 Holidays for Families
You may not have considered a walking holiday for your family holiday before. But there are many good reasons for abandoning overcrowded beach resorts and taking the children somewhere a little bit different; such as family walking, with lots of fresh air and healthy living – far away from the TV.
Children love the outdoors, and a walking holiday is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family, as well as a great opportunity to introduce the kids to nature and new experiences such as the regional food, language and ways of life; it’s fun and keeps the entire family healthy, stimulated and relaxed. Although perhaps a little daunting for an adult hoping for a restful holiday, if there is such a thing when you have children, the reward comes with their wide-eyed wonder at a strange-looking plant or animal, an unusually-dressed local, or the excitement of discovering a different flavour of ice cream.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a walking holiday with children:
| • |
With regards to age limits, we firmly believe no child is too young. There may well be some carrying involved, but the person doing the job will benefit from the extra fitness and muscle tone! Ensure you select a child carrier with adequate suspension as well as padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. A rain / sun hood is essential. Check on children regularly. A sleeping child may be peaceful but can still be hot, cold, or uncomfortable. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas before you set off. |
| |
|
| • |
Little feet grow quickly. Make sure children try on their walking shoes/boots and break in new ones before you depart on a walking holiday. |
| |
|
| • |
Bring high-energy snacks, such as cereal bars or fruit. |
| |
|
| • |
Carry plenty of water; dehydration is an all-too-common problem during a day out in the mountains, resulting in extra crankiness and fatigue. |
| |
|
| • |
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so dress your children in extra layers and bring raingear to ensure they’re prepared for all eventualities. |
| |
|
| • |
When choosing a walk suitable for children, remember that, despite their seemingly boundless energy, they can tire easily. Select a family walk that matches the interest and ability of the kids, and pace the outing to the slowest walker or youngest child. Don't wait until you are tired to take a break; short legs will be fatigued first. Stop frequently for water and snacks. |
| |
|
| • |
For children who might need motivation to walk, suggest a scavenger hunt for some entertainment. Also, it helps to walk towards ‘something worth seeing’: reaching a waterfall, a beautiful picnic spot, a cave or a place to paddle or swim all make exciting goals. |
| |
|
| • |
If you have more than one child, or if your children tend to run ahead, dress them in bright colours, especially in spring and summer when vegetation makes it easy for them to blend in with their surroundings. |
| |
|
| • |
Avoid dousing your children in sweet smells such as pungent shampoos – this way insects are less likely to attack. There are special insect repellents available for children, effective against midges and other biting insects. |
| |
|
| • |
Check your first aid kit as part of your pre-trip planning. Teach children to walk safely and responsibly, and before you depart on a walking break make sure they know what to do if they get lost. |
| |
|
| • |
Hut-to-hut walks (where turning back is not an option) are not recommended on holidays with children. For families with younger children, a less demanding option is a single-centre based walking holiday. This simply means: stay in one family-friendly hotel, B&B or self catering place for the duration of your family holiday and do out-and-back walks. |
| |
|
| • |
Choose family-friendly accommodation and check what type of rooms are available, including family rooms, interconnection rooms, suites, self-catering apartments or self-catering houses. |
| |
|
| • |
Check that there is a bath and not just a shower, as a bath is an essential for many families, especially with younger children. |
| |
|
| • |
Enquire about family activities and facilities in the hotel, as well as family activities and things to see and do for kids in the local area. |
| |
|
| • |
Enquire about family eating times, children’s menus or children’s meal times and whether there is a policy of excluding children from the restaurant at certain times. Also ask about special children’s menus, and if your children have any allergies, find out their ability to accommodate these. |
| |
|
| • |
Many hotels in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Dolomites and South Tyrol have excellent childcare facilities, kids clubs, and child-friendly sporting and leisure facilities, with lots of things to see and do with the kids. |
| |
|
| • |
Free offers and child discounts are also a common feature of hotels who welcome families. Ask for special family packages or discounts. |
The idea of getting dirty, exploring new trails, following paths of old, gnarled roots, climbable rocks and searching for wildlife during a family holiday appeals to the inner child in most of us. Granted, children can take longer during a family walk than their more focused adult counterparts, but that is usually because they have different agendas. Every bird must be seen, every noise identified, every wildflower analysed, every patch of moss stroked. Children seek adventures during a family holiday, as we once did, and their curiosity and imagination could probably teach most of us a thing or two about nature appreciation. |
|
