I love a good summer holiday. Sun, sea, sand and exploring. Since we’ve had Baby C our normal holidays abroad have been put on hold. There are so many reasons why I’m scared of going away with him, but as he is on the verge of being 18 months I’m started to research holiday locations that are child-friendly and Ideally somewhere that we haven’t been before. Barcelona is one of the European cities we haven’t visited yet and it at the top of our list. With it being just over a 2-hour flight journey away, it’s ideal for our little first-time flier too!
We’ve decided that although we’re hotel regulars, this time with our little family in tow we want to research Barcelona vacation rentals. We want a little bit of luxury but in a self-sufficient way. After much debate, we’ve come up with these reasons why we’re choosing a Villa over a hotel.
Price
At first, a villa can seem a little pricey. But once you take everything into account, it can actually be more affordable than the same amount of time in a hotel. Especially, if there’s a group of you going. We’re thinking of bringing a few friends and siblings along with us for our family break. Once we’ve split the cost of the villa, it works out much cheaper than the hotel equivalent. Especially if you’re after something a little special.
Privacy
There is nothing like have a private pool. That’s a bit of luxury in itself. Being able to walk from your bedroom to the pool with no one peaking at you behind his or her sunglasses is priceless. It also means no waiting for a sunbed or unruly families jumping in the pool. You can dip in and out at your leisure. I really like the idea of a private pool, especially for our little ones first trip abroad. We don’t have to worry so much about there being loads of people around and we can leave our towels and water where ever we want. It takes a little bit of the pressure away in my opinion.
I’ve even found a few private villas in Barcelona where the pool splits into a private lagoon that’s only accessible from the main bedroom. If I can convince my parents to come along, I know they wouldn’t mind having Baby C for an evening so we can chill out. Living the dream already. Plus, pool toys and inflatables! This is something that totally appeals to me because I’m a big kid at heart. I love this unicorn inflatable but I think it would be a little too much for a shared hotel pool. Don’t you?
Fuss Free
The great thing about a villa is that you can decide when to eat, where to eat, how to cook things etc. The kitchen might not be where you want to spend much of your holiday, but if you have little ones – or any kind of fuss eater, it makes for an easier day. You don’t have to worry about allergies or what is everyone going to eat. You can get your supplies for the stay and kind of do what you would at home. But with a Spanish twist of course! What’s really nice is that most Villas have an outdoor space for BBQs and eating al fresco. You can’t beat eating outside overlooking the sea. What’s more, you’re in control of cooking time so the likelihood of food poisoning is reduced. I’m sure you’re all fabulous cooks!
Wi-Fi
I know I shouldn’t but both myself and Mr C will both need to work a little bit when we’re on holiday. That’s the downside of working for yourself. But with a villa, the likelihood of having decent WIFI is much more likely. You can research before you go and contact the managers. At least you’ll get a little more certainty on what kind of wifi to expect and you’ll know if it’s going to cost the earth before you travel.
Sight-Seeing
I know that hotels are the experts on excursions and days out. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out f you’re opting for a holiday Villa. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and there is so much to do. The perk of staying in a villa s being able to hire a car and park it securely. You can research the area and pretty much do whatever you want whenever you want. There are no specific coach times, no one else to consider and you can go as far or as close out as you fancy. I’ve heard that the Museu de la Xocolata is a must visit. It’s a chocolate museum. I’m sure my friend who suggested it meant it for me more so than Baby C!
Extras
If you’re travelling as a family (like we will be0. There’s the possibility that your villa will have extra amenities such as a cot, high chairs and even board games. Usually at no extra cost! You’ll usually have a washing machine too (so that’s baby poo explosions sorted). With any luck, you can come home with clean clothes rather than a whole host of washing to do! These little things make such a difference and you can find out what’s available before you get there.
Just these points alone make a villa stay far more appealing. I think having children comes with so much more to think about. In my younger years, as long as I had a backup credit card, holidays didn’t need that much planning! But now, everything from sleeping options to cutlery needs to be considered for my growing toddler. Knowing we’ll have our own private space makes me feel a little more comfortable. I know we can get shade when we need it, eat when we need to and we don’t have to worry about noise or tantrums. It’s funny how life changes. But one thing is for sure, I won’t be giving up my glorious holidays for very long!
Have you been to Barcelona? How about with kids? Drop me a comment with all your hints and tips on travelling with kids. I think I’m going to need them.
