A holiday can be good, bad or mediocre, or perhaps even like the proverbial curate’s egg, good in parts but not in others. Over the years, I have experienced the delights of most of the categories, from utter bliss to downright perdition. As a result, I am nowadays a little wary, or vigilant, perhaps, when it comes to finding the perfect place for our annual summer break.
I spend a lot of time and effort doing online research into destinations, hotels and holidays. The first year I researched our summer holiday online was the hardest. I actually went over the top and spent days trawling the net until I discovered the combination of venue, hotel and flight details that did it for me.
To help others with their quest to find that perfect holiday, I have decided to share some useful tips to help in the process. Let’s face it, choosing a holiday should be a pleasurable and not a painful exercise; using these tips will help you enjoy the experience.
The prime, most obvious decision is the destination. Where are you going to head for? If you have small children to factor into the master plan, a place not too far from home might be a good idea. No one wants to start their holiday off with a lengthy journey with little ones, it sets the wrong mood and can spoil the start of your much-needed break. We decided that daytime flights from a nearby airport were essential, as we have young children. The extra cost was well worth it for peace of mind.
Destination decided, your next consideration should be the package you need. You will need to decide between self-catering, half-board or all-inclusive. Most hotels offer some or all of these options, so selecting the right package can be a daunting prospect. A financial approach to this conundrum is usually the best solution, combined with some common sense realities. If you opt for self-catering, for example, will you really want to cook a meal each evening, or will you end up eating out? What about the cost of all those little extras like cold drinks and ice creams for the children? Try and establish which option would be best for your overall budget.
With the answers in mind, move on to thinking about the type of hotel that suits you and your family’s needs. Are you thinking quiet and tranquil, or vibrant and busy with activities and entertainment thrown in? What kinds of activities would you like to have on offer at the hotel? Usually a hotel that offers something for all of us, children and adults alike, set in a semi-idyllic location with a pool makes the best choice.
Decisions made, hit the Internet, shop around and find that perfect holiday!