When planning a family holiday it is crucial that you book the right destination, the right hotel, the most convenient flights and the right family travel policy. You need to consider what it is that your kids enjoy doing and what will keep them occupied, while catering to your own holiday desires too. A great place to start is with the accommodation. As long as the hotel is spot on, you know you are on to a good thing, but booking a great family friendly hotel is not always easy.
Here are some considerations to take on board if you want to avoid making any decisions that you might regret later.
Don’t Always Go For a Hotel Out of the City
You can be forgiven for thinking that a hotel out of the city might be quieter and possibly even safer than one in the city centre, but think again. Family Travel Magazine suggests that a more central hotel is actually a better option if you have children with you. A city centre location means that all of the attractions are closer, and after a long day of sightseeing, when the children are tired, you only have a short journey back to your hotel. Being in the city centre also reduces the need for public transport, which can be an extra stress if you have a buggy with you.
Although hotels located outside of the crowded city centre might be deemed safer, this is not necessarily true. Sometimes, the more crowded a place, the safer you are. Regardless of location, however, as long as you have your family travel policy up to date, you can rest assured you are covered should anything untoward occur.
Staying central might be a little more expensive, but on the whole it will definitely work out more convenient.
Check Out Kids’ Dining Options
It is all very well booking a fabulous city centre hotel full of great amenities, but if there is no restaurant that will cater for your kids, then you could be in trouble. If kids are fed well they will be happy, and although many kids will eat adult meals, toddlers in particular can be forgiven for not wanting something from an à la carte menu.
Before you book, it is a good idea to ask the hotel what they can offer children or if they can suggest cafes or restaurants close by that have children’s menus. Some hotels have microwaves in the room, which is good news if you are travelling with very young ones.
Book a Family Room
Make sure you ask the hotel what they can offer in terms of room arrangements. Some hotels have adjacent rooms with an adjoining corridor, which is perfect for older, more independent children. Rooms separated by a door are better for parents with younger children, as the adults can maintain some privacy but still hear the little ones should there be an issue.
Don’t Forget About the Extras
Some hotels and resorts offer extras for families, so make sure that you are in the know. Ask about babysitting services, kids’ clubs, kids’ pools and other baby related items that will make your room safer for your toddlers and reduce the risk of you needing to use that family travel policy.
Washers and dryers are also worth asking about, as many hotels and resorts have these facilities, which reduce the worry about packing enough clothes. A shop on site is also a great benefit when you are on a family trip, just in case the little ones need a snack or extra bits and pieces.
Family holidays are the stuff of treasured memories, so remember to be organised, do your research before you go, and invest in a family travel policy for real peace of mind.
Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore, an award-winning team of specialists in global single trip, annual and family travel policy insurance. Besides offering great deals on travel insurance, Patrick also collects and shares the best free travel competitions to help his clients get the most out of their holidays.
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