I do a lot of traveling with my clan. From international flights to family road trips we have it pretty much covered. When traveling to a family resort there are a few things you definitely need to consider.
Are you thinking of booking a getaway with your clan? Check out my Top 5 Family Resort Must Haves before you book:
Family Resort Must Have #5 – Good Food!
When I go on vacation I like to eat! But also, I like to know that there are options so a) we are not always eating the same thing and b) that there are some healthy alternatives if we don’t feel like a full and filling meal every time. Take the time to read reviews, look into resort based fare and local restaurants before you book.
This summer my family and I stayed at Mont Tremblant outside of Montreal. The resort had a huge range of restaurants from pizzerias to adult-only fine dining. One of our favourites was the European inspired La Savoie where we had a delicious meal (over) indulging in a variety of fondue.
Feasting on fondue!
Family Resort Must Have #4 – A Kitchen!
Now, this one is not always required so let me clarify. If we are at an all inclusive resort and Must Have #10 has been met then we only require a bar fridge to store some drinks and healthy snacking options. However, if you don’t want to eat out every night then a kitchen is a must.
This summer we stayed at the wonderful and secluded Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont. We did eat at the resort once and traveled into Stowe for dinner one evening but it was so great to relax in our condo with the other family we were traveling with and enjoy a good meal. It also gave us flexibility for kids’ breakfast and their packed lunches at camp. And, most importantly, we made sure everyone had access to healthy foods the whole time!
Family Resort Must Have #3- Kids Clubs or Camps!
We have made this mistake before but won’t ever do it again. Not all parents or kids would feel the same way but when we vacation my kids want their own activities. They want to explore and have adventures with kids their own age. In other words, we need Kids Clubs!
Pirate Day at the Kids Club at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Arrrr.
Whether on a Disney Cruise or in the mountains of Vermont, good kids programs are critical. And make sure to investigate kids programming based on the age of your children. Some places are fabulous with babies and smaller children but tweens and teens may not be their focus. Take some time to talk to friends and look at consumer reviews online before booking.
Family Resort Must Have #2- Variety!
This is especially important if you are going to be at a resort for more than a few days. One vacation we took was basically get up, eat, go to the pool, eat, sit on the beach, eat and drink, watch the (same) show (every night), go to sleep and repeat. For seven whole days. By the end of the week the whole family was going stir crazy and we were more than ready to go home. We learned that lesson the hard way.
From that trip forward we have done our due diligence and made sure that there are plenty of options for everyone.
Waterpark fun for everyone at Smuggler’s Notch!
Ziplining at Smuggler’s Notch!
Rock climbing at Mont Tremblant.
The character breakfast at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The evening Entertainment on the Disney Cruises.
Family Resort Must Have #1 – Comfortable Accomodation!
This one really needs no further explanation. Without comfortable accommodation the rest of my list really doesn’t matter. If you are traveling with your family and people don’t sleep well no amount of beach and cocktails with umbrellas are going to fix that. Believe me. We have had a few of these and I would rather not travel at all than have to endure tight or uncomfortable sleeping quarters.
Here are a few that more than made the grade:
Love La Savoie!! And I agree, it really important, with or without kids, to make sure there’s enough variety in the activities. There’s only so many times you can play bingo on the Lido deck before you want to push Gopher overboard…
Yes! A comfortable space and bed is the key.
jen it is all about the bed, clearly. If you don’t sleep well- it is no holiday, right?
Great list and love the pictures.