Two Great Ideas For a Family - Friendly Start to Your Holiday

[Olga Russell]

These days there is no doubt that airports are rarely offer a totally
stress-free environment. This is especially true in high season or
during school holidays, when airport traffic is at it busiest. Taking
the family on holiday at these times can be quite an ordeal for the
young ones, and not so easy for parents either.
One great idea to make life easier is to consider booking an airport
hotel for start of the holiday. This is especially true for those
planning to drive to the airport, and for those with a very early
flight departure. With no tiring drive on the day of the flight, an
airport hotel means a refreshing night's sleep into the bargain. Of
course, rates are available which include car parking for the duration
of the holiday for those arriving by car.
Most airport hotels have leisure facilities to keep older children
occupied, and general levels of comfort and ambiance actually mean
that the holiday starts on arrival at the airport, rather than at the
destination - another great advantage. 
Of course it is equally useful to consider an airport hotel stopover
on the return leg of the holiday, when the arrival is scheduled very
late and a long drive is required before the family gets home.
Recent research has shown that many travelers really overestimate the
cost of a family room at most UK airport hotels - sometimes believing
they cost twice as much as in reality. The fact is that family rooms
at most airport hotels can accommodate two children under 16 within
the adult twin rate - and usually only a small supplement to pay if a
child is over 16.
A second great idea to consider is to book places in an airport
lounge. Research has shown that most holiday travelers believe that
Airport Lounges are geared solely to business and VIP travelers.
Whilst this is that case for airport lounges geared to that clientele,
there fact is that these days, the major UK airports have family
friendly airport lounges, where it is possible to enjoy a
complimentary snack and a drink - with no need to queue -  in a
more peaceful environment for very reasonable overall cost. Waiting
for flight departures in such an environment is altogether more
enjoyable and stress-free.
Airport lounges of this type exist at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester,
Birmingham, Cardiff, and Glasgow - indeed all major UK departure
points.
Thus, with these two simple strategies in place, every family break
can start on a hassle-free note to put everyone in the mood for a
great holiday.