7 questions to ask before you book next family holiday

1. Are there children playing areas?

When we are looking for our next destination, the children playground areas are one of “must have destination” issues. It of course depends of the child’s age. Most children like to play and most also like the company. With socializing on the playground, you help your child to set the fundamentals for further ability to make a contact with another child or latter, other people. And it is true, a playground is also a very sociable place for parents – you have the opportunity to meet new people and you never know when you meet somebody interesting, maybe a new business partner or just a very good friend.

2. Is there a lot of happening and entertainment for children? 

Oh, mom, I am bored… Do you hear that often? Our children love a lot of happening, they love to be entertained, and they love to discover or play role games. Therefore, when we choose a destination, we always pick one that is not completely isolated. If that is the case, we check that this isolated resort has many opportunities to do different activities.

3. Is there a family accommodation available?

Not all the hotels are offering the possibility that the room accommodates two adults and two children. So check in advance. More convenient (and sometimes even cheaper) is to rent an apartment, which also offers you to cook your own meal anytime you want. It also depend a lot of destination or the type of vacation you will have. Sometimes even Hostels have family rooms, but I have some kind of doubts that there will be enough quiet at night. Some Aparthotels may also be a good option. That hotel offers you the services as you would have in an apartment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartment_hotel).

4. What are the possibilities for half day or a day trip?

If your children are bigger, the half day or a day trip would be nice. It also depends a lot of your child and his/her age. Some children are very happy and could stay on one place for a long time, not jumping around. But some are very active – ours are and at the age of five half day trip is the maximum we can take.

5. Do they have many green areas (parks)?

Green areas are good for many things. For children to play, run, play seek and hide or families having a nice picnic or just lay down while your children are jumping around. It could be very relaxing and you catch a few relaxing moments for yourself, while checking on your little ones with one eye and a half.

6. How clean are the beaches (if you choose to go to the seaside destination)?

Children’s skin is very sensitive. If you are going to an area that you are used to, maybe the less clean beaches are fine. But if you are traveling in the far away areas, your body (and also child’s) are not use to the viruses and bacteria’s that are special for certain area. That is why we always check, how clean is the area we are going (I mean, a few germs will only improve the immune system, but if there is a lot of mess and garbage, avoid that kind of places).

7. What type of beaches are there?

Does your child loves sand or stones? Or does he/she likes to jump into the water? Do you like waves? Or water has to be calm? Check the area where you are going, maybe you can find a spot that offers you all that and you change the beach every day.

Do you want to be informed about new hint how to easy travel with children? More will be available in an upcoming book The secret of easy family traveling: 30 things every parent should know BEFORE traveling with children.