Family holidays present the perfect opportunity to switch off from the daily grind of routine and create memories that will be cherished forever. However, all too often, going away with your kids can quickly turn into a stressful experience — so much so that you might end up wondering why you bothered to book a holiday in the first place.
It's easy to see why your relaxing break becomes anything but, considering the travel arrangements and logistics involved with actually getting to your holiday destination. Not to mention planning your itinerary when you arrive, organising food and entertainment for the family, and finally hoping you can sneak in some adult time once the kids are in bed.
But it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, there are a number of travel companies out there that can help you design your perfect holiday experience with kids in mind, taking some of the stress and strain away from the experience so you can really maximise your downtime and get the rest and relaxation you deserve.
Assuming you have decided on your destination of choice, you will need to start looking at your accommodation options. There can be a lot to consider when deciding where to stay — how much room you will need, where you want to be located and whether the property will be equipped for children — but luckily, a luxury travel company can help you with all of this.
If you're overwhelmed with the vast choice of accommodation, it's a good idea to book a consultation with a luxury travel company — either by speaking to them over the phone or arranging to talk in person. It's advisable to find a company that specialises in holidays to your chosen destination, as they will have the best inside knowledge of the local area.
One of the first things your travel advisor will ask is what size property you're looking to rent. Most companies offer everything from two bedroom apartments to six bedroom villas — so there is bound to be something suitable! How much space you need will depend on the size of your family, and whether your kids need their own bedrooms.
You will also need to consider the location of the rental property. Most luxury villas have onsite pool facilities, fully manned by professional staff and sometimes even a bar service. There are usually inside facilities too, such as free gym equipment, games rooms and home cinemas, so there is no need to leave the property if you would rather relax there.
If you do feel like venturing out to explore the area, you should make sure you are near to a local beach and think about planning an excursion. You'll be surprised what a professional travel agency can organise for you. The best companies will offer everything from boat and quad bike rentals to spa and hair treatments. The list is practically endless.
Your personal travel agent will also be able to help you plan the logistics of your trip, taking car of your airport transfers, car rental, food shopping deliveries, restaurant bookings and could even provide home cooked meals.
Why not really maximise your relaxation while you're away by omitting all cooking, cleaning and washing from your trip, so you can really relax? If this appeals to you, find out it your travel agency can provide you with household staff for the duration of your stay.
Last but not least, find out if your travel agency can provide a babysitting service. This is very popular among parents, as it gives them the opportunity to spend quality time together in a local restaurant or bar, while their little ones are watched over by professional nannies. What's not to love?
Martin Wynn
