Ask any seasoned parent traveller and they will undoubtedly report that proper planning makes or breaks any family vacation—it is the thin line that divides family vacation bliss, from “Help! I need a vacation from my family vacation!”
As important as planning is to maintaining your family’s pre-vacation stress at acceptable levels, manoeuvring through information about distant locations, accommodations, services and attractions, perhaps with the added barrier of a different language—can be a truly overwhelming process. (And you haven’t even broken it to your teenager that she has to leave her best friend for a whole week.)
It’s not surprising then that a recent Transat Holidays Family Vacation survey revealed, more than 70 per cent of Canadians believe that the ideal family vacation is a stress-free destination holiday in paradise that offers programs for children. (Otherwise known as a vacation where someone else takes care of the planning, which is otherwise known as a Mom’s Dream Vacation.)
Destination resorts have evolved over the years to cater to nearly every interest and type of traveller, and many now focus on providing facilities and programming designed particularly with families in mind. These getaways have the distinct advantages of providing fun, safe and age appropriate activities for everyone in your group from toddler to teenager.
They also provide a family focused environment filled with other parents who will understand if your two year old behaves...like a normal two year old.
Even with all inclusive, stress free family resort vacations, it’s great to keep a few tips in mind. This checklist, provided by Transat Holidays, can help to keep you informed, organized, and hopefully relaxed from vacation’s beginning to end.
Choose The Right Family-Friendly Resort
Research or ask your travel agent about destinations that specifically cater to families. These resorts will not only offer activities that you and your children can enjoy, but the presence of other families will give your children an opportunity to build new friendships, and if appropriate enjoy some time away from mom and dad in a safe environment.
For example, Transat Holidays offers full service, family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts including supervised activities at Kids Camps and even an Elmo and Friends exclusive Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street in Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and Florida, if you’re open to last minute travel you can score those experiences for a great deal.
Pack Wisely!
It’s a great idea to buy your older children their very own carry-on suitcase that they can roll independently and include their favourite games and toys. Depending on your child’s age some great items to bring can include colouring and game books; stickers; markers/crayons/paper; dry erase board for tic-tac-toe or hangman; portable games; story books; a portable DVD player with never-before-seen movies; and even their own portable digital music player with their favourite songs.
Travelling with an infant or toddler requires a little extra prep. Don’t forget to plan for all the items you will need on board: diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets and favourite toys. Bring NEW toys to engage their interest and bring each one out one by one to get maximum use!
Don’t Forget The Documents
If you’re travelling with an infant, you will be required to carry all legal documents required by the destination country. Make sure to check ahead. Speak to your travel agent but always make sure to double check so there are no last minute stressful surprises.
If your child is travelling alone, do extra research to find out what type of services the airline can offer to keep your child safe and to make their journey enjoyable. On Air Transat, children between the ages of 5 and 11 who must travel unaccompanied receive preferential service. Each minor will remain under the supervision of an Air Transat employee from check-in right up until the child is met by the person who is verified and authorized to meet the child.
Select a Family Friendly Airline
Ask about special benefits or programs your airline may offer to make travel with children easier and more enjoyable and don’t be afraid to outright ask about how the airline treats its littlest customers.
Find out if your airline offers special boarding counters for families, a great way to reduce your check-in waiting time (and prevent in-line melt-downs).
If your group includes an infant, find out if your airline provides a care kit to make taking care of little ones easier during flight. Air Transat kids club offers parents an attractive kit with essential infant-care items for the flight, including a diaper, lotion, towel, changing mat and toy.
When You Get There: Have Fun!
Getting to spend uninterrupted time together as a family, away from day to day priorities is a rare treat, so soak up each moment and squeeze as much fun as possible out of each activity. And don’t forget that a relaxed and happy mom means a relaxed and happy family, so take few moments to pamper and spoil yourself.
Find out more information about great Transat Holidays family holiday choices throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida and Europe as well as exciting contests and promotions at www.transatholidays.com.
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