Imagine escaping from the everyday pressures of work to spend quality time with your children: swimming and interacting with dolphins and stingrays; building sandcastles on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean; or snorkelling above the world’s second largest coral reef.
A recent Transat Holidays Family Vacation Survey, conducted by Ipsos Descarie, reveals that almost three-quarters of Canadians believe that the ideal family vacation is a stress-free destination holiday in paradise that offers programs for children (71 per cent).
In fact, a third of Canadians say their biggest concern regarding family travel is the lack of child-friendly activities/accommodations (31 per cent).
There is a growing trend in families choosing destinations that alleviate the stress and guess work of how to keep their children engaged and happy. The survey also reveals that spending quality time as a family without the stresses of daily life is what Canadians enjoy most about family vacations.
To help Canadians plan the best vacation possible and make the most of their family’s precious time together, Transat Holidays offers family travel tips.
Family travel tips and info
• Choosing the right Family-Friendly Resort. All-inclusive family resorts include numerous activities and recreation options for kids and adults. The resorts offer a safe environment for the entire family, alleviating some of the anxiety parents may feel about travelling with their kids.
Select a resort with a wide variety of activities that will appeal to different family members. Be sure it offers at least one activity a day you know the whole family can enjoy together.
• Choose your seats. Pre-select your seats before departure. A window seat has two advantages: children can sleep leaning against the cabin wall, or enjoy the view outside. An aisle seat is perfect for children who need to move around and stretch their legs.
• Plan ahead and pack baby essentials. Don’t forget to plan for all the items you will need on board: diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets and favourite toys. Bring new toys to engage their interest and bring each one out one by one to get maximum use.
• Create a great travel tote bag. Buy your older children their very own carry-on suitcase that they can roll independently and include their favourite games and toys. Colouring and game books; stickers; markers/crayons/paper; dry erase board for tic-tac-toe or hangman; portable games; story books; a portable DVD player with never-before-seen movies; and even their own portable digital music player with their favourite songs.
• Parents with infants. Parents travelling with infants must carry all legal documents required by the destination country. Children less than two years old must travel on an adult’s lap. Parents receive an attractive kit with essential infant-care items for the flight, including a diaper, lotion, towel, changing mat and toy.
• Creating a life-time of memories. Once you settle back home, scrapbooking can be a great way to organize and display your vacation photos for the entire family to enjoy.