Tips and Tricks for a Well-Deserved Break
Summer holidays can be a highlight for many, but whether you’re travelling with children or enjoying a more carefree escape, they also come with unique challenges. Finding time to relax, navigating different needs, and balancing fun with practicality can be tricky. Here’s a quick guide for couples—with and without kids—on surviving (and thriving) during the summer holidays.
For Couples Without Children
1. Embrace Flexibility
One of the best perks of holidaying as a child-free couple is the freedom to be spontaneous. Fancy a last-minute road trip or an unplanned lazy day by the beach? You can! Without kids, there’s no need for a strict routine. However, this flexibility can sometimes cause friction if one prefers more structure. Try to balance free time and pre-planned activities so you feel relaxed.
2. Prioritise Quality Time
Holidays are often a chance to reconnect as a couple. Make the most of your time together without the demands of work or home life. Whether it’s enjoying romantic dinners, exploring new destinations, or simply lounging by the pool, these moments can help strengthen your bond. However, it’s equally important to give each other some space when needed—after all, spending 24/7 together can sometimes lead to irritation.
3. Plan Together
When you don’t have to worry about entertaining children, you can focus solely on each other’s interests. Discuss what you both want out of the trip. Whether one of you is a thrill-seeker or the other prefers relaxation, planning together ensures that the holiday meets your expectations. That way, you’ll avoid the common pitfall of one partner feeling sidelined.
For Couples With Children
1. Keep Expectations Realistic
Are you travelling with kids? The first rule is to expect the unexpected. Children have their schedules, energy levels, and moods, which often means perfectly planned itineraries go out the window. Embrace the idea that things won’t go 100% smoothly, and allow some flexibility. Build in downtime to avoid meltdowns (for both kids and parents!).
2. Divide and Conquer
Juggling the needs of children while trying to enjoy some adult time can be difficult, but teamwork makes it possible. Consider taking turns with your partner when it comes to child-related tasks. For example, one parent could look after the kids while the other gets some “me time” reading a book or having a relaxing coffee. Later, switch roles so you both get a chance to unwind.
3. Find Child-Friendly Fun
Look for activities that appeal to adults and kids to keep everyone happy. Whether it’s a family-friendly resort with kids’ clubs and adult amenities or a cultural trip with play areas and kid-approved excursions, you can make it fun. In some destinations, couples can hire a trusted babysitter for an evening, allowing for a romantic dinner or a few hours of couple time.
4. Embrace the Chaos
Travelling with children can be chaotic—spilt drinks, tantrums, and endless questions are part of the package. Accepting that there will be moments of madness can make those times more straightforward to handle. Focus on the joy and adventure of being on holiday as a family, and remember to laugh at the little mishaps.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re escaping as a couple or managing the demands of a family holiday, summer breaks are about creating memories. It’s the perfect time for couples without children to focus on each other and share new experiences. It’s about balancing family fun with adult relaxation for couples with kids. Whatever your situation, clear communication, patience, and flexibility are vital to enjoying the journey.
If you are looking for support for your relationship, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I see my clients from my office in Hove and globally online.
