your decision so that you can book a getaway the whole family will look forward to.
• Try to follow the same routine on holiday as you do at home, such as with bedtimes, to minimise children’s agitation.
• Pack some home comforts like a teddy or favourite blanket. Also if your kids are fussy eaters, tomato ketchup is an essential to avoid tears at mealtimes!
• Bring toys, crayons and colouring books to occupy children in-flight, and on longer flights take advantage of in-flight entertainment.
• Plan some exciting and unusual activities for the holiday that everyone can enjoy together, and make every day a little different.
• Hold some toys back until later in the holiday to add fresh bursts of fun.
• Trips to theme parks and waterparks are best left towards the middle or end of the holiday so there’s always something to look forward to.
• High-factor sun lotion, shade and plenty of water are essential to keep children safe. Encourage your children to take a midday nap to avoid the strong midday sun and stave off tiredness.
• Keep an eye out for kids’ clubs and activities, and encourage children to participate and make friends.
• Give older children some freedom and a say in holiday decisions, which will go a long way towards keeping them happy.
• Most importantly, have the right attitude. Expect to make compromises, be prepared to take part in everyone’s activities and don’t forget to just enjoy the time together!

If these great tips have put you in the mood for a family holiday, look out for Jet2holidays’ dedicated family holiday brochure featuring thousands of free child places for summer 2013. This will be especially welcomed by the 25% of parents who told us that even finding the right family holiday is a huge challenge!

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