5 steps to a low-stress family getaway

Family holidays should be fun, relaxing, and full of memorable moments, but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. With a little forward-thinking, you can make sure your next getaway is smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone.

To avoid the pain points that so often derail the good times, follow this easy holiday-planning checklist, with tips inspired by IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Remember: Location, location, location

We all know that in real estate, the thing that matters most is location. The same applies to holidays. The right hotel location can make your family holiday flow smoothly, putting you close to what matters most for your trip.

If you’re planning a Melbourne summer break that mixes culture with outdoor time for the kids, consider Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank. You’re within walking distance of the MCG for cricket matches, the National Gallery of Victoria for rainy day exploring, and the Royal Botanic Gardens for picnics and play. Having these options close by means less time in transit and more time enjoying your holiday. Plus, free breakfast means one less thing to organise each morning.

Or, if you are heading to Queenstown, drawn by its scenic setting, lively restaurants and activities, Crowne Plaza Queenstown will tick all your boxes. It is an easy walk to the town centre, while the hotel’s lakefront setting lets you drink in tranquil views across Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range – all from your guest room balcony.

Upsize your downtime

One of the smartest moves you can make when booking a family holiday is giving everyone room to breathe. It’s not about being extravagant – it’s about creating a space where the whole family can truly relax and recharge. Upgrading to a suite or booking interconnecting rooms at hotels like Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific means kids have their own area to play, spread out, and wind down, while parents get a proper living space to enjoy once the little ones are asleep.

A hotel with great on site facilities gives families flexibility to go with the flow. At the beachfront Crowne Plaza Terrigal, the heated outdoor pool means you’ve always got a swimming option – whether conditions aren’t ideal for the beach, or you simply fancy a calmer swim after a big surf day.

The hotel’s school holiday program of activities will keep the kids busy while adults enjoy some well-deserved me-time at the property’s Endota Spa.

Dial D for distraction

How do you tell if a hotel is geared towards family getaways? Look at the value they offer families specifically. At Holiday Inn Perth City Centre, children 12 and under stay and eat free, which makes a genuine difference to your holiday budget. The hotel’s VIK (Very Important Kids) program extends that value further – each child receives a green wristband offering discounts at some of Perth’s top attractions.

There are plenty of kid-friendly distractions nearby, too. Take them for a stroll along the Swan River (keep an eye out for the famous black swans) and let them splash out and play at the interactive BHP Water Park in Elizabeth Quay.

List it

Anticipation is part of the pleasure of any holiday, so get the whole family talking about the trip well in advance. Ask the kids what they would particularly like to do and put together a family wish list on which each member gets to choose one activity. The more involved they are in the process, the more fun you will have once you get there.

Get more bang for your buck

One simple way to make your holiday dollar go further is to sign up with IHG One Rewards. Members enjoy exclusive discounts on stays and earn points that can be redeemed for Rewards Nights at over 6600 destinations worldwide. The more you stay with IHG One Rewards, the closer you get to a free night.

Along the way, you will unlock extra perks including restaurant and bar credits and suite upgrades, and points can also be converted to air miles with airline partners including Virgin Australia and Qantas, giving you more flexibility in how you use your rewards. And since membership is free and easy to sign up, there’s little reason not to start earning on your next stay.

Whether it’s a spontaneous getaway or that bucket-list adventure you’ve been dreaming about, IHG Hotels & Resorts opens the door to a world of possibilities. With more than 6600 destinations across 20 brands, and an award-winning loyalty program at your fingertips, this summer is yours to explore – your way. Visit: ihg.com

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.