Dreaming of a luxury getaway in 2021 with the kids? After months of home schooling and stressful juggling of daily responsibilities, it’s about time you all got to spend some time together that is a little less fraught, and a weekend break for the whole family is the ultimate way to add some quality back into your interactions.
From quaint country cottages to luxurious ocean-front abodes, the UK is filled with beautiful accommodation choices that will make for the perfect base for your weekend staycation – and whether you’re planning to get lost in the countryside on long walks, snuggle up in the cosiest of bolt-holes around an open fire or check in at a high-end hotel with all the five-star amenities for you and the children (swimming pool for them, spa for you), there’s a break to suit all tastes.
To make your trip as stress free as possible, you’ll want to ensure that you pack some of life’s little luxuries, from entertainment to the practical items that will see you all through any day out. Unsure where to start? We’ve pulled together the ultimate packing list to upgrade your trip to whole new heights. You won’t want to forget any of these.
An Amazon Fire stick
For those evenings where you just want to stay in and open a good bottle of wine, an Amazon Fire stick is certain to keep the children entertained, allowing them to stream all of their favourite TV shows from anywhere. The latest iteration is an impressive 50 percent more powerful than the previous, and delivers super fast streaming in HD.
An iPad Pro
Set to be released in March 2021 – just in time for the lifting of lockdown – the iPad Pro is the ultimate entertainment solution to pack for your luxury getaway, and will keep the kids occupied with their favourite cartoons and games so that you can take some time out to relax. Let’s face it – you can’t pour from an empty cup, and an afternoon at the spa, complete with a whole host of luxurious treatments, is beckoning.
Personalised backpacks for the kids
No child relishes the thought of carrying their own belongings on a walk in the country – that is, unless they have their own personalised backpack, complete with their name printed on it. Pop a matching personalised lunchbox and water bottle inside – Cash’s have some great ones – and they’ll soon be begging you to let them take responsibility for their own essentials. And, with their snacks and refreshments sorted for the day and some space left for a warm jumper, you can relax in the knowledge that they have all they need on hand to stay happy and comfortable throughout.
A mirrorless camera
A high-end camera is essential for capturing the best moments from your family break, and a light-weight mirrorless camera is a great choice. Unlike the classic DSLR, it’s light-weight enough to let the children have a go at taking some snaps and practice their photography skills, and is guaranteed to capture beautiful, high-resolution images and memories that will last you a lifetime.
A luxury picnic set
As we head towards spring, the sun is set to make a reappearance, and with it comes the return of outdoor pursuits, picnics and longer, lighter evenings. A luxury picnic set is a must-pack, and a great way to make a day of it when you head out for a walk or a wander with the children. Pack some old favourites and traditional snacks for the kids (think locally-sourced scotch eggs, pork pies and ginger beer), and for the adults, add in some oysters, champagne and caviar for a sumptuous five-star lunch that will make everyone’s afternoon.
Books
If you’re planning on taking the opportunity for a digital detox during your time away, then why not get your offspring involved, too? With many children having engaged in far more screen time over the past twelve months due to home-schooling and socialising over Zoom as opposed to face to face, everyone could no doubt do with a break. To make the challenge a little easier, pack some non-tech entertainment, such as books and board games. If everyone has something to read, then you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon in front of the fire with cups of tea – or take each other on at some traditional board games in the evening while you wait for the chef to cook dinner.
With the right items packed in your suitcase, a weekend away with the whole family can be just as luxurious as an adults only getaway – and by making sure everyone is well-equipped and suitably entertained for the duration, a relaxing few days away from it all will be within easy reach.
