- Engage the group in trip planning. Write down a list of how everyone would like to spend their days and then look for a holiday and a destination that might fit.
- Flexibility is key. Make sure there’s something for everyone and that family members can do different things at different times if they want. Grandpa may not want to broil on the beach with the others, but also he may not want to sit alone in the villa all day. If he is a keen bird watcher and the location is right, he might spend a morning doing that, or perhaps an afternoon in a museum or an evening studying the stars if the location were in a dark sky site.
- Activity holidays – sailing, camping, horse riding, canal boating and so on – work well but only if everyone is keen. Resort-based holidays also work well, as do cruises, as long as the resort or cruise comes up to scratch. No escaping on a ship, but for resorts, it’s best to choose one that isn’t just a “bubble” but reflects the area around it, inviting exploration as well as enjoying its on-site activities and luxuries. Villa holidays for extended families are popular, but without activities laid on, they can be hard work. Look for villas that also offer hotel-style services: cooks and nannies/babysitters when needed, restaurant and activity bookings made for you.
- Do consider, if you are self-catering, separate but adjoining accommodation for each family. There’s nothing worse than someone nagging at you to clear up your bedroom or do the washing up when you are on holiday.
- For resort holidays, a good crèche is a huge bonus, as well as organised activities for older children. Choose carefully, and do some research if you can; small numbers of children and committed staff may not guarantee that the kids will be happy there, but it will certainly help.
- Go off season if you can. Family reunions can often benefit from peace and tranquillity, as well as less fiery temperatures than in high season. May and September are perfect months in the Med.
- Short-haul is generally preferable to long-haul, especially if it’s your first time.
- Make sure that every family member is invested in the holiday, ready to muck in and do their fair share of the work as well as the play. A reluctant participant can do much to spoil the fun.