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Driving Tips - Guerin
Family Holiday: Basic tips for your trip
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How to Ensure Comfort and Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
As summer arrives, those with families have to plan everything in advance with particular care, such as thinking of accommodation suitable for the whole family, which destinations will delight everyone, what activities they can do with their families and the safest and more comfortable way to reach those destinations.
It is also important to think of alternative logistics in the event of an unforeseen event or accident. Knowing what to bring with you in your "personal pharmacy”, how to organise the routes and journeys to make them less tiring, and also thinking about how the parents can have a few moments to themselves while their little ones have fun safely are also important considerations.
Family-Friendly Destinations
Cachadelos Campsite
Situated in Sanxenxo, Pontevedra in Spain, this campsite offers great conditions for a well-spent family holiday and is accessible by car.
The entire family stay in comfortable bungalows fully equipped for families of up to 6 people. The park is close to the beach, has green areas to stroll around with the younger ones and playgrounds for when you want a little rest. If you want a more radical programme, there is even a go-kart track near the park.
DiverLanhoso
DiverLanhoso is the largest adventure park on the Iberian Peninsula, located near Peneda-Gerês National Park.
If you are looking for a getaway from the stress of the big cities, we recommend you visit DiverLanhoso. The venue is the ideal place for a few days of rest and tranquillity, in communion with nature. It offers over 50 sports, adventure and nature activities, ensuring unique stays.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
Ria Formosa Natural Park was recently voted one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal: its five islands and two peninsulas are of unparalleled beauty and must be visited when in the Algarve.
The Park covers the cities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António, and offers an extra reason to visit the south of the country. There is an easy circular nature path, which is ideal for the whole family. If you are looking for family adventure days, this is the ideal region: you can take nature hikes, go cycling and boating, bird watching and visit a number of beaches.
When with children, we recommend that you look for accommodation in Faro, Tavira or Olhão, urban centres that offer all comforts for families.
Family Activities
Magikland
Magikland Amusement Park - in Marecos, Penafiel - offers activities for the whole family. From the Lago do Galeão pool, with crystal clear water for hot summer days, to the pirates’ refuge, there is much to discover and do in the park’s 6 themed areas.
In the Medieval Village, you can embark with your family on a train ride through Magikland. It also has the World of Confusion, which provides a lot of fun through various carousels, the Ghost Castle and the Princess’ Tower. Finally, there is the 25-metre-high Panoramic Wheel, which offers fabulous views of the park and the surrounding area.
In the park, there are several cafes and bars, as well as a self-service restaurant. If you wish, you can take the food to one of the many picnic tables.
Discover the Estrada Nacional 2 Trunk Road
If you like to travel, you must also want to show more of your country to the younger ones! Why not drive along the mythical Estrada Nacional 2 trunk road with your little ones in a car that guarantees their safety and stability throughout the journey?
Covering 700 km inland, this unique trunk road crosses Portugal from north to south. Along the way, you can enjoy landscapes, signs bearing funny names, towns and villages, viewpoints and monuments. A good incentive for children is the EN2 passport. A small document that can be obtained by email, with which children can collect stamps from the places they visit along the route. By doing so, they end up with an original souvenir of this family outing.
Tambor Rural Theme Park
Situated in Aveiras de Cima, this park offers a tranquil, natural atmosphere. There are many games to play and much fun to be had.
Most of the games are unique, conceived and constructed at the Tambor workshops. All designed so that parents, children and friends to have fun and learn at the same time. The park also offers the opportunity to assist with daily farming tasks, such as milking cows or riding horses.
In addition to these activities, there are several areas to visit, whether on foot or by tractor, such as the picnic area, the hydroponic gardens, the barn, the rural museum, and even a lake. However, one of the park’s main attractions is the animals. They number over 100, and are all very friendly, as they are perfectly used to contact with humans.
Precautions to be taken when travelling as a family
Travelling with children is always a challenge, but following these tips will make things easier. Start by choosing a spacious vehicle that fits the size of your family, the amount of luggage and toys you wish to take, and which also offers stable driving.
- Avoid feeding children inside the vehicle. With the movement, he or she may choke or feel sick. It is advisable to have a light meal before setting off and make brief stops whenever necessary to go to the bathroom or have a snack;
- Use safety seats that are appropriate for the age and size of each child you carry in the back seat of your car. Follow the instructions carefully and always ensure that both the child and the seat are securely fitted inside the vehicle;
- If possible, arrange for an adult to travel in the back seat so that the driver will not be distracted if any of the children require assistance;
- Always have water available;
- Control the temperature and internal light so that everyone is comfortable;
- Play with and distract the children so that they do not get bored and start grumbling;
Basic travel pharmacy
- Antiallergic medicines – for respiratory or dermatological allergies
- Sunscreen and sunburn cream
- Age-appropriate mosquito repellent for children
- Saline
- Thermometer
- Paracetamol
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