So, holiday time is fast approaching. It is almost time to put the out-of-office email on, do a bulk-load of laundry, pack your suitcases, and head on out to your destination of choice!
Family holidays are the highlight of the year in many households. However, there can be some anticipation when travelling with a family. The need to facilitate youngsters, adults and a whole host of likes, dislikes, nap times, food allergies and toilet breaks within a short timeframe can be a little overwhelming.
With this in mind, it is super important to know how to seek out the hidden gems that will provide you and your family with an unforgettable travel experience! Knowing you can enjoy a range of special activities, whilst having your needs met, eases any potential worries.
Let’s dive in with some tips on how to do just this.
Do Your Research Beforehand
Finding the ideal places and spaces for those unforgettable memories starts well before you board the plane.
Travelling with an open mind is key when spending time abroad, however it is also important to be realistic about the activities that your family do and do not want to participate in during your break. This clarity, ascertained through a brief before-travel tete-a-tete, can be key when it comes to nailing down which things you will decide to do whilst abroad.
With this understanding, you have more chance of pinpointing activities that will hit the spot. For example, if your family is really interested in history and culture, then you can explore the historical hotspots in and around your destination.
Working with a local guide can really help with ensuring your research becomes a reality on your trip! Find A Local is a platform that helps travellers discover real local guides and allows locals to share their city, culture, and everyday experiences with visitors from around the world.
Kristina Matjošaitienė, Head of Support at Find A Local, offers deeper insight into the key things families most often struggle with when planning a trip abroad:
“When planning a trip abroad, families most often try to fit in too much. The itinerary fills up with must-see sights, but the reality of travelling with children is different. The slower pace, the snack breaks, and the tired little legs get forgotten, turning the dream holiday into a race from place to place. Families can innocently underestimate pacing, differing interests, and practical needs.”
Kristina adds, that it is because of these difficulties that a local guide becomes truly invaluable:
“A local guide doesn’t just show places – they read the family. They know which sights genuinely captivate children while still being meaningful for parents, and they plan a rhythm that fits everyone. And they adapt in the moment: if the kids are tired, they shift the plan; if the family loves a hidden courtyard, they linger. That flexibility, grounded in real local knowledge, is what turns a trip that “works on paper” into one the whole family truly enjoys.”
Be Clear on Areas of Interest
Jump online and research tours and days out that centre around your specific area of interest. For example, if you are jetting off to Barcelona there are a plethora of historical spots that can aid children’s (and adults) ability to learn and play. You could check out Casa Batllo, the Sagrada Familia, or the Montjuic Magic Fountain.
Let your own, and your child’s, curiosity guide you by completing awesome themed research projects about specific areas of interest before you travel. Being clear about whether you want to check out historical, cultural, musical or natural sightseeing spots, or a mixture of all of these, helps direct your search.
Look Further Afield
It can be tempting to stick to the well-known tourist spots during your holidays. However, in order to find family-friendly hidden gems, it is worth venturing a little off the beaten track.
Looking further afield when travelling can provide you and your family with the chance to experience more unique, sustainable and unusual activities. When you explore different areas, such as a homestay in a rural area or a nature trek, you are likely to uncover hidden gems. What’s more, exploring outside the normal tourist trails allows you to make a positive impact on the people living in less frequented places.
You can check out the wealth of family travel blogs online to explore more about these exciting places further afield. It is also worth checking out smaller towns or national parks in the surrounding areas of where you are staying, to find more unique destinations to explore with your family.
Ask the Locals
When it comes to seeking out the must-visit places in any location, the best people to connect with are the locals. This doesn’t just mean talking to people out and about, although this can be another way to gain some surprise suggestions about what to do on your holiday. A great way to access hidden-gem information, is to peruse the central tourism boards.
It’s the tourism board’s main focus to locate appropriate, accessible and fun activities for all holiday-makers to enjoy whilst visiting. For example, say you are in Paris, and are keen to get to grip with all the city has to offer you and your family.
No need to look any further than the Paris je t’aime Tourism Office, which breaks down the must-see sights by district, as well as offering easy-to-digest information about family friendly transport, outings, events, restaurants and areas around, and outside, the city.
You can also visit information kiosks at different locations around the city in person, or check out your chosen destination’s online information before you head out.
Speaking with the staff at your hotel, Airbnb or aparthotel is another easy way to get the inside track on the best places to check out that cater to your families needs.
Pair Expertise with Convenience
For complete ease and convenience whilst travelling as a family, seeking out a knowledgeable, friendly guide when you are abroad is a surefire way to ensure you can explore a destination in the best way.
Now it’s time for you to head off and begin your travels. Enjoy traversing new territory and exploring the best family-friendly hidden gems in your chosen destination.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
