It only feels like yesterday we bid farewell to the Christmas holidays, and now mid-term is just around the corner! If you’re planning a short hotel break for the family and kids, here’s your checklist for ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Location is everything when it comes to planning a trip with smaller kids. Choose a hotel in Ireland that is centrally-located or situated on the outskirts of a nearby town or city – preferably one that boasts easily-accessible transport links. If you do not have the luxury of driving your own car or hiring one, a nearby rail or bus service will be essential to make your way around.
When researching potential accommodation, it’s also wise to check if there are any child-friendly activities available on the property. A children’s swimming pool will be your saviour during rainy days, while a kids camp or supervised playroom is a great opportunity to score a few hours to yourself in the spa while the little ones make new friends.
Children and long car journeys don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. So it’s completely understandable if you feel anxious of what lies ahead. Preparation is key to survival in this case. Ensure to stop regularly for toilet breaks, pack plenty of snacks and a portable DVD player with headphones to keep them busy for the duration. If all else fails, a good ole game of Eye-Spy may just be your last resort.
There’s no denying it, Irish weather can be a little unpredictable – February to April is notorious for impromptu showers and blustery winds! Don’t forget to pack some essential rain gear and wellies for the whole family.
If you are planning a series of day trips, smaller children will be prone to getting tired – they do have little legs after all! Bringing along their buggy will alleviate the pressure of carrying them and a stash of wet wipes are sure to come in handy for any potential disasters. For children who are light sleepers, a familiar soft toy or their favourite blanket will work wonders if their bedtime pattern is disrupted by strange surroundings.
A self-catering lodge is a great option for larger families who value spacious surroundings and privacy. With this option, you won’t have the added stress of packing the bare minimum. You can simply fill up the car with their favourite toys and keep them busy during the evenings with family board games or arts and crafts. If your child is a fussy eater or you are on a tighter budget when it comes to dining out, bring along a few staples from home so you can create some hearty meals as an alternative.
Get the kids excited by involving them in planning your family break. Try to plan at least one or two day trips to local museums or attractions that will keep them entertained. You will be spoiled for choice at Fota Island Resort with an array of activities nearby, including; Fota Wildlife Park, The Titanic Experience in Cobh; Spike Island, Perks Entertainment Centre in Youghal, Fitzgerald’s Park and much more.
Relax and enjoy creating precious family memories that will last a lifetime.
For all your mid-term family break needs, contact the reservations team at the resort on +353 (0)21 488 3700 or reservations@fotaisland.ie.
