If you’ve ever watched one of those “Vacation” movies – you know, the 80’s slapstick variety starring Chevy Chase, you might shudder at the idea of taking your own family on a holiday. One of the reasons people find movies like these funny is the touch of reality in them – the chance that such antics could happen to them. But fear not! You can have a fun and memorable family holiday, without anyone cringing at frequent gaffes and mix-ups. Take a peek at our handy list of “must haves” and what to do with them, and your trip will be full of fun instead of fraught with disaster. Following these tips could mean the difference between a “Sound of Music” type family experience and one from “Married With Children”…
1. Lists. You should never go on a holiday without a list. Specifically – what have you packed? Making a checklist in the weeks prior to the trip makes packing for the trip less stressful – and also increases the likelihood that you won’t forget anything. You can use the same list whenever you’re repacking to leave a destination, to ensure everything is accounted for and nothing is left under the bed or curled up behind the television. Other lists might include wish lists – what do the members of your family most want to see or do? Have a chat with each person before you go, to ensure they get a say in the holiday too. A simple wish like, “going to a zoo” or “snorkelling” might be easier to include if you know in advance, and can look up the facilities for the area and its surrounds. Another list to remember is where you’re going, what you plan to do there, what you need to bring (for example, attraction tickets), when you plan to be there, and alternates in case the weather doesn’t do you any favours.
2. Backpacks. This a brilliant way to keep every member of your family content. Have everyone pack their (appropriately sized) backpack with their favourite things. For youngsters – maybe it’s a few healthy snacks like fruit bars and mandarins. Add in some crayons and a small pad, and maybe a few little variety-store toys and your tot will be thrilled to have their own portable happy-pack. Teens and tweens might pack a camera or game, some snacks, and paper and pen. Mum, Dad and Grandpa may have their own things they’d like to have handy. Best of all – there will be less whining about being hungry, or bored if you need to stay somewhere for a lengthy period of time. Have each person pack their own bag with the understanding that they need to carry it (not hand it to you!) and they’ll need to ensure items are returned to the bag after use, otherwise they may be gone forever. Each night before bed, have your family replenish their bag with healthy snacks, ready for heading out the next day.
3. Wet wipes/nappy wipes. How did we ever live without these wondrous sheets? It doesn’t matter if your kids are now teenagers; these are must-haves for any trip. A bumpy ride on an aeroplane has resulted in spills on your clothes? Bring out the nappy wipes! Gone for a bushwalk and become a bit muddy? Use the nappy wipes before getting in the car. Munching on the road? These are great for cleaning hands, faces and spills. And of course…if you land at a public loo, well, you know what to do…
4. Games. No – not the electronic variety. We mean the classics – like Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, Checkers – games that can keep you going for hours and actually talking to each other. There are some great newer games out there too, like Cranium and Balderdash that can be a load of fun. Bring these out when rain threatens your holiday fun, or when you’re visiting a town that has closed down for the night but you want to keep going. Parents – take note! These are also fantastic for those hours after your kids have gone to bed, when you’re sitting in your hotel room wondering what to do for the next three hours before you go to sleep yourself. And…well, okay. Some electronic games are really handy to have when you’re on a long drive or aeroplane ride. Just don’t forget the earphones!
5. Ziplock bags. Ever had to rummage through a suitcase, in search of underpants or socks, only to discover that you’ve thrown everything around in the process? Consider using a series of reusable ziplock bags to make packing and unpacking easier. One ziplock bag can hold all of Johnny’s undies and socks. Another holds Jenny’s and so on. Do the same for other items of clothes, and instead of trying to find one single bra amongst 100 items of clothing, you’re moving a series of ziplock bags around, with everything easy to find. After the trip – keep the bags in your suitcase, ready for the next holiday.
6. Journals, scrapbooks, crayons, envelopes, and cameras. Whether the youngest in your group is in nappies, or sporting a scowl and a mobile phone, everyone can become involved with making some fantastic memories. Set aside some time each night to do some “journalling.” For parents, teens and school-aged kids – spend 10-15 minutes writing out your favourite part of the day, what was most interesting, funny, crazy – anything that could be memorable or make you laugh years from now. For younger tots, hand them some crayons or coloured pencils with the suggestion to “draw” their favourite things from that day. They can ask you to write the words they’d like to include. Use the envelopes to keep copies of tickets, brochures, maps, and other memorabilia that could be used in a scrapbook. Be sure to date and mark the locations of everything (when not already printed on the item). When you return home, you’ll be able to easily compile a scrapbook that everyone has participated in creating. Teens and tweens might want to have their own cameras and private journals – encourage them to contribute a few thoughts and images to the family album though, while working on their own private memories.
7. Cuddly bears and comfort toys. Whatever you do – don’t forget your child’s bedtime bears or toys! Young children can get anxious at bedtime when away from home, and having their cuddly friend in bed can make a world of difference. They also get the thrill of sharing their adventure with their furry pal.
8. Books. Have adults and teens pick a few favourites to tote along, and have each tot choose a few picture books for bedtime stories. While you’re away, see if there are any books that relate to your holiday destination. It will be fun reading a story set in the place and will be a lovely souvenir.
9. Baby’s bed linens. It might seem like a strange thing to bring, but if you can grab these out of the cot on the morning you’re leaving, your baby will probably sleep better at the next destination. These sheets will look, smell and feel familiar to them – unlike bleached hotel sheets.
10. A spirit of adventure. Your trip won’t go perfectly, there will be cringe-worthy moments, but if you have the right attitude – you’ll sail through the tough times and have a good laugh at the end of the trip. Remember – travelling with a family is a completely different experience to travelling as a solo adult or couple. But this is a good thing – you’re going to share fun, adventure, and make memories that you’ll always cherish long after the kids have grown up and started family adventures of their own.
Finding family-friendly accommodation
Anywhere you travel in Australia can be a fantastic learning opportunity and a load of fun. But stuffing a family into a hotel room can often be a bit trying…so why bother? Every town and city in Australia has fabulous family-friendly places to stay – complete with kitchens and separate bedrooms. Many of these are unique cottages, holiday homes, and oceanfront apartments – there are loads of great choices. And best of all – they’re usually around the same price as staying in a hotel room. Check out the TakeABreak® family-friendly accommodation options … with more than 5000 choices, you’re bound to find the perfect choice for your next family holiday.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would enjoy.” Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Find out more about Kylie at http://bit.ly/h_experts
