Holidays abroad with children: is it worth it?

Holidays are a special time for our little ones. Is going abroad for holidays a good idea when traveling with children? Especially preschool-aged or younger kids? We will try to gather all the pros and cons and answer this question.

A longer trip during the holiday season should not be planned last minute, although let's not hide it – sometimes last-minute offers are tempting, especially those for stays abroad. But is it really worth going on holidays abroad with children, particularly the younger ones? We will try to help you and attempt to answer this question.

1. Weather on holidays abroad

Pro – a huge plus attracting people to holidays abroad is the weather. It is said that when traveling to warm, exotic places, you can count on it. Well, that's true. High temperatures are definitely a plus for their enthusiasts, those who enjoy sunbathing. High temperatures also mean warm seas where you can relax very pleasantly.

Con – however, we must remember that during our holiday period, in most southern countries considered for holiday trips, very high temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius prevail, and fires caused by drought and heat also occur. These are not very safe conditions, especially with small children. Children, especially the younger ones, are exposed to heatstroke, sunburn, and dehydration. Every conscious parent should take this into account when choosing a foreign destination.

2. Travel time and type of transport

Pro – when choosing foreign travel for holidays, most of the journey is done by scheduled or charter flights. This allows us to quickly move even several thousand kilometers. Traveling by plane is also a big attraction for children, especially if it's their first time.

Con – unfortunately, traveling by plane during the holiday season may prove to be a big challenge. At every airport, we must arrive at least 2 hours before departure (sometimes even 3-4 hours during holidays), and if we don't live near the airport, we need to add 2-3 hours by car. Upon arrival, after collecting luggage, another 2-3 hours with transfers to the hotel follow. So, for closer foreign destinations, the entire trip from leaving home can take even 12-14 hours.

3. Number of attractions during holidays abroad

Pro – foreign holiday offers with children attract by their diversity, both in terms of facilities and offered activities.

Con – very often during holidays abroad with children, we encounter hotels where children's animation programs are held in English. Of course, it's great when children from an early age can listen to other languages, which may later help them learn. Unfortunately, especially with younger children, the language barrier can cause problems using such attractions. Therefore, when choosing holidays abroad with children, it is worth looking for hotel offers with Polish animators.

4. Food on holidays with children abroad

Pro – going on holidays abroad with children gives us the chance to try various dishes of the country's cuisine that we don't have access to daily. For us adults, especially food lovers, this can be a big attraction.

Con – what may be a big plus for adults can be a minus for children. New, previously unknown dishes can be a big challenge during holidays abroad with children. We never have a 100% guarantee that dishes, often from oriental cuisine, will please their taste buds, and worse, that consuming some may cause small stomach upsets in children.

5. Access to medical care abroad

The unknown always causes some uncertainty. Travelling abroad with children, though tempting, can be equivalent to ordinary fear. What if (knock on wood) something bad happens and you need to take a child to the doctor? Although this is one of the worst-case scenarios, parents always have it in the back of their mind. These may be common illnesses every child goes through. Every mom or dad knows they come unexpectedly.

Pro – in most Southern European countries, if we have the European Health Insurance Card with us, we get medical care at a level close to our home country. There will also surely be the possibility of using private healthcare; here, additional travel insurance can be helpful.

Con – when staying outside Europe, access to healthcare at an adequate level may be significantly limited. Bacteria and viruses naturally present in a given country, e.g., on raw vegetables or fruits, can be dangerous for us Europeans with different bacterial flora. This can be especially dangerous for young children, so it is worth avoiding such destinations at their age.

Due to many factors, foreign trips attract people from all over the world. Therefore, traveling to a specific place with children, we have no guarantee, and can even expect that the location will be very crowded. Especially when choosing the most popular spots. We must take this into account when planning holidays abroad with children. Every parent should consider whether holidays abroad with children are the best option for their family.

Do we have an equally good alternative? Here's a suggestion!

Poland has great potential for family holidays. Safer, closer, easier to reach, and no language barrier – these are arguments that especially appeal when traveling with children.

The offer itself, which you can compare with foreign ones in terms of price, food, and attractions, can surpass foreign trips by far.

Mazury – the best alternative for holidays in Poland

Mazury is a natural and beautiful alternative to tropical holidays — lakes, shining beaches, forest walks, and no language barriers. What you get abroad can be found here as well — and even better when parents appreciate the comfort, local food, and Polish animation. It's a place where you can feel true freedom – spread a blanket by the water, watch children splash in the lake, and in the evening light a bonfire together.

It is in Mazury where Zalesie Mazury Active Spa is located, a place created with families in mind. Parents can relax, knowing their children are in good hands, and the youngest can find everything they love most: pools, playrooms, animation, and a private beach by the lake. This is where you see that holidays in Poland can match foreign ones in every respect – standard, abundance of attractions, and comfort of stay organization ensure the same level of relaxation and comfort, often even greater, due to no stress from plane travel or language barriers.

Holiday attractions in Mazury for families

Do you think only foreign resorts can provide children with exceptional attractions? Not at all! Poland is developing more and more family-friendly infrastructure – safe, modern, and meeting European quality standards. Playgrounds, pools, theme parks, and animation programs in Mazury show that you don’t need to fly by plane to provide children with a holiday full of joy and adventures.

1. Amusement parks – fun for the youngest

Mazury can surprise with many places created for children. In Olsztyn, it's worth visiting the Forest Rope Park, where little ones and older kids can try their skills on obstacle courses. Nearby, there's also Park Bartbo in Butryny – a true adventure center with quad tracks, rope parks, and mini jeeps. And if the weather is bad, Bajkolandia in Zalesie Mazury Active Spa offers hours of indoor play.

2. Nature – proximity to lakes and forests

Mazury is a paradise for nature lovers. Just step outside the hotel to find yourself in a forest full of walking and cycling paths. Lakes invite you to swim, take boat trips or family kayaking excursions. Worth going on a calm ride down the Pisa River from Barczewo – an easy route perfect for families with children. Nearby is also the Warmian Game Reserve, where the youngest can see fallow deer, llamas, or kangaroos up close.

3. Culture and history – learning through play

Mazury is not only nature but also rich history. In Barczewo, you can discover atmospheric streets and local museums. In Olsztyn, it's worth visiting the Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory, which allows children to look into space and learn more about stars. Older children may be interested in castle ruins and Gothic churches in the region, which add a special atmosphere to trips.

4. Peace and relaxation – a moment of breath for the whole family

Mazury is an ideal place to slow down for a while. Evening bonfires by the lake, a picnic in the park in Barczewo, or a lazy afternoon on a private beach in Zalesie – these are moments that stay in memory. Parents can find time for themselves in the hotel spa, while children participate in animations. This is where you can feel true summer “doing nothing” without guilt.

5. Active recreation – energy and movement in the fresh air

For families who can't sit still, Mazury offer plenty of sports attractions. Biking, hiking, kayaking, and even horseback riding – there's something for everyone. In Zalesie, there are sports fields, water equipment, and organized fitness classes that combine rest with activity. For older children and teenagers, the rope park or paintball guarantees unforgettable emotions.

Who is Mazury best for?

Mazury is a flexible destination – it suits many types of travelers. We especially recommend it for:

• Families with small children – hotels with infrastructure friendly to the youngest, Polish animation, and safe conditions.
• Active families – kayaking trips, forest hikes, bike escapades, and water sports.
• Parents dreaming of relaxation – the opportunity to use the spa zone and calm rest while children participate in animations and play with peers (in the case of Zalesie Mazury Active Spa).

What about the costs of holidays in Poland?

The final cost of holidays depends on the offers you choose and which attractions are most important to you. However, regardless of preferences, it very often turns out that a holiday in Poland with children is cheaper than abroad. Here, Mazury again win against foreign destinations – you don't pay for plane tickets, long transfers, or additional insurance. Many attractions such as animations, swimming pools, beaches, or sports equipment are already included in the price of the stay. This makes it easier to plan the budget and avoid unexpected expenses.

And is it possible to reduce these costs even further? Yes! Just choose dates outside the peak season, e.g., in June or September – then prices are lower, and the weather in Mazury is still suitable for family rest.

If you are still not fully convinced by what we wrote – check our offer, and you'll see that holidays with children in Poland can be successful.