Monday, July 21, 2008

Family Holiday Checklist

Family-friendly holiday checklist
Booking a holiday soon? With so much choice on the market, how do you make sure that your holiday destination is going to be fun for everyone? adults and children alike? You need our handy checklist! . . .

Child-safety features

You're not going to relax if you don't feel your holiday venue ticks all the basic safety boxes. Check for locks on the windows, no balconies with low railings, and a child-proof kitchen and enclosed garden if you're going self-catering. Reputable holiday companies like Thomson take care to check all the hotels and apartments meet safety requirements but of course some are still safer than others.

Convenient travel

It's hard work ferrying children and all their gear around. If you are flying, look for a short flight time and a quick transfer from the airport. Consider also the departure and arrival flight times. And in the resort you'll want a working lift or better still, a ground-floor room.

Shops and medical facilities
Easy access to a supermarket, a pharmacy and a health centre will all add to your holiday peace of mind.

Stuff for the older kids
Make sure there's plenty for them too! lots of sports facilities, discos, space to do their own thing and the chance to meet other kids their age?

Sensible sleeping arrangements
If you're bringing a travel cot with you, check it'll actually fit in the room you want to put it. And if possible, look for a layout that allows you to stay up and enjoy yourselves without cramping your style or disturbing the little ones' sleep.

Worry-free water
Your kids are bound to spend lots of time around the pool. Look for a place with separate pools, one shallow enough for the little ones and preferably heated (especially if you're holidaying in the UK). And make sure there's some shade: you don't want to have to spend all your time chasing your kids with the suncream!

Space for the adults
Baby-sitting services, kids' clubs and monitors all give you the freedom to enjoy yourselves and know your kids are being looked after safely.

Entertainment everyone can enjoy
Hula competitions, karaoke, Starlight Express recreated? look for a place that offers a wide range of age-appropriate entertainment that everyone can enjoy. A place where you can be having a drink at the bar while your kids are up on stage strutting their stuff.

Buffet-style food
Ordering off the menu can be hard work with kids. Kids love buffet-style meals - they can go up and choose what they want, mix and match, have a bit of everything ? and if they don't finish one thing, they can always try something else. Some hotels even have dedicated kids buffets at the right height for little ones - cute!.

English-language TV
A must for when only some quality screen time will do to calm those fractious moods.

Quick and easy travel insurance
Your own travel insurance is essential, even if you have an EHIC card. It's your peace of mind in case your luggage gets lost, or someone in your family becomes ill.

Get a travel insurance quote now


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