Weekend Breaks

How often do you take weekend breaks with your family? Chances are - not often enough.

Family vacations are a time everyone looks forward to. They are made and planned well in advance. Everyone looks forward to spending a substantial amount of time away from home, discovering a new place or visiting relatives. What one doesn't realise is that long vacations too can be tiring - what with all the sightseeing to fit in or the formal trips to meet relatives. As all of us may have heard at some point or another, "We need a vacation to recover from this one!"

Weekend breaks can however be incredibly relaxing, and can help relieve a lot of the stress that may have built up over the last few months. Here are a few things you need to bear in mind in order to ensure that your holiday refreshes you more than it tires you.

Transport

Choose the mode of transportation you are most comfortable with. Some people get incredibly stressed with the thought of taking a flight. If you are one of those people, choose a destination that you can reach comfortably without having to take a flight. Remember, you are not trying to mamaximiseour time at a particular place. Enjoyment and relaxation is your main aim - and this relaxation should begin from the moment you pick up your suitcases.

Destination

It is a good idea to opt for a destination close to where you live. You don't want to spend a lot of money, travel very far, and then try to make the most of your trip by fitting in sightseeing. Opt for something close, easily accessible, and familiar.

Resort

Although you don't have to stay in a five-star hotel, do try and opt for a nice resort which offers a lot of family activities. You will then be able to spend most of the time at the resort itself - perhaps going for short walks and drives every now and again.

Beach breaks

If you live relatively close to a beach destination like Goa or Cochin, it makes sense to try and visit these places as often as possible. You could then spend all your time lying around the beach or by your resort pool. Could anything be more relaxing?

Price

Do take the price factor into consideration. Very often we visit expensive destinations and then try and save money wherever possible. You don't need the stress. Do your research well and visit an affordable destination. You could even opt for an all-inclusive package so everything is taken care of and you don't need to worry about spending any more money - other than on shopping.

Itinarary

Plan the trip so it is as less hectic as possible. This way you will be able to bond with your children and have a great time, without having to run around from pillar to post trying to fit in a cumbersome itinerary. Also, if your children want to see or do certain things when on vacation, don't discard their opinions. Remember, although you want to relax, you also want your children to have fun so they look forward to such breaks with you. Your children also will not want to be doing something all the time. At the most, they may want to try something like horse-riding, jet-skiing, cycling and so on, before going back. Do make the necessary arrangements so they can try at least one new adventure sport every time you go on vacation.

Keep these few pointers in mind, and plan a quick weekend getaway with your family over the New Year. What could be a better way to start the year?