A family holiday is perfect for unwinding after a long year. It’s also a great way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.
However, family members with mobility difficulties can make planning the perfect holiday more challenging. After all, you need to ensure elderly parents or grandparents can enjoy all the places and activities on your itinerary.
In this article, we’ll cover how to plan the perfect family holiday. We’ll also explore how wheelchair hire can ensure elderly family members enjoy every second of your break away.
Hallmarks of Family-Friendly Destinations
To ensure everyone enjoys the holiday fun, select a destination that offers:
Accessible attractions
Choose a destination with attractions and activities accessible to all ages. It is also a good idea to check if these sites have wheelchair hire and access ramps. Elevators for easy access to restaurants, rooms, and toilets are also essential.
Family activities
Parks, museums, and historical sites are great additions to your itinerary. These activities often cater to kids, adults, and grandparents, ensuring everyone can enjoy them together. This can help enhance your holiday experience and strengthen family bonds.
Transport options
Ensure the private and public transport facilities you opt for are accessible and accommodate wheelchair users. Travelling without fussing about wheelchair accessories and ramps ensures a stress-free holiday.
Making It Easy for Grandparents
Having grandparents join in on your family holiday gives them precious time to connect with their grandkids. Use these tips to make it easier for them to enjoy their trip:
- Choose comfortable accommodation: Opt for hotels or rental properties with rooms on the ground floor. If staying in a place with more than one floor, check that it is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps or elevators.
- Plan for rest periods: Take rest stops during a road trip so everyone can stretch their legs. Schedule activity-free days to help your elderly parents rest and recharge.
- Use wheelchair hire options: Many hotels and local companies provide wheelchairs or mobility scooter hire services with flexible hire periods. Opt for a wheelchair with a compact size to make loading and offloading easy.
Know Your Wet Weather Options
The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to have a backup plan for rainy days.
Remember to be flexible with your holiday plans. A flexible schedule allows you to enjoy your time away, regardless of bad weather. It also allows you to adjust your plans and find alternative activities.
When the bad weather hits, visit indoor attractions like museums, aquariums, and art galleries. A day of shopping at a local mall is also a great way to kill time regardless of the weather.
Regardless of whether you’re visiting a tropical island or a dry country, always pack for all weather conditions. Some essentials include:
- Light, breathable clothing
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- A warm jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- An umbrella
Holiday Meal Planning
Tasty food forms part of any memorable holiday. Researching local restaurants and planning meals ensures you cater for everyone. Here are some more tips:
- Speak to your travel agent or hotel staff to find the best local restaurants.
- Mention any specific dietary requirements before ordering. Thankfully, many modern-day restaurants offer gluten, meat and dairy-free options.
- Consider self-catering for days you want to spend indoors. A holiday rental with a kitchen allows you to easily cook and prepare meals. Plus, homemade meals cater to everyone’s specific tastes and dietary needs.
- Plan for convenience by opting for hotels with room service or grabbing a take-out from a nearby restaurant. This is a great idea after a long day of activities.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned holiday is the perfect way to relax and bring families back together. It allows everyone time off to bond and create lasting memories.
When planning your getaway, choose family-friendly destinations with fun, accessible activities and meals for everyone.