Making time for yourself on a family holiday

Family holidays are precious for everyone involved. And while they’re invaluable for making new memories together, they can also be full-on. As a result, some parents intentionally choose holiday formats that make life that little bit easier.

While it’s natural to want to centre the trip around any little ones, it’s equally important for parents to enjoy their own downtime. This may take some organisation, but it will help make sure you return from your trip feeling recharged rather than drained.  

Planning ahead for balance

Before setting off on your holiday, take time to plan in a way that caters to both family bonding and personal relaxation. 

Where possible, create an itinerary that features solo activities for parents on the trip. Perhaps you’re able to arrange childcare while you enjoy a day trip or a few hours unwinding by the pool. Unless you carve out this time, you risk missing those all-important opportunities.

Utilising childcare services

Many cheap holidays offer excellent childcare services at a really good price, which can provide parents with some much-needed alone time. 

There may be kids’ clubs that run during the day and into the evening, or courses where kids can learn how to sail, play tennis or have a go at water skiing.

Enjoying activities together and apart

Spending time as a family is hugely beneficial for developing communication skills and bringing everyone closer. Although most of these will be planned with the kids in mind, don’t shy away from centring some activities around things you enjoy. This might involve kayaking together or setting off on child-friendly hiking trails, or perhaps it means going on a day trip to somewhere that interests you. It’s all about balance.

At the same time, factor in time that can be enjoyed individually. Something like a spa treatment or a yoga session means you can unwind completely undisturbed. Otherwise, simply reading your book while the kids are entertaining themselves in the pool is a great opportunity for some R&R on your holiday. 

Staying flexible and open to spontaneity

The truth is that regimented itineraries don’t always work on family holidays. All it takes is for one of the little ones to feel tired, then before you know it, the original plan gets scrapped. Try to be flexible where you can so you don’t feel as though you’re missing out. 

At the same time, look out for opportunities for extra relaxation. If your kids take naps, be ready to make the most of this time.

Make sure you’re open to trying new things that weren’t initially on your radar. Perhaps you’ve driven past an unexpected water park, or maybe there’s a fun activity taking place at the resort. Either way, it can be beneficial to let others take the reins every now and. Plus, you could uncover valuable time for yourself. For example, your kids might get involved in the unexpected activity, leaving you time to read your book or listen to a podcast in peace.