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How to survive a family holiday in Fiji.

Yes, it might seem like a first world problem, but I was genuinely concerned about how I was going to survive a recent family holiday in Fiji.

I was spending nine days there, with my fiance’s entire family. Including a preschooler. And a toddler with a stomach bug. And an octogenarian.

Image via iStock.

So yes, I had some reservations.

But you know what? I shouldn't have. Because everything about the trip - from checking in to checking out - was completely stress-free.

Here's how to make the most out of a family holiday in Fiji.

1. Pick the right resort.

We stayed at Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa - Yanuca and it was definitely the right choice for us, as it was extremely family-friendly. However, there are resorts to suit every budget and situation, so do your research.

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Some are more geared towards kids while others are more suitable for honeymooners, but there are plenty of options to choose from.

2. Make the most of free, kid-friendly activities.

Most resorts will offer a range of activities that the kids will love - whether it's snorkelling, kayaking or even specific kid's club games.

Tip: Choose a resort that has a great kids' club, and all the hard work of keeping your offspring entertained will be taken care of for you. While we were there, the kids' club organised movie nights, pool activities and plenty of games and sports.

family holiday in fiji
Image via iStock.

3. But ALSO make the most of any adults-only activities.

I'm talking about happy hour (we DEFINITELY made the most of that), adult-only areas like swimming pools or restaurants (look, sometimes you just need a break from screaming kids, OK?) as well as organised activities.

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As I mentioned before, our resort had a kids' club where the children could be left for a period of time as well as offering a ridiculously cheap one-on-one babysitting service for peace of mind.

We went on the most incredible scuba dive of our lives (for around $180 Fijian per person) which was an amazing experience in itself, but also a nice getaway from the kids.

4. Get some me-time.

I'm a firm believer that it's not a holiday unless it involves at least some pampering or relaxation, which is why I pretty much sprinted to book in an hour-long beach massage (for $99 Fijian per person).

Many Fijian resorts also offer a range of beauty treatments like facials and manicures, so make sure you check out all your options.

5. Organise some day trips.

Finally, make sure you explore outside your resort. As relaxing and lovely as they are, you do need to break up the routine a little, so organised day trips are the perfect way to keep yourself (and the kids) entertained and interested.

We went on a day trip to the Sigatoka sand dunes as well as attending a traditional kava ceremony, going on a village tour and hiking to a waterfall. It was a real highlight, so make sure you venture out at least once.

There you have it - five ways to survive and enjoy a family holiday.

Good luck...

What are your tips for surviving a family overseas holiday?

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