When searching for great days out, should we be concentrating on finding fantastic people to go out with rather than wonderful places to go?
Like all parents I spent the school holidays finding fun and enjoyable things to do.
I have been mocked by a few for my attention to detail, or more accurately, for putting our holiday plans into a spreadsheet.
Actually that was last year, and this year my diary moved on another level to be synchronised between my computer and my mobile phone. But while my planning reached a new technical age one thing remained consistent.
Rather than look for things to do , instead I concentrated on engaging our favourite people to do them with.
For us, it is more about whom we are spending time with rather than where we actually are that makes a great day out.
Granted virtually all of the places we visit and activities we get up to are great fun in their own right. But enjoyment of them is furthered when you have wonderful people to share them with.
Go-Karting for example, I used to love it racing around on my own, but now driving with my son in a double kart it is much more fun. And this summer we were racing against a kart driven by a friend and his boy, which was even better.
Vivienne agreed with me on Twitter, that high octane activities are even better shared, citing roller coasters as an example. I am sure all these mummy bloggers enjoying a Disney ride would agree too.
But fabulous company can mean turning the most boring choice of venue or activity into a good time when on your own they would be a terrible chore.
However Robert reminded me that any day out can be ruined, whatever you do or wherever you are, if you are in terrible company.
So with both those thoughts in mind, should we, and do you, focus on who you are going with rather than where you are physically headed?
What has been your best ‘worst-day-out’ because of the company you’ve kept?
Photo Credit: Ian Newbold
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editor
14 September, 2010
Hi Ian, yes for me, it's about who you are with. Some people for example seem to think that if you set foot in a caravan park or camp site then you have taken leave of your faculties and that for "people like us" it's a bit of a come down. I don't agree at all. I've always loved travelling and have lots of places I would love to explore but the company makes it every time, whether it's a beach aborad or Pontins in Prestatyn. Forgive the platitude but it's laughter what matters, well to our family it does anyway.
mum
14 September, 2010
I agree with Linda. Without doubt, it is who you go with that makes the difference. You could go somewhere incredibly nice but if you are in poor company or no company at all, it can be dreadful.
admin
14 September, 2010
I agree too - we went on holiday this year at Easter with another family for the first time. We were a little worried about how it was going to be living in each other's pockets as we were sharing a house, but it was sheer bliss. We had an amazing time, our friendship really grew stronger and our kids' bond even greater. It's definately who you are with that makes it or breaks it for me.
Leigh
Ready for Ten Team
dad
14 September, 2010
I agree Linda (and probably should have stressed those kids either side of my belter are 'caravan friends from this summer).
Absolutely Rosie, remember that time you got a free lunch in London only to have to eat it with some heathen? ;-)
Leigh that's awesome. I love how my family, and that of some my best friends are growing together and closer. Something about seeing our offspring bond that is magical.
18 September, 2010
Ian this is so true. We holiday with a close friend and her little boy and really love it, and we have a family holiday every year - as in my parents, brothers and sister, their partners and all of our kids. It's just a few days but it's always fab. We also love spending the week with my sis-in-law and nieces at their caravan on a Haven site. It's always fab. I'd take good company over prime location anytime.
20 September, 2010
This is even more important for single parent families - there's nothing worse than sitting alone amidst a sea of married couples. Group holidays are great fun, the kids have ready made friends and this gives the adults a chance to relax and let their hair down - adult company can be a rare treat if you're usually home alone.
www.SingleWithKids.co.uk concentrates on group holidays for single parent families starting with cheap camping weekends through to overseas 4 star holidays, something for most pockets. I've had so many fun times the kids would be quite disappointed if I suggested going on holiday alone....
Chrissie x