There’s no better cure for the January blues than vacation planning. It may be a while until the sun rears its beautiful head again, but that doesn’t mean you can give yourself, and the kids, something to look forward to. On a dull, dark day, what could be better than planning your next adventure?
If you’re looking for ideas for your next family vacay, here are some ideas.
Beach holidays
Beach holidays are a firm favorite, and it’s easy to see why. You can choose from all kinds of destinations, both near and far, and you can have a fantastic time without it costing the earth. At the beach, you can try all kinds of activities, or take it slow, and chill out with an easy read and a soothing playlist. The kids can splash around while you supervise, and you can take your own entertainment in the form of inflatables, outdoor games, and snorkels.
If you’re a fan of the beach, the world is your oyster. If you’re keen to stay in the US, you won’t be disappointed by the golden shores of California or the palm-lined beaches of the Florida Keys. If you’re keen to travel further afield, European gems like the South of France, Portugal’s Algarve region, and the Costa Brava are well worth considering. If you can’t wait for the summer, and you fancy some winter sun, consider heading to Australia or South Africa.
Camping trips
There’s nothing more important than making memories and spending quality time together when you’ve got time off. The beauty of camping is that you can take a spontaneous trip, and you don’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to have a good time. You may not have all the mod cons or be lounging around in all-inclusive bliss, but camping vacations can provide all kinds of memorable experiences.
If you’re going camping, it’s wise to draw up a packing list before you go. This is the kind of vacation where you may need specialist gear, rather than just your shorts and swimwear. You’ll need sleeping bags, a tent, and some cooking equipment. If you’re a fan of camping, and you like to go away on a regular basis, it’s worth checking out Dutch oven gear. This is a tried and tested way of producing a range of meals with minimal fuss. You’ll also need plates, bowls, cutlery, and utensils.
When you’re planning your vacation destination, this about what you want to do when you get there. Do you want a serene break on the shores of a lake? Or are you eager to get out there, hike the hills, climb mountains, or try and hook the catch of the day? If you’re an adventurous type, the national parks are a great option. They usually offer a wide range of activities, as well as purpose-built campsites. If you’re considering a camping holiday outside of the US, France and the UK are excellent choices.
City breaks and seeing the sights
Do you want to do something different every day on your vacation? Are you keen to explore, learn, and enjoy some cultural activities? City breaks may not be ideal for young children, but they’re fantastic for older kids, especially those that have an interest in art, history, sport or music.
In the US, popular city break destinations include Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, New York, and Boston. If you’re staying at home, but you want to discover a different city, do some research beforehand, and plan an itinerary. Perhaps you want to see the galleries and museums, or you’re desperate to have your photos taken at famous landmarks you’ve seen in the movies.
If you’re traveling with kids and you’re looking for somewhere where they’ll never get bored, London is a brilliant option. Once you’ve got to grips with the underground network, you should find it a really child-friendly place that has so much to offer visitors of all ages. Many of the museums offer free entry, and you can make sightseeing easy by joining a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Highlights include the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. From London, you can access almost anywhere in the UK relatively easily, so you can turn a city break into a longer vacation. Head to the coastal resorts of Brighton, Poole or St Ives for a rest or travel north to the Lake District, the North Yorkshire Moors or the Peak District if you’re keen to enjoy hiking, climbing and cycling or you’d like to explore quaint, quintessentially English villages.
Image via https://pixabay.com/en/photos/london/
Other European cities that are famous for drawing crowd pleasers include Paris, Rome, and Pisa. If your are looking to head to one of these stunning cities you are definitely going to want to hit as many child-friendly iconic attractions as you can get in. One of the best things to do in Paris is visit the Eiffel Tower. Going to Italy? Then you’ve got to visit the Coliseum in Rome and you won’t want to miss out on touring the Leaning Tower of Pisa, also the birthplace of the story of Pinocio. Check out some online guides, and travel books before you go. You’ll find loads of sample itineraries online, and you can tailor your search to find suggestions for kids.
Image sourced from https://pixabay.com/en/leaning-tower-of-pisa-cathedral-94984/
Theme park breaks
Theme parks are designed to provide you with endless amounts of fun, and there are attractions to suit all ages. Florida is perhaps the most famous location for a theme park break. In just a few days, you can ride the rollercoasters, meet your favorite characters, enjoy a safari and imagine yourself in a Hollywood blockbuster. If you’re a Disney fan, you may also consider venturing to Anaheim or flying to Paris, Tokyo or Shanghai. Visiting theme parks won’t give you any time to catch up on sleep or bask in the sun, but it will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Once the excitement of the holidays is over, January can be a little tricky to negotiate. If the winter blues have set in, why not start thinking about where you’d like to go on your next vacation. Hit the beach and enjoy a tropical retreat, or pack the car to the rafters and embrace the great outdoors on a camping trip. See the sights or enjoy the thrills and spills of famous theme parks. Get everyone together, throw some ideas around, and start getting excited about where your next adventure will take you.