When you have got kids in tow, the word “holiday” can sometimes feel like anything but relaxing. Between packing snacks, keeping everyone entertained, and trying to sneak in a few minutes of peace for yourself, it can be a juggling act. That’s why Kusadasi in Turkey has become our go-to destination for stress-free family holidays. With a little planning and a few clever hacks, we have turned our trips there into smooth, fun getaways where everyone, even me, the mum!, gets to relax 🙂
Book the Right Base
Choosing the right hotel or resort makes all the difference. In Kusadasi, we love staying where we can roll straight from the beach to the waterpark without having to worry about taxis or endless walking. It means less faff, more fun. If your hotel has access to Aqua Fantasy Waterpark, even better, you’ll have hours of entertainment right on your doorstep.
Pack Smart (Especially for the Kids)
Here’s a tip that’s saved us more than once: pack a deck of cards or travel games. UNO, Dobble, anything compact that can keep little hands busy during those quieter moments at the beach or in the shade. It buys you that golden hour with an iced coffee; these kinds of games are so underrated!
Floats are another thing worth planning ahead. While the waterpark does have plenty to use, bringing your own for the kids for the pool in your hotel keeps them happy and also saves on cost; some things bought whilst away can be so expensive.
Make the Most of the App
If you are staying at a family resort like TUI BLUE, download their app as soon as you arrive. It’s a lifesaver and you can book kids’ clubs, check entertainment schedules, and never miss out on any of the themed evenings. Everything’s in one place, which means less stress about what’s on and when. We plan our whole holiday day by day every evening, and the app is such a godsend 🙂
Don’t Forget the Parent Time-Outs
It’s easy to put everyone else first, but Kusadasi has plenty of ways for parents to recharge, too. A Turkish bath experience is my top recommendation, a steam, scrub, and foam massage that leaves you feeling AMAZING!.
Another huge bonus of staying at TUI BLUE Ephesus in Kusadasi is their kids’ club. A few hours of play and fun for Nila gave me the chance to actually breathe, whether that meant recuperating with a book on the beach, enjoying a quiet iced coffee, or spending some much-needed one-on-one time with Alessia, I did all of the above thanks to the kids’ club 🙂 We really made use of it this year, and it’s something I’ll definitely lean on in future trips.
Even just those couple of hours made such a difference; it’s the reset every parent needs while still knowing the kids are having the best time, and she did. She won the safari game, did crafts and made so many friends.
Stress-Free & Full of Smiles
With the right mix of planning and flexibility, Kusadasi family holidays are the easiest we have ever had. The sunshine, the welcoming locals, and the endless entertainment make it simple to switch off, slow down, and just enjoy. And that’s exactly what a family holiday should be about and the reason we keep going back ten years down the line 🙂