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FAMILY BEACH HOLIDAYS
A big part of a beach holiday is being able to play in the sunshine. But remember, the sun can be harsh so there are a few things that you will need to consider to make the sun fun...
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and a long-sleeved shirt (and remember - if you can see through the clothing so can the sun)
- Make sure there is a shady place close by where you can chill out
- Ensure that the whole family wears sunglasses with UV protection
- Consider using a sun umbrella or a children´s tent when at the beach
- Encourage your children to take time out to cool down occasionally - boisterous games in the midday sun are not ideal
- Try to do most of your beach time before the hours of 10am and after 3pm - the sun is at its most damaging during these times
- Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15+. Apply at least 20 minutes before going into the sun to ensure maximum protection, and reapply every few hours - or more frequently is you are swimming or sweating or after toweling off.
- Take lots of water. Encourage your children to drink often, instead of waiting until they feel thirsty - in very hot water their thirst won´t keep up with their need for fluids. Avoid sugary or fizzy drinks
Whether you’re staying at a deluxe island resort or a budget-friendly property, if you can hear the waves crashing against the shore from your room at night you´re sure to be in for some family holiday fun!
There are some wonderful beach holiday options out there for you, whether you are on the superb beaches we have right here in South Africa or on one of the exotic beaches of the Indian Ocean or Asia.
Whichever way you decide to go, the beach holiday offers a myriad of exciting adventures for the family. Many beach resorts will offer a wide choice of fun, family-friendly activities such as paragliding, sea kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing and catamaraning, to name a few. However you can also choose to completely relax and unwind, either beneath the shade of a palm tree at the beach, or poolside while the children entertain themselves in the water.
If course, being on a beach holiday doesn´t mean you have to spend your whole time under the sun. Resorts will offer you with all sorts of entertainment options - anything from gyms and spa retreats to braai areas and putting greens. We recommend you take advantage of properties that offer a kids club service, so that Mum and Dad have the opportunity to do some serious relaxing of their own. Some resorts may also have a playground on the premises that the children will appreciate.
And just for you, in the below we have identified some top tips for taking your family on a beach holiday, including some sun safe pointers. Enjoy!
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY BEACH HOLIDAY
- If you’re arriving from a cooler climate, dress appropriately for your arrival into a possibly hot and humid destination. Dress in layers so that you are able to strip off a few layers of clothes on arrival - leave some room in your hand luggage to store warm clothes.
- Look for resorts that offer kids club services. This is your opportunity to so some serious relaxing of your own. Be warned - some properties will include the facilities in the price, others will charge extra.
- When visiting attractions with older children, try the ‘trade-off’ method - activities for adults in the morning, balanced with activities for kids in the afternoons.
- so that you have plenty of room and the option to prepare your own meals.
Some resorts have family rooms, other inter-leading bedrooms. Ask your agent about different room types before choosing your accommodation.
- Use any babysitting facilities at your hotel from time to time so that you have a break - remember that this is your holiday too.
- Look for resorts that have an all-inclusive meal option - so that you do not have to budget for meals while you are there. Some resorts offer that children eat free with a paying adult, which will keep costs down. Other resorts offer a totally all-inclusive option, which includes meals, snacks and drinks.
- Some resorts offer special mealtimes for children
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