Family holidays make for great memories, but planning them can sometimes be a challenge. If you have little ones, you’ll want to make sure that there’s never a dull moment, but at the same time, kids need their downtime, too. Travelling with elderly relatives can also be tricky, especially if they prefer a slow and relaxed pace.
But there are ways to keep everyone – yourself included – happy. Here are seven tips to get started.
1. Pick a destination that suits everyone
It’s probably not hard to pick a destination that everyone will love, but if you have little kids and elderly parents or in-laws in tow, you’ll want to select a place that’s easy to get around or has a reliable public transport system (particularly if you don’t intend to rent a car), that has medical facilities, restaurants and other services and facilities you may need, and where the weather isn’t too extreme (which is important if you’re travelling with a baby or a frail or sickly elderly family member).
Also ask yourself if the destination is convenient to get to (will you need to transit for several hours or endure an excruciatingly long flight?) and if it suits your budget, since some cities can be quite expensive.
2. Pack smart
Don’t pack everything you think you’ll need. Most people tend to overpack, so make a list of what you intend to bring and then see where you can trim it down. If there are laundry facilities where you’ll be, simply do a wash every couple of days so that you don’t have to pack multiple outfits. And there’s probably no need to bring toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and body wash with you if you can purchase them at your destination or get them from your hotel.
If you’re travelling to a cold, wintry destination, you will have to pack extra items like scarves, thick socks and jackets. To save space in your luggage, stash these in vacuum-sealed bags first.
Packing cubes will also help keep your belongings neat and organised, plus they help to save space.
If you’re travelling with a couple of children, you might be able to fit all of their clothes, shoes and other essentials into one standard suitcase.
3. Keep the little ones occupied
Make sure that your children will have enough activities, experiences and attractions to fill their time with. Ask them for their preferences and do some research beforehand so that you can plan your itinerary.
Older kids may prefer amusement or theme parks or historical sites, while the younger ones may want to visit an interactive museum or nature park. The city or country you select should offer a range of activities and attractions that appeal to kids of all ages.
To prevent boredom back in the hotel room, pack colouring books, pencils and sketch pads, or borrow old-school board games from the hotel.
4. Choose family-friendly accommodation
Vacation rentals are a good choice for families, because you have the entire house or apartment to yourselves. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, book connecting rooms to keep everyone together, or check if there are family rooms available – these are usually quite spacious and include a few bedrooms with bunk beds, living and dining spaces, and a kitchenette.
Some of the bigger chain hotels offer babysitting and childcare services and even kids’ clubs, in case Mum and Dad need some quiet time.
If travelling with elderly family members who have mobility, hearing or sight issues, remember to book accessible accommodation, which usually has grab rails in the shower, shower seats, height-adjustable handheld shower heads, audible and visual alarms, and so on.
SAFRA members, book your holiday accommodation with Agoda and get 8% off using the promo code SAFRA8. Only applicable to selected accommodations marked “Promo Eligible” in designated destinations. Go to safra.sg/promotions/agoda to learn more.
5. Ensure that everyone is connected
You’ll definitely need WiFi, and a prepaid travel data SIM card like AIRSIM is the way to go.
The AIRSIM card can be used in more than 130 countries outside of Singapore. AIRSIM works with mobile operators around the world to provide you with mobile data service at local data rates. Using Over-The-Air (OTA) technology, your AIRSIM is transformed into a local SIM at your destination.
AIRSIM is reusable – just purchase the suitable data plan before travelling to your next destination by using the AIRSIM app or website to enjoy immediate mobile data service upon your arrival at different destinations using the same SIM card.
No more paying expensive data roaming charges or waiting in line to buy a local SIM card when you’re overseas.
SAFRA members enjoy 15% off the AIRSIM prepaid card using the promo code SAFRA15. To find out more, click on safra.sg/promotions/airsim.
6. Select a mix of activities and experiences
Not everyone in your travelling party will want to do the same things. Sightseeing might be fun for the adults but not for the kids. And while walking is a great way to explore a destination, your elderly parents or in-laws may find it tiring or difficult.
The best way around this is to fill the itinerary with activities and experiences that everyone in the family can enjoy together – think farm visits, fruit picking, family-friendly musicals and plays, and food tours.
7. Buy travel insurance
It can be nerve-racking to bring your entire family on holiday, and one way to alleviate this is by purchasing travel insurance. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you and your family members will be taken care of if you lose your luggage, miss a flight, fall sick, or meet with an accident while overseas.
Travelling with children and elderly relatives is even more reason to buy travel insurance.
Purchase AIG Travel Guard so that you can fully enjoy your holiday. SAFRA members enjoy 20% off their purchase of a Single Trip plan. To learn more about this exclusive promotion, click on safra.sg/travelinsurance.
Don’t miss the SAFRA x EU Holidays Travel Fest 2024!
Be sure to check out this special showcase of trendy destinations and popular itineraries from 5 to 7 April at SAFRA Toa Payoh. Choose from a range of best-value holiday packages and deals on offer, including:
- Exclusive discounts on ski, travel and cruise packages for SAFRA members (up to an additional $110 off per pax)
- Buy-one-get-one-free travel packages and 60% off the second pax, child fly/stay free offers, and more (terms and conditions apply)
- Grand lucky draw with prizes worth over $7,000 (if you make a successful booking at the Travel Fest)
- Free beginner ski trials from 5 to 28 April (by appointment and for SAFRA members only). To book your slot in the free trial, log in via m.safra or SAFRA App and book your preferred timeslot through the “Events & Courses” section under SAFRA Toa Payoh club.
- Roadshow exclusive membership sign-up/renewal promotions
Find out more at safra.sg/travelfest
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