How to enjoy 'me time' on a family holiday

The first step to enjoying some ‘me time’ on a family holiday is to actually create the free time and headspace in which to unwind. Every family has different day-to-day routines and you may be travelling with young children who need consistent care and support or older children who are becoming a little more independent.  Either way it’s important – and possible – to create time for you.  If you have young children, it may take a little more planning but you shouldn’t feel bad about enjoying some time away from them – after all, it’s your holiday too.  Plus, they’ll have a ball in the kids’ clubs whilst you’re enjoying time to yourself!  Here are a handful of tips that will hopefully inspire you to create some ‘me time’ on holiday: -

Develop a holiday rhythm: Yes, you’re on holiday but sticking to a routine can help you plan time for yourself.  Take inspiration from a ski holiday, where mornings are typically dedicated to ski school for the kids whilst you also have lessons or take the time to explore the mountain at your own pace, before reuniting with the family in the afternoon. 

Plan for you: Book in those well-deserved spa treatments, fitness classes or activity tuition sessions at the very start of the week.  By pencilling it into your holiday schedule from the outset you’ll have enough time to make sure everyone else is happy/well looked after before you take your break.

Make the most of long summer days:  Use the longer days and warm climate to your advantage, whether it’s to enjoy a sunrise swim, an early morning stroll along the beach or just to take some quiet time to read your book  (whilst the rest of the family are still snoozing).

Seize the moment: You might just stumble across an unplanned moment where the kids are all occupied with friends, fun or clubs and you’re free to do whatever you please!  Don’t miss out on these chances…dive into a good book, seize a cheeky siesta or grab the other half and head to the bar for a cooling afternoon cocktail.

Let the kids’ clubs take charge: You shouldn’t feel remotely guilty about using the Neilson kids’ clubs.  They will have the time of their lives making new friends, trying new activities, learning new skills and laughing all the way.  They’ll love telling you all about it at the end of the day and in the meantime, you can spend some time enjoying the things you love doing too!

We’re quite sure you don’t need us to tell you how to enjoy your time out but we do know just how many things there are to keep you active – and relaxed – on a Neilson Beachclub holiday.  So, here’s our ‘don’t miss’ list: 

Learn something new: Whatever our age, we experience the same feelings of pride, confidence and excitement when we try new things so we really should try to recapture that childlike feeling of “I did it” whenever possible. There are so many inclusive activities included on a Neilson holiday, together with professional tuition/classes/guiding, that it’s the perfect time to find your thing!

Spend more time doing the things you love: Take the time to pick up an activity you may have enjoyed in the past, or not had enough time to enjoy at home.  Make the most of the ‘me time’ and the fact the activity kit; tuition and warm climate are on your holiday doorstep.

Indulge and pamper: Indulgence will mean different things to different people but if, to you, it’s about taking the time to relax then go for it - whether you fancy a spa treatment, a quiet potter around the local village or simply a cold beer at the pool bar. 

Be more mindful: Just make sure you enjoy each moment in time, whether that be negotiating your way down an off-the-beaten-track mountain bike trail, soaking up the scenery on a paddle board, stretching into a new yoga position or simply taking the time to appreciate the view across the bay.  Being active outdoors is a naturally effective way of being mindful, as you’re immediately conscious of your body and the environment around you.

Above all, have fun and enjoy your holiday ‘me-time’ as much as you enjoy all those wonderful moments with your family!