Family-friendly holidays are on the horizon

Planning a family escape can be difficult to get right, as you try to make sure that everyone has their needs met. How do we balance a restorative escape for grown-ups with a daily adventure for kids to sink their teeth into? How do we remain active and eat well while also indulging a little at the breakfast bar? 

Thankfully, logistics are now less of a headache as the travel industry can better accommodate the demands of family holidays.

Comfort is a significant priority at Novotel. Our family rooms are welcoming, spacious and designed for a good night of sleep. They can accommodate two adults and two kids aged 16 or under. Amenities such as nightlights and sleeping cribs are available upon request, giving you less to worry about.

We also understand the importance of downtime, offering features like a dedicated kids area where they can quietly keep themselves occupied while you sip on an apéritif nearby. 

In this post-COVID landscape, travel norms continue to evolve. But multi-generational travel has been on the rise consistently these past few years, with milestone birthdays, relationship anniversaries, and major life moments providing the perfect excuse to plan a family getaway.

Travel priorities also shift over time. Currently, there is an ever-growing desire for more sustainable travel experiences, filled with emotion. Gen X, Gen Z, and millennials all crave adventure when travelling. There’s also more of a willingness to go off-grid, digitally speaking, with plenty of accommodation options that cater to the whole family. 

When surveyed, over 80 percent of millennials shared that challenging periods lead to a re-focus on what matters in life. Family has always mattered, whatever yours may look like.

Retired grandparents want to create memorable moments with their grandchildren and after the isolation felt by so many during the pandemic, it is no longer naff to want to hang out or go on holiday with your parents. 

More recently, family holiday plans include wellness, as travellers of all ages want to stay active.  Whereas once upon a time, wellness was interpreted as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, it has taken on a more holistic approach to slow down, soak up the natural environment, and spend quality time with the people you care about.

With an expected $1.3 trillion turnover by 2025 for wellness tourism, it is no surprise to see more health-conscious holiday options that include children, teens, and adults.

For example, outdoor activities suited to grandparents, parents and kids alike, and group activities such as cooking classes are wellness activities that offer the whole family an opportunity for fun and bonding while practising healthy habits together.

That’s not to say that healthy, delicious food and working out are no longer important to stay fit, even when on holiday. 

If you’ve stayed at a Novotel, you’ll know just how seriously we take wellness. 

Our Fitness Centres offer an opportunity to work out at your own pace on the latest equipment, or join personalised coaching sessions and group classes. Take time for your all-round wellbeing in our relaxation areas, with facilities such as saunas and steam rooms.

At our breakfast bar, you’ll find an array of delicious food to prepare all the family for the day ahead. Healthy bowls and fresh toppings, as well as seasonal juices or smoothies. Hot dishes, including vegetarian options, as well as local pastries are also available. And for little ones, there’s a dedicated family station where they can choose from several toppings for their waffles or pancakes. 

The Novotel signature is a relaxed environment that helps the family unwind at any moment of the day. No hair pulling or temper tantrums in sight.