Family holidays are a special opportunity to create lasting memories, even amidst the chaos. Handling energetic kids on a plane and balancing work commitments can be tough, but with some planning, you can turn these moments into cherished experiences. Imagine navigating the excitement of traveling with kids, cozying up with your spouse in a snowy cabin, and enjoying evenings by the fire while your children perform their imaginative shows. While movies may idealize family vacations, the real magic lies in managing the chaos and making the most of your time together. As Marcelene Cox wisely puts it, “vacation often means the family gets a break, with a mother ensuring everyone enjoys it.” Embrace the adventure, handle the challenges gracefully, and transform your family holiday into a truly enchanting experience.
Our daily life is spent on work, the children’s matters in school, the spouse’s issues with many things and miscellaneous concerns dealing with the house, maid and just about everything else. A vacation should be one that tears you away from all these issues and supplies you with an abundance of time to just relax, unwind and have fun with your kids. You should be able to come back from your vacation, well rested with good memories and the children should be eagerly counting down to the next family holiday. But of course, reality comes and whacks you upside the head and well, you realise that such things are, at times, not possibilities but merely dreams.
Luckily, with Philippine Airlines’ Ultimate Seat Sale (USS), planning your next family getaway can be both exciting and budget-friendly. The USS offers incredible discounts, making it easier to choose a destination that fits your family’s needs. Explore the amazing deals and plan a trip that promises to be memorable.
Destination Choice
Firstly, choose wisely where to go. In the Philippines, families often opt for nearby destinations such as Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia for shorter travel times. If you’re planning a trip with a significant flight duration, prepare for the journey by packing plenty of snacks, organic candy, puzzles, and reading materials to keep your kids entertained. Ensure you have strategies to manage their restlessness, such as scheduling activities and breaks during the flight. Many parents prefer to travel when their children are in primary or secondary school, believing that older kids are more manageable and can better appreciate the experience. However, traveling with toddlers can be just as rewarding.
Packing
Pack wisely. It cannot be stated clearer than that. While it’s essential to bring along necessities, try to avoid overloading with too many toys or books, as children often lose interest quickly. Keep the number of suitcases to a minimum—managing multiple bags and holding onto a child can be cumbersome.
For a smoother journey, avoid cramming too much into your carry-on. Instead, give your child a small bag for their coloring materials, action figures, and other travel essentials. This way, you won’t have to frequently access your overhead compartment, making the flight more manageable and comfortable for everyone.
Zap the Flight Boredom!
Prepare for the flight and watch the kids groan and sigh as they settle into their seats, knowing they’ll be confined for the duration of the journey. Children will eventually tire of their books and toys, especially on a long-haul flight. Infants and young kids have remarkably short attention spans, and being strapped into their seats can make them more restless. Engage them in imaginative play even with minimal items. For instance, a stuffed animal can become a storybook character or a mini version of the child. At times like this, it’s not about the quantity of items you have but how creatively you use them.
Consider packing a travel organizer with multiple pockets. You can buy one or make one yourself. Hang it on the seatback in front of your child, which maximizes space and keeps toys, games, and books within easy reach. To keep things exciting, let your child swap out items every hour to build anticipation. For children around 4-6 years old, an empty scrapbook can be a fun addition.
Also, your little ones can look forward to PAL’s JJKit, which includes travel essentials and fun items to keep them entertained. Starting August 15, 2024, Philippine Airlines and the DC Justice League are introducing the Junior Jetsetter Kit to keep kids entertained on long-haul flights. Available on select international routes, this vibrant kit includes an activity book, stackable crayons, and either a Rubik’s cube or a bag tag. Kids can also enjoy Warner Bros. and DC Studios movies and TV shows like Aquaman and Teen Titans Go. The Junior Jetsetter Kit makes flying a bit more fun for young travelers!
Elevate Your Family Vacation: Choose a Hotel That Delights
Your child should never wish to be whisked away from your accommodation due to a lack of things to do. The secret to a memorable family vacation lies in choosing the right hotel. Many family-friendly hotels across the globe not only offer safety but also an abundance of fun. These hotels provide engaging tours, exciting games, and creative activities designed to entertain children. This is especially beneficial if you need some uninterrupted time with your spouse. We’re not suggesting you leave the kids unattended, but knowing they are happily making friends and enjoying themselves gives you peace of mind. Some activities even include parent participation, ensuring that everyone shares in the joy and creates lasting memories together.
Looking Ahead
Family holidays don’t have to be a source of stress. With a little planning and the right approach, they can become some of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences.
Family holidays do not have to be the dreaded family travel they are cut out to be. It can be changed and made even more enjoyable to a larger extent. Remember, it is not just a holiday but also a time to get to know your children better and a chance to bulk up on those precious memories that last longer than any souvenir!
