How exciting - planning a multi-generational holiday to Vanuatu! This South Pacific paradise offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and a range of activities that cater to every age group, from toddlers to grandparents.
Family holidays are a smart financial choice for many families, as one of the biggest factors of this style of holiday is the cost savings that comes from sharing expenses. Splitting the bill for accommodation and food can make a significant difference, families can enjoy a memorable getaway without breaking the bank.
To help you create a memorable and enjoyable holiday for everyone, here’s a comprehensive guide with our best tips.
Kick Off with a Family Discussion
Get Everyone Involved: Start by discussing the idea of a Vanuatu holiday with all family members, and a good tip is to use a family meeting or a group chat to gather everyone’s interests and preferences and have it recorded for the main organiser!
Set Clear Goals: Find out what each person hopes to get from the trip. Some might be looking to relax poolside, some might be seeking adrenaline based adventure, whilst others might want to immerse and explore the local culture through village and cultural visits. Ultimately it is likely to be a mix of all of the above, so understanding these goals will help shape your itinerary.
Select the Perfect Vanuatu Destination
With 83 islands in Vanuatu and varying degrees of logistics and planning to see some of them, careful planning helps make sure you manage expectations. When thinking accessibility choosing islands with good infrastructure and activities suitable for all ages might help!
Explore Your Options:
Efate: Home to Port Vila, offers stunning beaches, rich cultural experiences, and family-friendly resorts.
Tanna: Famous for the active Mount Yasur volcano, ideal for the adventurous.
Espiritu Santo: Known for its beautiful lagoons and laid-back island vibe.
Find Accommodation that suits everyone
Think About a Wide Range of Options: When organising your accommodation, think about renting villas or selecting family-friendly resorts that provide several bedrooms and large common spaces. Search for villas by the beach, resorts conveniently situated near amenities or all-inclusive deals. It's also worth choosing accommodation a bit further out of town, giving you the space you want, and you can easily organise transportation with drivers for your activities.
Review Amenities: When considering your lodging options, make sure to include amenities such as a pool, kitchen facilities, and activities suitable for all age groups.
Plan a Balanced Itinerary
Mix It Up: Include activities that cater to different interests. Vanuatu’s diverse offerings mean you can blend relaxation with adventure. You can learn more about this by visiting Nakatumble's Tours & Experiences.
Examples of activities might include:
For Young Children: Visit the Port Vila Market, explore local beaches, or take a family-friendly village tour.
For Teens: Enjoy zip-lining, snorkeling, blue lagoon or exploring waterfalls.
For Adults: Immerse yourself in cultural tours, savour local cuisine, explore 83 Islands Distillery, enjoy a round of golf, embark on a fishing charter, or indulge in a relaxing massage.
For Seniors: Plan scenic drives, visit cultural centres, or enjoy tranquil the tranquil settings.
Remain Flexible: Be willing to adapt to unplanned changes in schedules depending on the mood and energy levels of all. Flexibility is crucial for a seamless holiday experience. An advantage of hiring a reliable driver is the opportunity to use one or more air-conditioned vans for island exploration and to manage the schedule that suits your group.
In April 2019, Virgin conducted a survey involving 1,000 parents and 1,000 grandparents, revealing that 70% of families have gone on a multi-generational vacation.
According to Virgin, 25% of grandparents admit that they found the break even more enjoyable than if they had gone on the trip alone. (source: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49125440).
At Nakatumble, we specialize in organising multi-generational family vacations and have the expertise to assist you in planning the perfect escape.
Meal Planning: When planning your meals, think about staying in places with kitchen facilities or dining at restaurants offering a variety of menu choices. Keep in mind that meeting certain dietary requirements in Vanuatu might be difficult, so it's advisable to communicate directly with your accommodation provider or the restaurant to ensure your needs, such as gluten-free options, are accommodated.
Get Ready for Health Requirements: Make sure to pack essential medications and familiarise yourself with the whereabouts of local medical centers. Also make sure to purchase adequate travel and medical insurance coverage.
Arrange Transportation Wisely
Opt for Comfort and Convenience: When planning your travels, it is essential to prioritise comfort and convenience. By selecting transportation options, such as hiring a driver, you can ensure that you have room to relax and enjoy the journey. Additionally, opting for a dedicated driver(s) for your group means you can easily move from one activity to another, with ease.
Likewise, in Efate, many activities are spread around the island, so choosing accommodation is not restricted to the bustle of the city centre as drivers or renting vehicle(s) enables you to get to the popular attractions.
Planning for Special Needs: Ensure that your transportation arrangements can meet any specific needs, like child car seats or vehicles that are accessible for those with mobility issues. Verify that your driver is insured and has a good track record based on feedback.
Organise Group Family Activities
Family time: Plan group activities that bring everyone together, like excursions or cultural experiences. For instance, don’t miss the renowned Fire Show on Friday nights at the Beach Bar in Mele, it's a crowd pleaser for all ages!
Preserve Memories: Assign family members to take photos or videos during your trip. Consider hiring a professional photographer for special events while in Vanuatu. Top Tip: Create a shared album or photobook after your holiday to enjoy and share your memories.
Final Tips
Book Early: Secure accommodation and activities in advance to get the best options for your group.
Stay Organised: Keep track of essentials and important documents like passports, tickets, and medical records.
Involve Everyone: Engage all family members in the planning process to ensure everyone feels included and excited.
The joy of unhurried getaways matter as many families we've spoken to highlight that the true value of their holiday lies in the chance to be together in a relaxed setting. As family members increasingly spread out across different towns and cities, these unhurried moments together become even more precious. It’s not just about the destination—it's about cherishing the quality time and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Many families who have stayed at Nakatumble emphasise that the true worth of their holiday has been the opportunity to spend relaxed time together. With family members residing in various locations, these unhurried moments together become even more valuable. It's not only about the place you go—it's about treasuring the quality time and making enduring memories with your loved ones.
As one guest said:
Discovering Vanuatu is a fantastic way to create these lasting memories and with thoughtful planning and consideration for everyone’s needs, you can enjoy a fulfilling and fun vacation in this tropical paradise.
Kylie Stafanile who regularly looks after families seeking this style of holiday agrees that "for a large family, extra space is essential. Look for bedrooms with en-suite facilities and plenty of open-plan living areas where everyone can gather together." At Nakatumble this is exactly the layout we created and we are sure your family with love the flexibility of the residence and the 6 acres of space to enjoy as your own.
With our expertise at Nakatumble we offer a comprehensive and unique holiday experience. When you choose Nakatumble, you have the option to reserve the entire resort for your family, tailored to your preferences and needs.
We understand the importance of providing a truly personalised experience for each member of your family. Our customised dining menu is tailored to cater to the unique preferences and dietary requirements of every individual in your group. Ensuring that each family member is delighted with the culinary offerings during their stay.
In addition to delicious dining, we also take care of organising a range of tours and experiences to enhance your overall enjoyment and relaxation. Our team can arrange for trusted nannies to look after your little ones, allowing you to unwind and enjoy some quality time. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, our massage therapists are on hand to melt away any tension and stress, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and pampered.
Ready to start planning your ideal next holiday? We can help you create a memorable and stress-free holiday for the whole family.
Email us at info@nakatumble.com or via the Facebook Messenger link below
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