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In 2019, out of all the life stages, families with older children - aged five and over - took the most holidays (5.6 on average), whereas families with younger children took the most breaks (3.9), making families one of the largest sectors of the holiday rental market.*
While families with older children are limited to school holidays, young families with babies and toddlers are able to travel all year round, and frequently do. Capturing a slice of the family market is a surefire way to secure bookings, so how can you make your holiday home as family-friendly as possible to tap into this sector?
Families want to envisage themselves relaxing and enjoying each other’s company while on holiday, so make it easy for them to imagine. Here are some ways you can make your holiday home family-friendly.
More ways to increase your bookings
1. Make the most of your space
Families need enough room to spend time together, without feeling like they’re living on top of each other. This doesn’t mean you have to go knocking down walls to expand your rooms, but rather reassess the furniture and layout. In the living areas, make sure there is plenty of empty space and do away with any unnecessary furniture or clutter.
Ensure there is enough seating for everyone to sit down at the same time, including the children – that goes for the living room, dining area and outdoor spaces.
In the bedrooms, ensure that twin and single rooms have floor space for children to play on, and make sure that furniture such as wardrobes and chests of drawers are well secured to the walls to prevent accidents.
2. Promote your location
You need to make sure that families are fully aware of all the benefits the location offers. If your property is within easy access of a motorway, mention this, and make a list of all the attractions and interesting places to visit close by.
Give your guests an information pack of leaflets and suggestions for days out – if they enjoy their stay this time, they may come back!
If there isn’t much nearby, emphasise the tranquillity of the location, and make suggestions for local walks and pubs. You may also wish to provide bikes so that guests can get out with their children and enjoy the area.
Of course, if your property benefits from sea views or is just a stone’s throw from a beach, shout about it!
If you are buying a holiday let, research the location thoroughly and take a look at what competitors are offering families. We are always happy to answer any questions you have about where to buy.
3. Provide essential items for children
If you’re advertising family-friendly accommodation, it’s imperative that you provide the necessary items for a comfortable stay.
Babies – A high chair and cot (or travel cot) are essential. If you would like to provide extras, such as sterilising equipment, a baby bath and a changing mat, they would be very welcomed by parents.
Small children – Parents are likely to bring most things for their toddlers, but it might be an idea to provide a booster seat for the dining table and children’s cutlery.
Older children – Providing entertainment is the main way to cater to older children. Books, DVDs, games and outdoor equipment will all be enjoyed, as well as any extras you can think of.
4. Keep the children entertained
Parents want time to relax on their holiday, so the promise of something to keep their little angels occupied is a big tick in the box when they’re searching for their perfect holiday cottage.
It is up to you how much you offer, from outdoor play areas to a box of toys and games. A selection of books for all ages will help parents encourage quiet time; just make sure you highlight whatever you’re providing for children in your online advert.
Some owners like to provide a dedicated games room with activities such as table football, pool and board games. The advantage of this is that adults will enjoy it too, so you’ll be appealing to both families and couples who want to spend time away with friends.
5. Make clever furniture choices
It is always recommended to go for quality when you’re furnishing a family-friendly holiday home. Not only can you expect more durability from quality furniture, but it should also be easier to clean (often manufacturers provide a special cleaning pack for upholstery). Leather sofas are good because they can be wiped clean with leather wipes. Steer clear of sharp corners and glass where you can. Tiles, laminate flooring and rugs in downstairs living areas can help keep cleaning quick and simple.
6. Arrange your bedrooms discerningly
Think carefully about your maximum occupancy and the composition of beds. A double bedroom is normally expected and, if your property sleeps four, a twin room would usually be the second bedroom.
Zip-and-link beds can help with flexibility, as if you have a booking from two couples, you can then provide two double bedrooms, or split the beds if you have a family booking. Bunk beds may be an option in a small room, but don’t try to fit in too many guests as they may be put off by the lack of space.
7. Make outdoor spaces safe and fun
An enclosed garden is perhaps the most important feature of a family-friendly holiday home. Parents can relax, knowing their children can safely play outside.
A barbecue area for the summer is a must, especially as young families are unlikely to be able to eat out much in the evenings.
If you have space and the means to install a play area, it is a definite draw for families and will stand out in your marketing photos.
A pretty garden can make the world of difference in photos and in person too. Take a look at our article on holiday home gardening tips.
8. Keep breakables out of reach
Anything breakable which is on display is at risk of being smashed if there are little people staying! Vases, sculptures, ornaments and sentimental antiques are an accident waiting to happen, so tuck them away and opt instead for durable decorative items which can be easily replaced.
9. Be safety conscious
When booking a holiday property, parents of toddlers will scrutinise the photos for signs of babyproofing. Open spaces, fewer sharp corners and lack of movable/breakable items are all features on a child-friendly checklist. Look around the room from a toddler’s point of view and identify safety concerns and anything which may be in reach of meddling hands (such as TVs, ornaments, side tables etc.).
Standard safety precautions you can take include fitting stair gates, providing fireguards, placing a non-slip mat in the bath and ensuring swimming pools, hot tubs and ponds are fenced off. You may also like to offer guests the option of a bed guard.
For information on general safety legislation, head over to our article 'Legislation made easy'.
10. Provide a tailored welcome gift
When you have children staying, it’s a nice touch to provide a little something for them in your welcome pack. A colouring book, a bottle of bubbles or a sweet treat are all sure to put a smile on their faces. What’s more, if the whole family has a positive experience from the beginning, they’ll be more likely to recommend you to friends or book again themselves.
11. Flaunt it!
You may have the most amazing family-friendly holiday home, but if it’s the world’s best-kept secret, you won’t be benefitting from the bookings you deserve. You need to make sure that people can find it when they’re searching online, and the best way to do this is through using a well-recognised agency such as ourselves.
At holidaycottages.co.uk we make it our priority to deliver you the very best income from your holiday home. Our dedicated Marketing Team will ensure that your property can be easily found online and your Property Manager will work tirelessly to analyse and tweak its performance to ensure its success.
If you are looking for some tips or advice on your holiday property, get in touch with our friendly team.
*Statistics from ABTA Holiday Habits Report 2019