Taking a trip with the family isn’t always the easiest thing to arrange – starting with the struggle of gathering all the generations together. But once you’ve got that covered, we have some top tips on how to make the most of an all ages getaway in perfect harmony…
WEEKEND AWAY…
DO
Stay close to home. One-two hours’ journey is as much as you need on a Friday night.
DON’T
Head off on a ‘flyer’ – everyone else is doing the same. Little ones can be put into their PJs if you set of later. Big kids won’t care as long as there’s a drive-thru en route.
DO
Pack light. It’s two sleeps and two days. Adjust accordingly. Jeans, comfy faves and walking kit. A posh top/shirt if Saturday night ‘glam’ is required.
DON’T
Overplan. One activity is quite enough. Relish sleeping in and lazy breakfasts. One well-chosen fresh-air outing is a quite enough be it a country show, a beach walk or stately home visit. The rest of the time relax and enjoy each other’s company without deadlines.
FAMILY REUNION…
DO
Plan wisely. A giant house or a cluster of cottages? Give granny her own place where the kids can gravitate for secret sweet stashes. Older people rarely sleep late (or very much) – nor do they want to dance to Wham at midnight their their tipsy offspring.
DON’T
Expect instant harmony. Don’t force teens to be sociable if they’re not or instantly re-engage with relatives. Have a tech tolerance for their phones etc. They’re veer towards the social hub of the house at some point.
DO
Divide the chores. If you’re self-catering, designate meal duties. Every family’s got an ‘organiser’ who will probably the relish telling everyone else what to do – make the most of it and bring what you’re told. The key is to make sure there’s loads of breakfast item. After that think pub, takeaway or caterer.
DON’T
Forget to create a cocktail hour. Ask everyone to bring a substantial appetiser/canapé for the group and drinks. And let the kids have full-fat Coke. The perfect way to reconnect.
CITY BREAK…
DO
Maintain expectations. New Yorks/Paris/Berlin. They’re big places and the need to see everything can make the trip overwhelming with kids in tow.
DON’T
Over-schedule. An don’t expect the kids to jump for joy at the third museum or monument of the day. Let them shop and spend their holiday cash. Let them eat from street stalls and hang out in markets. Have a coffee and read your guidebook whilst they do.
DO
Make eating an experience. If parents are keen foodies then often the lunch option at a food hotspot is a good idea. The atmosphere is more relaxed, the bill lighter and the experience a good way to ease the aching legs if you’re on a sightseeing mission.
DON’T
Forget to share. If there’s an all-age group, make sure everyone gets a say in the sights and sounds they really want to experience. It might well be a football stadium or a theme park. Let it happen, it’s about making memories.
