Choosing a holiday destination is normally an uphill task for many people, especially for those who are on a family holiday. According to Mancini (2008), the safety and the happiness of everyone during the family holidays are usually the two important factors to consider when selecting a holiday destination. Issues concerning accommodation, teenage entertainment, nightlife, and the financial stability of a family are also some important factors to consider when selecting a family holiday destination (Patterson, 2004). The aim of this research paper is to undertake a feasibility study of the Lake of Geneva Region and its two major cities, Montreaux and Lausanne, to examine the suitability of this Switzerland region, as a holiday destination for a French family of four, two adults in their early 40s, and two youngsters below 15 years.
Choosing the right holiday season is an important factor when organizing for family trips (Boushie, 2012). Winter seasons are often unfavorable for most of the whites, because associating with the lake regions during the cold seasons is often a risky and a ridiculous idea (Govers, Go, & Kumar, 2007). Imagine of the extremely cold environment around the lakeside, with ice pellets that cover several kilometers and a misty breeze that often determines the regional microclimate. One of the unimaginable holiday destinations is the Lake of Geneva Region, which lies within the regions of the Canton Vaud Districts of Switzerland. Being among the coldest parts of Switzerland, none of the parents in a family trip would like to see his or her child unhappy and shivering along the glaciers.
While planning for winter family vacations, people should consider the destination attractions (Lopes, 2011). Never imagine, because almost everyone across Europe would wish to visit the Lake of Geneva Region of the Canton Vaud Districts because of its vast activities that pertain to the hospitality and hotel industry. One would wonder whether the chilly lakeside and the tiring mountains around Lake Geneva have anything to offer for the aging individuals and the teenagers. The Lake of Geneva Region is an amazing tourism destination that offers a variety of leisure places and activities that both the old and the youngsters (Girardclos, Fiore, Rachoud-Schneider, Baster, & Wildi, 2005).
For the aging population, although their stiff legs may face some moving challenges along the ice-filled regions, the region has many memorable activities and leisure places to make a holiday pleasant.
Family tourist destinations are interesting when there are various places to visit (Carr, 2012). With a budget of $30,000, the aging French tourists in their early 40s can tour the zoos to see some of the unique world creatures, enjoy the exciting nature that is full of icy mountains, valleys, lakes, countryside landscapes, and several leisure parks located within the premises of the Lake of Geneva Region. Slow hiking with tour guards, sea cruising, and viewing the sea stalagmites and stalactites are some of the memorable experiences that the aging French tourists can enjoy at affordable prices (Girardclos et al., 2005). With a budget of $30,000, the aging people can also enjoy visiting the museums, the unique castles, the religious monuments, the historical sites, and sharing the interchangeable cultural heritage.
One might wonder where the aging people would spend the chilly nights. Surprisingly, most tourists prefer visiting Lake Geneva during the winter season because the climate allows various tourism activities to take place. The pleasure that the aging people would feel extends beyond the natural aspects to the form of hospitality that comes at affordable rates. Carr (2012) asserts that apart from the natural attractions, a family holiday destination must be highly welcoming. The Lake of Geneva Region has state-of-the-art hotels and several restaurants. Lausanne hotels such as the Hotel Bellarive, the Discovery Hotel, and Hotel Novotel Lausanne, are some of the fantastic tourist hotels (Girardclos et al., 2005).. With a budget of $30,000, a French family of four can afford to pay for some of the above hotels. These hotels offer chef-prepared French delicacies and indoor activities that adults and children can enjoy.
Parents often fear about the safety and health of their children during the family tours (Mancini, 2008). Parents may remain suspicious about the highly cold temperatures that are often unfavorable for the youngsters. The hotels of the Lake of Geneva Region can sometimes seem unfavorable for the children to spend their nights around. The cities of Montreaux and Lousanneone have nightlife full of beer joints, which may only favor the mature generation. However, the Lake of Geneva Region can be the most appealing place for the children aged between 10 and 16 years. Think of the amazing bicycle riding experiences, the safe hiking zones, the icy hill slopes that allow the ice skating activities, and several other activities and excursions that are breathtaking.
In a family holiday for the French tourists, children entertainment is what will always keep them lively in the tour (Govers et al., 2007). In the Lake of Geneva region, children can also enjoy interacting with others around the water sport areas, and within the swimming pools. Communication is easy for the French children, as most of the tourists communicate in French, Italian, Germany, and Romansh. They can also engage in horseback riding, ball sports, and even play with the hot-air balloons. The hotels and the restaurants have cool surroundings that allow the children to move around safely and freely, while enjoying the modern children foods and snacks (Girardclos et al., 2005).
A short leisure visit to Montreaux can offer a unique tourism experience for both the adults and the teenagers. The adults will enjoy interacting with others around Montreaux, Congress, and at the Jazz town.
The adult visitors can visit the Chillon Castle and spend their nightlife dancing jazz during the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Travelling on a cogwheel train from Montreaux to Rochers-de-Naye, where people are capable of viewing Lake Geneva and the Alps on a 360 degrees angle can be a breathtaking experience for the children and the adults (Girardclos et al., 2005). Lausanne is another tourist destination that a family of four can visit during the winter period. Of course, one cannot avoid sneezing and even a running nose due to the extremely cold climate (Girardclos et al., 2005). However, a short trip to Lausanne area can allow individuals to have unique adventure experiences. Adults can enjoy associating with the unique nature, some historic towns, a blend of modern architecture, and some exceptional surroundings such as the Olympic capital (Girardclos et al., 2005). Children can enjoy free bike rides, museums, theaters, and fast foods.
Conclusively, the Lake of Geneva Region of Switzerland is one of the most interesting tourist destinations that the French families on family trips can enjoy during the winter season. During the winter season, the region offers a series of tourism activities due to the presence of the ice that allows the children and the adults to enjoy various leisure activities. The region has several tourist destinations and towns that make family holidays enjoyable. The Montreaux and the Lausanne regions of the Lake of Geneva Region are some of the sub regions that tourists can visit for shopping, recreational activities, accommodation, food, and other tourism-related activities. In terms of costs, most services are slightly affordable during the winter season.
References
Carr, N. (2011). Children’s and Families’ Holiday Experience. Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism, and Mobility. United Kingdom, London: Rutledge Publishers. Web.
Girardclos, S., Fiore, J., Rachoud-Schneider, A., Baster, I., & Wildi, W. (2005) Petit-Lac (western Lake Geneva) environment and climate history from de-glaciations to the present: a synthesis. Boreas, 34(1), 417-433. Web.
Govers, R., Go, F., & Kumar, K. (2007). Promoting Tourism Destination Image. Journal of Travel Research, 46(1), 15-23. Web.
Lopes, S. (2011). Destination image: Origins, Developments and Implications. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, 9(2), 305-311. Web.
Mancini, M. (2008). Selling Destinations. United Kingdom, London: Cengage Learning Publishers. Web.
Patterson, K. (2014). How to Budget & Save for a Family Holiday: Money Saving & Budgeting Tips. United Kingdom, London: Mobile Bounty Pty Ltd. Web.
Thomke, B., & Boushie, K. (2012). The Guide to Planning the Perfect Winter Family Vacation. Web.