Kids, they’re impossible to predict. Inevitable as it seems, there are situations that we cannot control. As much as we love to take them along, more often than not, they do tend to stand in the way of a peaceful vacation. That said, when I travel with my children, I make sure to be as flexible as possible. The home rental option is always an advantage for kids. The resort is, of course, a dreamy one.
When it comes to resorts, a relaxing spa, friendly room service, and gorgeous beaches are great, but family-friendly ones should include a balcony. This feature is a game-changer.
I may sound high-maintenance but hear my story first. When I developed my affinity for balconies four years ago, I knew it was meant to be. For our first trip as a family of four, I longed for a beautiful, relaxing resort vacation with my preschooler and 6-month-old baby.
What I had was Hawaain skies, beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and of course, a forever hungry insomniac for a new-born. I must say, I felt most unlucky with that ‘vacation’ until I discovered the balcony that saved us.
At night, when I put my daughter to sleep, we would retreat to the balcony for some much-needed recharging. There we would savor amazing moments like watching the playful dolphins jump in the bay, all while my kids slept. During that time we could relax and entertain ourselves on our balcony with books and refreshing drinks.
There were times when our little family would just want to relax and our balcony was there to reconnect us and give us our needed space and fun. When we recall that vacation, we can’t help but dream of reliving our happy place.
Since then, I’ve realized that hotel balconies are a game-changer, one thing that never disappoints us. Recently, we traveled to The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, with our not so big kids, now ages 8 and 4. Instead of island hopping and staying at different resorts, we decided to spend the week on one fantastic resort. It was a smart move as the place was spectacular from all the tantalizing foods and picturesque beaches. As always, our balcony was our gem after a fun day.
When our kids were asleep, my husband and I were just sitting in the dark, chatting and relaxing, just throwing ourselves in the calm and bliss like no other. Tip for parents: The next time you book a hotel room for a staycation with your kids, make sure it has a balcony. You need to pay extra for such amenity but trust me, it’s worth your hard-earned money. After all, you deserve a happy and fun vacation experience with your loved ones