How to relax on a family holiday

Thinking ahead before your holiday can make it much easier to relax once you’re there.

•    Book a family or interconnecting room, depending on the age of your kids. If your children are still little and you need all of the beds in one family room, choosing a suite can be a good way to get some extra space. 

•    Write a packing list to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

•    Pack light on clothes, especially for a beach holiday. Chances are you’ll spend most of your time in your swimmers, so don’t go mad on outfits. All children in our kids’ clubs (with the exception of TAG) get a rash vest, and younger children (up to Stingrays age) also get a sun hat.

•    Don’t forget a few basic medicines like antihistamines and Calpol in case of holiday bugs or mishaps.  

•    Bring a few reusable containers for transporting snacks on day trips or to the beach. If there’s one thing we know about kids, it’s that snacks are a must!  

•    Cut down on the amount you need to bring by pre-ordering one of our baby or toddler booster packs for your room. They include handy items like changing mats, baby bouncers, bottle sterilisers, kettle and microwave. We’ve also got lots of baby baths, cots and pushchairs you can request.  

•    You can hit the shop in your beachclub for nappies, milk, formula milk, suntan lotion and other family necessities so don’t worry about bringing a full supply for your holiday.

•    Consider inviting friends or family along on group holiday to help share the work – and the fun! 

Kids are so excited to jet off on an aeroplane, but a few handy tricks can help you channel that excitement into smiles and avoid the dreaded tired tears:  

•    Check-in as early as possible to make sure you get seats together unless you fancy tag teaming the in-flight parenting and taking turns in a quiet seat a few rows away – an option some parents swear by. 

•    Bring plenty of child-friendly entertainment when you travel. Think books, toys, magazine, tablets, snacks, colouring books, sticker books, crayons and so on. Some parents make up a surprise goody bag filled with things like inexpensive activities, mini Lego sets, and sweets that children love to open once up in the air. 

•    Little ears are often especially sensitive to the changes in pressure during take-off and landing, so take along something for your children to suck (a dummy or some sweets depending on their age) to help alleviate this. Getting them to try yawning also helps.

•    If you can, try and plan your journey around kids’ usual naps or downtime. It helps to stick to their rhythm and a snooze always makes the journey go much faster – for everyone!

Phew, you’ve made it to your beachclub and you’re ready to relax. Here’s how:

•    Take it in turns to get up early with the kids so everyone gets the chance for a well-deserved lie-in. We’re also a big fan of family naps on holiday!

•    If your little ones are sensitive to changes in routine, it’s worth keeping the basic structure of your day as normal as possible. Sticking to the usual meal and sleep times can help them feel secure and avoid those tired, hangry meltdowns.

•    Leave parental guilt at home and pre-book a space in one of our cool kids’ clubs. It’s a great way for your children to make friends and have a go at some new activities. Our energetic nannies and water sports instructors know just how to keep kids aged from four months right up to 17 years happy, smiling and entertained. 

•    And with the kids happily occupied, you can relax as hard as you like. Lounge by the pool with a good book, hit the spa and wellness facilities or get stuck into your own action-packed activities. Most of our beachclubs also offer evening sleep clubs if you fancy a carefree adults-only date night. 

•    Exercising and being outdoors together is a brilliant way to relax. There’s a huge choice of activities on offer, most of which can be enjoyed as a family. Tennis, cycling, rock climbing and kayaking are just a few of our family favourites. 

•    That said, don’t try to cram too much in. Lazing at the beach or hanging out at the pool can also be a lovely way to enjoy some laid-back quality time together. 

•    Our Mediterranean buffet-style dining is family-friendly, so finding food and drink to suit even the fussiest little ones shouldn’t be a problem. All of our beachclubs have gorgeous outdoor dining areas that are extremely popular with parents.

You’ve had an amazing break together. But how to ease back into everyday life?

•    Give yourselves a full day off to unpack and tackle the laundry basket before heading back to work. You won’t regret it.  

•    Plan some fun family time when you return to keep the holiday vibe going and the post-holiday blues at bay. Go on a bike ride, snuggle up for a movie night or just keep those family mealtimes going.

•    If all else fails, you’ll just have to plan next year’s family holiday!