why i ditched fancy trips for family package holidays
Before we had kids, my husband and I were all about adventure. We’d hunt down those hidden spots that never made it into the travel brochures. I remember once, we spent hours trying to find a breakfast place a local recommended—only to discover it was closed for the season! But honestly, those off-the-beaten-path trips made for some of our best memories.
Then we had kids, and everything changed. Suddenly, the idea of a package holiday (which I used to roll my eyes at) started to look pretty appealing. I never thought I’d be the type to book a family resort, but here we are! And you know what? It’s not all bad—if you do it right.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Don’t get sucked in by the five-star places. They’re usually packed with people who never leave the pool, and honestly, I want to see more than just the hotel bar. We started looking at three-star spots instead. They’re often more relaxed, less crowded, and sometimes even closer to the real local culture.
We also avoid the big-name resorts in the guidebooks. If a place is in the top ten, you can bet it’s going to be swarming with tourists. Instead, we dig through the back pages for those little fishing villages or rustic towns. It’s a gamble, but sometimes you find a gem—and the prices are way better, too. I always check Google Earth to see if there are nice beaches or walking trails nearby. If the guidebook says ‘windy’ or ‘great for windsurfing,’ I skip it. I’m not looking to get sandblasted while I try to relax!
Our secret weapon? We go half board and rent a car. That way, breakfast and dinner are sorted, and we can spend our days exploring without worrying about where to eat. Our routine is pretty set: up early, out sightseeing by 9, back for a siesta before the midday heat, then afternoons by the water. By dinner, everyone’s happy and sun-kissed, and I don’t have to cook or clean. I swear, it’s the first time I’ve actually felt like I’m on vacation, too.
But here’s the catch—this only really works if your youngest is at least five or six. Otherwise, you spend the whole trip chasing naps and snacks, and sightseeing becomes a headache. My kids are 9 and 12 now, and we’re planning two weeks of snorkeling in Mallorca this summer. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually looking forward to it!
So, here’s my question: Have you ever tried a family package holiday, or do you still stick to your old travel habits? And if you’ve found a hidden gem of a resort (especially one that isn’t overrun with tourists), please spill the beans! I’d love to hear your stories—good or bad. Anyone else surprised by how much they enjoy these trips, or am I just getting old?
#familytravel #packagedeals #parentingadventures #travelwithkids #vacationtips #Travel
