When you think of city breaks, you probably think of sightseeing, fine dining, and cosmopolitan cocktails. How can you manage a city break with kids? They can also be a great idea for a family holiday. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next overseas break, here are five simple ways to make family city breaks work.
#1 Plan ahead
Preparation is key with any family holiday, and you’ll find the best deals if you book in advance. Work out some dates and book your flights and accommodation. Once you’ve got an idea of how long you’ve got available, you can start creating a rough itinerary. Do some research using guidebooks and travel blogs, like one of my favourites, Mini Travellers. Try and work out where different attractions are to save time and money on getting around.
#2 Consider your accommodation options
If you’re staying in a city for a few days and you have kids, it’s a good idea to weigh up your accommodation options. Look out for holiday apartments in Amsterdam or a rental by the beach in Barcelona. Hire a flat in Paris or rent a villa with friends in Portugal. People often assume that a hotel is the best option, but renting a place to yourself may actually be much easier with kids. With an apartment or villa, you can cook your own meals, and you don’t have to worry about waking the neighbours up.
#3 Keep the kids occupied on the journey
Travelling with children can be stressful, so make sure you have plenty to keep them occupied. Take tablets or handheld games consoles, books and puzzles. Stock up on snacks before you go and try and encourage the children to sleep if you’re travelling overnight. Talk about your trip and let them share their ideas.
#4 Pack in the action
City breaks are all about seeing the sights and exploring a new place. Take advantage of everything the city has to offer in terms of family-friendly action. Go to the museums or book a river cruise. Watch a football match or take a trip to the zoo. Catch a matinee at the theatre or hit the beach. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations and look online for vouchers and special offers. Don’t give them time to be bored!
#5 Always have a contingency plan
When planning days out with children, it’s always good to have a backup plan. If it’s not beach weather or the museums are closed on certain days of the week, reach for the contingency strategy. Swap your plans and replace a picnic in the park with a visit to the aquarium. Look for ideas before you go, so that you can make new plans quickly and easily.
If you’re thinking of taking the kids away, a city break may not be the most obvious idea. But city breaks can be an incredible alternative to traditional family holidays. There are all kinds of sights and attractions out there and your kids will learn loads, as well as having fun. If you’ve written off the idea of urban adventures with children, think again. A memorable short break could be just around the corner.