South Africa continues to be a popular vacation destination, and in the first half of 2018, it was estimated that 4.4 million tourists visited this part of the African continent for its diverse tourism offerings and experiences. Families with young children are particularly drawn to South Africa, as it’s where one can encounter wildlife unlike anywhere else in the world. Travelling with kids has its challenges, but by planning properly, you can have a vacation that’s fun for everybody. Try these tips to have an enjoyable and stress-free family holiday in South Africa.
Stay for at least 5 days
Plenty of people make the mistake of booking a short holiday in an overseas destination, only to find out that it can be exhausting to run around trying to see and do everything within that short period of time. To make the most of your holiday, plan on having a 5-day stay at the minimum. Doing so will give you enough time to do some activities, and have some rest periods in between. For instance, you can go on a safari the first day, then on the next day, you can go on a short hike and spend the evening listening to stories while you stargaze. Spread out the activities throughout your stay, and don’t plan on doing back-to-back strenuous activities on consecutive days to avoid getting injured or overly exhausted.
Bring the essentials, but don’t over-pack
When travelling with a baby or young children, most parents tend to over-pack for fear of being without certain items while in a foreign country. However, lugging around numerous bags and baby equipment can be stressful, and by the time you get to your destination, you might be too tired to even take a short walk around. To avoid over-packing, check to see if your accommodation has baby equipment that you can borrow or rent, such as a crib, a high chair, car seats and a stroller. However, when it comes to baby formula and diapers, it’s best to bring more than you think you’ll need, as it may be difficult to find the same brands in South Africa. Opt for powdered formula to prevent spills and spoilage while travelling, and follow the instructions on safe preparation so your baby won’t have an upset stomach during your trip.
Be flexible and open to change
If you’re the type of person who strictly sticks to an itinerary during holidays, you may want to loosen up a bit and be open to change when you’re travelling, especially if you have kids in tow. Some children may get frightened or intimidated by certain activities or surroundings, which is why you may want to look into alternative activities for them before you leave for your trip. See what type of kid-friendly activities are available in your holiday accommodation or the surrounding areas so you can revert to a “Plan B” just in case. So, for instance, if you’ve got your heart set on going on a hot air balloon ride but your kids decide at the last minute that they don’t want to do it, you can have them visit a petting zoo, or let them take a woodworking lesson, such as the one offered at Antbear Eco Lodge.
Going on a vacation in South Africa is one of the best ways to create beautiful memories with your family. Try these tips to have a stress-free vacation, and have a fun time bonding with your loved ones.