Seaside vacations have long been considered one of the best ways to spend time with the family while winding down and recharging – so much so that a whole bunch of songs have been written throughout history about the joys of coastal getaways. But if you’re in the process of deciding where to take the clan for a mini break and you need a bit more convincing, here are five compelling reasons to choose a holiday at the beach.
Why you should definitely opt for a family beach holiday
1. It’s good for the soul
Holidays are meant to be relaxing and revitalising, but so often we return from vacations feeling even more wound up than before we left. Beach holidays are different, though. There’s something about expansive ocean views, the sound of waves crashing and the feeling of salty air on the skin that calms and rejuvenates like nothing else. And in fact, there’s evidence proving that the presence of visible water – or “blue space” – has a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. You can only imagine, then, how good the uninterrupted views from places like Ramsgate Cottage are for the soul.
2. It’s good for the kids
Nothing gets the kids up and out of the house – and away from the TV – quite like the promise of sea, sun and sand. A holiday at the beach naturally brings with it a heap of healthy activities for the little ones and many opportunities for family bonding. Whether the children are fishing in rock pools, playing with a Frisbee on the shoreline, building sandcastles or bobbing in the waves, you can guarantee that a seaside vacation will keep them active and afford everyone a fun time.
3. It’s good for the waist
Seaside locations, like the scenic village of Ramsgate on the KZN South Coast, have a way of pushing you to exercise without even realising you’re doing it. An hour’s stroll along the coastline or a 30-minute swim in the sea are both great ways to work out, and they’re enjoyable, too. Then there are always slightly more intense options, like surfing, kayaking or water skiing – all of which help to tone and strengthen the body. There are really few other destinations that make it as easy to stay fit while on holiday.
4. It’s good for the skin
Assuming you wear lots of sunscreen and look after yourself during the hottest parts of the day, a vacation at the beach can do wonders for your complexion. Seawater is packed with minerals, like magnesium and calcium, that have a number of proven beauty benefits and are often used to soothe skin conditions like eczema. The salt in ocean water also acts as a gentle exfoliant and helps to regulate oil production. Needless to say, a coastal family vacation might help to save you some bucks at the spa.
5. It’s a reminder of what really matters in life
Most of us will recall the seaside family holidays we went on when we were kids ourselves with a special fondness. Spending time at the beach in our older years tends to bring back these happy memories from our childhoods, returning us, momentarily, to a simpler time when we were carefree and our days were regulated only by mealtimes with family and the rising and setting of the sun. Indulging in a bit of nostalgia can help us to step back and remember what’s really important, so we can return home with our priorities realigned.
Located right on the beach, Ramsgate Cottage promises all of the above benefits of a seaside vacation, and then some. With a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge and dining area, a secluded swimming pool and many nearby activities, this self-catering accommodation option on the South Coast guarantees a safe, comfortable family stay away from the buzz of the city. It’s also incredibly easy to book online, so you can reserve your time here today and start dreaming about making happy memories with your nearest and dearest.