How To Celebrate Family This International Day Of Families

International Day of Families is celebrated on 15 May every year, and after the year that we’ve had, isn’t now as good a time as any to really make the most of this day? Below are some ideas on how to take some time to celebrate with your family or to help another family in need. 

Enjoy time at home doing something a little different

For those families wanting to stay indoors at home, you can bring an ocean experience right into your living room. Justin Blake is a shark scientist with the #1 bestselling wildlife Online Experience on Airbnb. In his famous Experience, guests learn how science and technology is used to uncover the secret lives of sharks, and Justin shares some of his favourite stories, images and videos taken by himself and his team. Money from the bookings is directly donated to RockHopper and the conservation of sharks. You can book the Experience here for the whole family to enjoy. 

Get out and about in your own city 

Get the kids and the family out of the house to explore what’s in your backyard. We understand that it can be expensive to take the whole family out for the day, so it’s best to look for some family-friendly deals in and around your area. For those based in Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism has put together a handy guide of pocket-friendly things to do in the Mother City for only R150 or less! 

Help another family in need 

Find a way to help someone else as a family. Do you have an elderly neighbour who needs help pulling weeds? Do you know someone who just had a baby who would appreciate a meal? Make the meal together as a family and bring it over to them. Alternatively, you could also help make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate by supporting one of the many worthy causes on the Relate Bracelets website. In these unprecedented times, small actions add up to make a big difference.

Take the family on a stay-cation

With little to no travel happening at the moment, we’re sure the family are keen on a mini break. Why not enjoy a stay-cation at a local hotel? Many hotels around the country are offering some amazing deals for families at the moment. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, for example, have tailored their offering to accommodate families, and children under 12 get a fluffy toy that they get to take home. Additionally, parents can make use of the spa facilities free of charge, including a 30-minute salt room experience. If you’re keen to get out and about a bit, the hotel is conveniently located at the start of the Sea Point Promenade. To book or for more information: 27 (0)21 441 3000 capetown.reservations@radissonblu.com. 

Take a virtual arts and culture tour

With the tourism sector amongst those hardest hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and with people tired of lockdowns and yearning for new and exciting travel experiences, many families have increasingly turned to virtual experiences until we can all safely start to travel again. This International Day of Families, you can turn to Google for some fun virtual arts and culture tours. Google Arts & Culture has recently joined forces with SA Tourism to launch the online exhibition South Africa: An Explorer’s Paradise. The experience allows visitors from all over the world to explore South Africa’s heritage and “visit” its breathtaking destinations, through a collection of 500 images and videos, 55 Street Views and 20 exhibits – perfect for the whole family! To experience South Africa and explore its beauty from the comfort of your own home, visit g.co/sharesouthafrica, or download the Android or iOS Google Arts & Culture app.

Make your domestic worker feel like family 

Domestic workers are integral to many of our homes, but are you looking after the person who keeps the wheels of the house turning while you’re at work? If you think about how lovely it is to have small perks at your work, the same holds true for your domestic worker. Tiny details can make a big difference, such as giving her the household’s Wi-Fi password so that she can listen to music on her phone while working, and by creating a dedicated space where she can put her handbag or bag down and safely keep items like toiletries to freshen up with after a long day’s work. 

“Many domestic workers live lives that are more challenging than most of us could ever imagine, so think of things you can do to make her life easier,” says Aisha Pandor, CEO of SweepSouth, SA’s largest on-demand home services. “For instance, if you are able, pick her up at the taxi drop-off point closest to your home. It’s an empathetic gesture that saves her time, allowing her to spend more quality time with her family.” During periods that Covid-19 presents higher risks, also consider flexitime, which will allow her to travel during a less crowded commute.