AD | When is a perfect family holiday not a perfect family holiday? No, that’s not a typo, there really is a reason for my posing that question. What do you picture when you imagine your dream two week summer holiday getaway? I’m guessing sun, sea, sand, a pool, good food, fun activities, and spending some quality time together, yes? Because for many of us, that precious two weeks in July/August is something we look forward to, save up for, and invest a whole lot of expectation into each year. So what if those expectations aren’t met?
What is a perfect family holiday?
Firstly, there’s no right answer, what floats your boat may well be anathema to another family. I spent all my childhood summer holidays in Malta and I had a ball. The sea was clear, blue, and warm, the sun shone all the time, and when I wasn’t swimming, we were visiting various tourist attractions and dining out on Maltese cuisine every night. (My mother was very firmly of the opinion that holidays did not mean slaving over a hot stove).
Alan, on the other hand, grew up in Scotland and most of his holidays were what we’d now call staycations. His globe trotting really got going after he’d joined the RAF, and today there are very few countries that he’s not visited. But we both have fabulous memories of our respective childhood holidays. Whether spent overseas with a villa pool, or at home with a blow up pool. And to me, that’s what a perfect family holiday is all about: the chance to spend time together and make memories to last a lifetime.
Our first family holiday abroad
I remember swearing blind that having a child wouldn’t change our holidays, we’d still go to all the places we used to, and he/she would just have to fit in. Oh, how all my parent friends laughed. But, in the very early years, that’s exactly what happened. Alan and I used to go to Kalkan in Turkey every year (12 years running in fact) so, when Flora was six months old, we decided to introduce her to our favourite holiday destination too. As you can see, the locals were DELIGHTED to welcome us back…
The following year we went back again, but sadly realised that pushing a buggy up a seriously steep hill twice daily in 35 degree heat was not conducive to a perfect family holiday. Much as we loved Kalkan, there had to be an alternative to sweating by the pool and taking turns running around after an active toddler.
Villa holidays in Spain
The one thing we were always clear about was that we wanted our own private space and pool. For us, a villa means you can do your own thing. You can get up and go to bed when you want, eat what you like, not get into an early morning race to claim a sun lounger by the pool, and best of all, it feels like a home rather than a room.
Our following three holidays to Menorca gave us all that and more. Each time, we had our own two bedroom villa with a private pool and patio, which was literally minutes from the seafront and the main strip of restaurants. All we had to do was make memories: pony riding, trying paella, building sandcastles, going rock pooling, eating ice creams, swimming in our pool and the sea.
Villa holidays in Turkey
But Kalkan’s lure proved too strong to resist and back we went again for our next three holidays. So many memories here: Flora ordering her own food, trying and loving her first calamari, and feeling all grown up with her own fruit cocktail.
Other memories include her swimming and snorkelling like the proverbial fish, being allowed to steer our water taxis to and from the town, going out on multiple gulet boat trips, eating our body weight in ice cream, and cats. Always and forever, gazillions of cats, every day of our holidays, every year.
Villa holidays in Cyprus
All good things come to an end and as Flora got older, so the simple delights of Kalkan began to pall and more diverse activities were called for. Step forward Cyprus, which Alan knew well from his RAF days. Although we didn’t go ski-ing in the Troodos mountains, we did visit the most amazing zoo.
And hiring a car meant we could explore parts of the island that are inaccessible by bus. Secret coves, village restaurants, and several off the beaten track diversions, before coming back to cool down in our private pool.
Villa holidays in Lanzarote
Another casualty of her growing up was having to start taking holidays in July/August, which ruled out both Turkey and Cyprus as it’s too hot to breathe out there then. So for the last two years we’ve holidayed in Lanzarote. Still with our own villa and pool though, that’s the one constant. And visiting Rancho Texas to see the dolphins, going riding together, just her and me, and endless snorkelling in crystal clear waters will always be some of my most treasured memories.
What makes a perfect family holiday?
Coming back to the question I posed at the beginning of this post. Pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and smiling hand foot and finger service might well be a dream holiday for some. But I think the reality is so much simpler. It’s about being together, spending quality time with each other, and having the chance to reconnect and bond again.
A recent study commissioned by Solmar Villas* found that the majority of parents see holidays as a key bonding time for them and their children. With no stress from household chores, homework, the school run, and work deadlines to intrude. Interestingly, the study also found children are better behaved on holiday than at home, indicating that it’s just as important for kids to have a break from everyday life as well.
We all live such busy lives that those precious two weeks away in the summer holidays really do have a lot to live up to. For us, booking a private villa with a pool is an essential part of that experience, a seed that was probably sown during my childhood in Malta. We haven’t decided yet where we’re going for our perfect family holiday this year.
Spain and Greece are both up for discussion, but whichever we choose, I fancy a multi-centre holiday this time. Perhaps a villa on the Costa Brava together with a couple of nights in Barcelona? Having recently started working for a Spanish property portal, I’m sure my co-workers will have lots of brilliant suggestions of where to stay. Wherever we go though, I’m looking forward to making some more golden memories with the two most important people in my life again 🙂
Where do you like to go to for your family holidays? Are there any particular activities and accommodation that you prefer? What does the perfect family holiday look like to you?
* This is a sponsored post.
We always changed the destination when I went on family holidays as a kid, but for me going to the same place each year would be cooler!
Old favourites have a special place in my heart too, it’s like coming home 🙂
I haven’t been on a family holiday in so long! I think my last one was Zante and it was such a good holiday but almost ten years ago now! It looks like you and your family have had quite a few wonderful holidays. I’d always love to go to Lanzarote!
Ah, Alan and I went to Zante years ago and loved it too. I’d forgotten, maybe that’s one to think about again this year then!
Love the villa holiday in Spain!
We did too 🙂
I don’t think traveling with kids would be a problem, but it might for some parents. I don’t think my parents have favorite destination haha.
Yes, I’m sure you’re right 🙂
Wow, it looks like you have had some amazing family holidays! All of these places look so wonderful to visit!
Yes, we’ve been very lucky to have visited some gorgeous places 🙂
My family and I always used to head out to go camping. As a kid I didn’t really care where we went as long as we went together. Miss those days now
Yes, that’s it exactly, it’s all about spending quality time together as a family. Your camping days sound a lot of fun 🙂
You have taken some simply lovely holidays together, even as your daughter grew up. I think definitely the perfect holiday time is spending time together with your family. 🙂 I have taken some memorable trips with that sentiment in mind.
Oh, thank you, and yes, I’m so glad you think the same. Spending time and making memories are what it’s all about (although a lovely villa helps too!)
For us, the perfect holiday involves completely unplugging from the world, sleeping in a tent and spending our evenings around the campfire. There is something SO relaxing about taking a break from the excitement and craziness of our regular lives and just escaping into the great outdoors.
I think Flora would like to try camping but it’s just not my thing, I’m afraid. I don’t like the idea of all the bugs and only a thin strip of material between me and the world when I’m asleep, haha. But spending time in nature during the day is always something we enjoy 🙂
For me it’s not so much the destination as it is taking time to be together and do stuff as a family.
Oh and not too warm as I don’t deal well with heat and get sick.
Yes, I know what you mean about the heat, it ruins a holiday for me too. But spending time together is the main thing, it’s what you do that you remember.
I have such fond memories of Malta as a child. My Mum grew up there and my Grandfather is buried there. I would love to go back.
Family holidays are not always the rest and relaxation we hope but being in a villa does offer that home away from home vibe.
Oh that’s interesting, Malta seems like a firm favourite for many of our parents 🙂 and yes, that’s exactly why we love villas, they really do offer a more homely feel, thank you, Claire x
We used to go to different places on holiday as a child, from the ones I remember, I have also revisited some of those to as an adult to see how much they have changed, sometimes nothing has changed other times it’s not the same 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
That’s so funny, I want to go back to Malta because I spent so many childhood summers there but I’m scared to go in case it’s not the same (which it won’t be, of course, but I hope you know what I mean!) 🙂
Wow you’ve bee n to so many beautiful places! I have never stayed in a villa with the kids – what freedom! We tend to go on holidays where we can ‘do things’ too. This means we tend to have ‘staycations’ nowadays – there’s so much to do in the UK and so many beautiful places to explore. xxx
We have, I know how lucky we are, even if Flora doesn’t yet! And yes, villa holidays do rather spoil you for staying any other way, they are a treat. I know what you mean about staycations though, we love Scotland and Cornwall too xx
You are absolutely right. It’s about the time spend together! I’ve been all over the world with my family for many years. Regardless of where you go, or don’t go, it still comes back to being together!
Mark / Mark’s Travel Journal
https:// http://www.markstraveljournal.me
Ah thank you, that’s very kind, and I’m so glad you agree. Where you stay is important, of course, but it’s who you’re with that makes the memories!
Excuse me for sounding SO cheesy and sappy here but I think the perfect family holiday is when you’re with people you love and everyone has a great time. Really, the destination doesn’t matter! But loved these photos and reading about your family holidays! x
Not cheesy and sappy at all, you’re right, it’s all down to the people you’re with. A lovely destination and accommodation are just the icing on the cake – and thank you! xx
This is a great post! I’ve wanted to travel with my daughter for a while now. She’ll be 6 this year and I told myself now that she’s old enough to make lasting memories I’ll start planning some trips!! I’m excited!!! I’m glad you’re able to experience these places as a family!!
Thank you so much, that’s so kind. And 6 is a lovely age, she’s old enough to be walking and talking but young enough to be excited by everything, you’ll have a ball!
This was such a cute post. We usually went to different places each year, there are only a couple of places I’ve been to more than once but it must be so nice to look back on all of those memories in specific locations. I’ve never been on a villa holiday, something to consider x
Sophie
Thank you 🙂 I had a great trip down memory lane when I was looking for photos for this post! And yes, a villa holiday really does make it that extra bit special! x
Oooh! I am in need of a vacation or some kind of getaway pronto!!! It is great that you got to see different parts of the world, and even do staycations! You know how to eat good when you’re traveling as well. Love that your family bonds and have new experiences together. Thanks for sharing some of your family vacations!
Nancy ♥
I know, when I was looking for the photos for this post I realised just how much we neeeeeeeeed a holiday! Thank you, I’m so pleased you liked our family snaps, and yes, Turkey makes it easy to eat well! 🙂
You have had such lovely holidays! We are going to Finnish Lapland this winter and to Spain in May. Can’t wait!
That sounds amazing, Flora has always wanted to go to Lapland or see the Northern Lights but I don’t do the cold, sadly for her!
Lisa – your holiday looks simply lovely!! Lots of adventure and quality moments!! Well done!
Ah, thank you very much, we’ve been very lucky 🙂
We often went to the same places when we were kids, namely North Wales, Weymouth and the Isle of Wight. Our first holiday abroad was Paris when I was 9 or 10 and we didn t go anywhere else until my 1st year of college. I think I’ve continued that tradition and prefer to explore the UK.
I’m a huge fan of staycations too, we love Cornwall and Dundee, but the only problem is you can’t guarantee the sunshine. So a summer holiday abroad is also a must for us!
I think definitely the perfect holiday time is spending time together with your family. You have taken some simply lovely holidays together and no matter what country you were in and it’s wonderful!
Ah, thank you so much, that’s very kind of you – we’ve been very lucky with our holidays, but you’re right, it’s who you’re with that really makes them perfect!
Sorry I seem to have missed this post. A holiday for us is just about being together. Being able have everyone together is such a great thing, being able to have quality time and making memories! Also having some sun is great to be able to enjoy nature. Looks like you have had some lovely holidays! Thank you for sharing Lisa xxx
Being together is absolutely the main thing but we’ve found that where you go and more importantly where you stay is a large factor on how you all get one, haha. We’ve had some lovely holidays, this is very true, thank you, Lauren xxx
Malta is such a beautiful place, I can see why you have so many fond memories. it was my first holiday destination abroad when I was a child and still holds a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to go back there.
It really is – and it does take a hold on your heart, doesn’t it? Beautiful island, despite recent political shenanigans
I myself just love spending days on the beach and in the sun! My husband and I have gone on some fun Holiday’s together but we have yet to take our son but now that he’s getting older we are excited about our first one as a family!
The first family holiday is such a special time – I miss the hot sunshine and swimming in the sea – but fingers crossed things improve this year!