listen and watch
The first and probably the easiest way to prepare children for holidays is by curating their entertainment. Research and download some good podcasts . These can be about the destination, the culture or anything related to the activities you will be doing over there.
Are there any movies or documentaries you can watch together? These will allow the children to imagine and project themselves into the adventure ahead. This is especially important if you will be having a culture shock or a very different environment from your usual one.
taste and go on a culinary adventure
Picky eaters on not, it is important and fun to prepare the children to the holidays and the food they will be tasting. This is especially crucial if the culinary culture is totally different. Make this a fun family activity. Find a cook book or pick a few recipes online and have a themed evening.
Another good way to introduce children to the food they will be tasting is by going to a restaurant. Granted, the food will not be as authentic. But it will make for a fun night out and interesting experience.
curate the books and bedtime stories
Whether your children can read or not yet, it is interesting to prepare the children for holidays through literature. Head to your nearest bookshop and pick up a few books. Are there any famous children authors in the country you will be visiting? Are there any curiosities about the landscape, the history or the culture? You can definitely find a book on the topic needed.
Oldest kids can pick up a specific guidebook and start immersing themselves in the adventure.
get singing and dancing
Culture is food and history, but also music and dance! Plan a party evening, a musical quizz and a dance event to get to know the local sounds. Older children might find some fun inspiration on social media. But simply put on music videos and let the rhythm take you!
learn a few words
Out of respect and to ease the culture differences, get the family to learn a few basic words. Hearing the new sounds will definitely help prepare the children for holidays. There are numerous apps that can be used to make learning easy and fun.
prepare a little project
No matter the age, children can keep a little journal of the holidays. They can draw a page of what they saw everyday or write a few words. Take the kids to choose their notebook and maybe a few pens that will make this exercise even more special.
Preparing the children for holidays will make the landing and adventure smooth and easier. I hope these tips were useful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like more ideas, or just to exchange on this topic.
Bon voyage
Marta x
