10 Awesome Reasons To Book A Family Activity Holiday

10 Reasons You Need A Family Activity Holiday

A few years back, if you’d told friends that you were planning to take the kids zip-lining from a volcano  in the Philippines or go scuba diving off the coastal islands of Hawaii, they might have raised an eyebrow (or doubts about your sanity). Today, however, people are increasingly considering a family activity holiday with children as a great way to spend their precious vacation time. An adventure-filled vacation with plenty of different activities provides a unique opportunity to try new things and ensure there is something that suits every member of the family. If you need more motivation to book a family activity holiday, check out our 10 compelling reasons why you need to book one today!

Adventurous Travel Increases Creativity In Children

Researchers have linked activity-based travel with an increase in creativity, the theory being that while on holiday the brain attempts to connect and adapt to the new culture and environment. Adventurous travel also provides space and time away from TV shows or digital apps that may hinder creative development. New sights, sounds and smells act as inspiration for creativity in children, unlocking potential that might not be awakened in their everyday environment.

Planning Is Part Of The Fun

As mad as it sounds, Involving children in the planning of the trip is a great way to bond as a family as well as boost their confidence. Getting tips from a travel channel or website, reading travel books and magazines or taking to others who have done a similar trip can help foster an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. Allowing children to choose a few specific activities or places they want to visit ensures that they take ownership of their own learning and development- something that childhood specialists have listed as one of the most important aspects of education.

Exposing Children To New Cultures Is Good For Them

Visiting a new culture opens countless opportunities for both adults and children alike. Help feed children’s interest in where they are by going on a historical trip of a city, tasting new foods in a marketplace or getting up close with nature on a boat trip. Family vacations will allow the children to understand the different social norms of the areas they visit, stretching their social viewpoints and comfort zones and opening them up to (quite literally) a world of possibility.

Trying New Things Helps Children To Develop Healthy Habits

All parents know that developing good habits in young children goes a long way towards helping them later in life. Introducing little ones to a fun-filled activity holiday helps them cultivate a love of adventure and of trying new things. It is good for both parents and children to realise that the everyday routine of home can be changed for the better, and that stepping out of their comfort zone is a great way to both bond and grow in confidence. 

There’s Something To Suit Everyone

A family activity holiday doesn’t need to be filled with extreme outdoor sports from morning until night. Ideas for family activity holidays include cookery breaks, climbing or kayaking, camping, volunteering with animals or even circus skill holidays! When booking a break be sure to check there is something that every member of the family will enjoy… even if they don’t know it yet!

Exercise Is Fantastic For Physical And Mental Health

It’s not news that exercise is great for maintaining, enhancing and improving our bodies’ performance, but it’s also brilliant for mental health too. A family activity holiday is a great opportunity to get outdoors together and enjoy pushing yourself to try something new and challenging. The endorphins released during physical activity will help family members relax, unwind and make happy memories. 

You Need To Recharge And Relax

Vacations are the best way to really give yourself space to relax- physically removing yourself from your everyday environment tells your brain that it’s ok to let go of normal responsibilities and worries. Not only do family holidays give parents a chance for self-care; children get to forget about exams, school and homework and enjoy quality time with their parents. Enjoying a memorable holiday can help families refresh and renew their energy and enthusiasm for everyday life. 

Vacations Strengthen Family Ties

You know how it is- the mad rush in the morning to get everyone ready, the school runs, work commitments and other pressures can easily take priority over quality family time. Vacations are the best way to compensate for these lost opportunities as family members are together for the duration, without work and studies as a distraction. Interestingly, when surveyed about their happiest memories, most people chose a memory from a  family vacation when they were younger- so grab every opportunity to get away!

It’s A Confidence Booster

A family holiday is the perfect time to try out new skills and activities, which is a great way to develop confidence and self esteem. Whether you choose a camping holiday in rolling fields, a pasta-making break in Italy or a family circus skills vacation, everyone is sure to come back having learned something new about themselves and each other. 

Kids Grow Up Fast

“The days are long but the years are short.” It’s easy to prioritise work and other commitments over family holidays, but the truth is that relationships are the most precious thing we have, and are the things most worth investing in throughout our lifetime. Before you know it the kids will be off on their own adventures, so take the opportunity to try a family activity holiday while you can. 

Family activity holidays have become one of the most popular ways for parents and children to enjoy a break together. There are options from super budget camping breaks to luxury all-inclusive activity resorts- even hotels with nannies for parents to have some alone time- so this style of vacation is increasingly possible for all kinds of families!