Planning a holiday with children is a process that takes a lot of forward thinking; meticulously arranging every element to ensure that there are no last minute surprises for you to sort out. With little ones on board, it is important to minimize as much stress as possible when traveling to another country, particularly if you are visiting a destination that has been on your travel bucket list for a while. If you are heading over to France for a holiday of a lifetime, you will no doubt want everything to run as smoothly as possible, so check out our advice on how to plan the perfect trip below!
Food
French cuisine is renown for being a little bit different, although there are options which are more simple and classic, such as the croissant; unique dishes such as frog’s legs and caviar may spring to mind when thinking about quintessential food from the French. Having food woes and quandaries over what you will eat over your trip are typical and should not be something to focus on too much. Instead, take a look at local restaurants and eateries before leaving for your family break. Not only will this allow you to work out where you can sit down for a bite to eat that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, but will give you some peace of mind that you will not have to spend your dream holiday tucking into a dish of escargot!
Travel
Depending on where you visit in France, there are many different travel options for you to select from. Another thing to consider is the length of time that you are in the country for, as lengthier trips could warrant the hiring of a car. This would also be especially beneficial if you know that you will frequently want to travel away from your holiday villas in France for day excursions. Besides hiring a car to transport your family from A to B, public transport is another thing for you to consider. Not only does this mean that you do not have to worry about getting lost on your journey, but it is also environmentally-friendly.
Accommodation
Ensuring that you have somewhere where you feel safe and secure to return to after a long day exploring some of the many quaint towns, picturesque harbors, and bustling beaches that France has to offer is crucial. When beginning to plan a fun-filled family getaway, it is important to think about what it is that you require from your accommodation. Hotels are perfect if you are looking for a busy environment, however, if you want the privacy, freedom, and tranquillity that you deserve while on holiday, then consider a villa. Allowing yourself to be reassured that your children can roam freely for an hour or two in the safety of your own property is rewarding, as is knowing that your villa has everything that you could ever need and more!
Activities
No doubt there are a variety of different excursions and day trips that you have your heart set on when visiting France. However, when traveling with children, it is important to consider whether or not it will keep them occupied and entertained. Arranging a holiday with little ones is about compromise, and while wandering around a gallery for a day or two may sound like bliss for the adults amongst the group, it is important that they are kept interested too. When beginning the planning process for your trip, write down a list of things to do and places to see that interest you all as a family. This can be a combination of activities that cater to all ages, as this just gives you an idea of what will work best for you all. Looking at the list, you need to ensure that over the course of your holiday, whether that is for a week or a month, that you are all equally enjoying things!
Packing
The last thing that you need to think about before boarding the plane is what you are going to take with you. It can be tempting to overpack when traveling with kids, as the stress that you are going to forget that all-important item can often be too much. However, packing as light as possible is the key here. Over the course of the weeks before you are scheduled to leave, make a note (whether that is a mental reminder or a physical list) of the things that they use in their daily lives. Having this will alert you to what they actually use, and will stop the temptation of bringing along something that hasn’t been used for months on end!
Quality Villas have an extensive variety of luxury villas in some of the most stunning holiday destinations in the world, including France, Italy, Morocco, and Croatia. From beautiful family pads and secluded country escapes, to beach lovers’ villas and wellness abodes, Quality Villas can offer specialized accommodation to suit you and your every need, ensuring that you experience the holiday of a lifetime.
