How to Plan a Beach Vacation with Kids - Top Tips for Organising the Perfect Beach Getaway with the Family

 While there is nothing more exciting than the prospect of spending a few days by the ocean with the kids in tow, planning a successful beach getaway require forethought. Although it may appear simple at the outset, a beach vacation can bring out both the best and the worst in the family depending on how well every element of the trip is organised. From finding the right rest to signing up for activities, here are some guidelines on how to create a memorable holiday itinerary for your family.

Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0, 2016 Prowincja Krabi, Ko Ngai (02), CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Time the Trip

Regardless of whether you are planning a family beach vacation in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, or the Caribbean, it is crucial to time the trip to coincide with pleasant weather conditions in your destination choice. There's nothing that can ruin a holiday with kids than having to spend time indoors due to inclement weather or having highly anticipated activities cancelled due to rough seas, so timing is everything when it comes to beach time. Make sure the period in which you intend to travel is free from any chances of rain, hail or other harsh climatic conditions and that it is ideally the peak tourist season in that part of the world, as this is a guarantee that every type of activity and excursion will be available.

2. Find a Family-Oriented Rest

The next step in the planning process is finding a base hotel that affords the family all the creature comforts they expect away from home. Whether you select the Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort or any similar Ao Nang hotels or any other beach hotel in any destination, certain amenities will be non-negotiable in your family's opinion. For some, it will be a swimming pool and a gymnasium while for others it will be babysitting and laundry services. It is also necessary to find a beach hotel with direct access to the beach and one that's not too far from local tourist attractions as this can cut down on travel time.

3. Sign Up for Activities

Regardless of how long or short your family getaway happens to be, it is always prudent to sign up for a few group activities to enjoy together. Families with children can select relaxing excursions the likes of sunset cruises and island hopping tours or sign up for a snorkelling or scuba diving adventure. Those with a passion for water-bound activities can also take surfing, diving or sailing lessons together as it is a great way to spend time as a family and pick up new skills.

4. Explore Sightseeing Options

Every beach holiday hotspot is within a close range of cultural highlights and other points of interest whether it is museums, water parks or heritage sites and theme parks. Do some research into what there is to see and explore during a beach holiday in the area and include a few of these locations in your itinerary. This will help break up the monotony of a beach vacation as children can get restless when engaging in the same activities on a daily basis.

5. Know What to Pack

Avoid over-packing for your beach trip but make sure you and your kids have everything you need to enjoy a hassle-free vacation. Apart from swimwear and casual clothing, it is not necessary to pack too many wardrobe options for either adults or children. Don't forget to pack some of the children's favourite snacks and entertainment devices to use as distractions during long road trips and flights. Make sure the suntan lotion you select is suitable for children and their skin type and that there's enough to go around for the duration of the stay. An emergency medical kit will also come in handy when travelling with kids.