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Destination wedding packages offer a unique alternative to traditional ceremonies by allowing couples to celebrate their special day in a stunning location far from home. Gone are the days of mundane church weddings or banquet halls; instead, couples can exchange vows on pristine beaches, majestic mountainsides, or charming vineyards.

The allure of these packages lies in the freedom to personalize every aspect of the event, from the venue and decorations to the cuisine and entertainment. By opting for a destination wedding package, couples can create a truly memorable experience for themselves and their guests. This article explores the various impacts and features that make destination wedding packages a popular choice for modern couples seeking a distinctive and unforgettable wedding.

One of the key impacts of destination wedding packages is the opportunity they provide to combine a wedding celebration with a vacation for both the couple and their guests. Unlike traditional weddings that usually last for a few hours, destination weddings often span several days, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in the destination and create lasting memories. Guests can enjoy exploring the local attractions, partaking in adventurous activities, or simply relaxing in the idyllic surroundings. Moreover, destination wedding packages typically include accommodation, transportation, and even activities for the guests, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for all.

Another important aspect of destination wedding packages is the ability to choose from a wide range of stunning locations. From tropical beachfronts to historic European cities, there is a destination to suit every couple’s preferences and dream wedding vision. These packages often include access to exclusive venues that are not available for regular weddings, adding an air of exclusivity to the celebration. Furthermore, many destination wedding packages come with dedicated wedding planners who are experienced in arranging events in the chosen location, ensuring a seamless and well-executed wedding ceremony.

For a seamless experience in selecting and planning your dream destination wedding, consider exploring the all-inclusive packages offered by Hola Weddings . Their expertise extends to a variety of breathtaking locations, ensuring an exclusive and memorable celebration. These packages often include access to exclusive venues that are not available for regular weddings, adding an air of exclusivity to the celebration. Furthermore, many destination wedding packages come with dedicated wedding planners who are experienced in arranging events in the chosen location, ensuring a seamless and well-executed wedding ceremony.

In the upcoming section, we will discuss the various services and amenities offered by destination wedding packages, such as customized décor, local cuisine options, and entertainment choices. Additionally, we will delve into the practical considerations involved in planning a destination wedding, such as budgeting, legal requirements, and travel logistics. Whether you are considering a destination wedding for your own special day or are simply intrigued by this alternative approach, the following sections will provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions and create the wedding experience of your dreams. So, let’s dive into the world of destination wedding packages and discover the exciting possibilities that await!

What you should know

1. Destination wedding packages offer a range of customizable options for couples looking to have a unique and memorable wedding experience in a picturesque location. These packages often include services such as venue selection, event coordination, catering, and accommodations, making it easier and more convenient to plan a wedding in a different country or location.

2. Many destination wedding packages come with the added benefit of a wedding planner or coordinator who can assist couples with all the necessary arrangements, from legal requirements to vendor selection. This alleviates the stress of planning a wedding from afar and ensures that every detail is taken care of.

3. One of the advantages of choosing a destination wedding package is the opportunity to combine the wedding and honeymoon into one seamless event. Many packages offer honeymoon perks, such as romantic dinners, spa treatments, or even complimentary stays at the resort, creating a truly special and romantic experience for the newlyweds.

4. Destination wedding packages provide access to stunning venues that may not be available in the couple’s home country, such as a beachfront ceremony, a picturesque vineyard, or a historical castle. These unique settings add a touch of magic and create beautiful memories for both the couple and their guests.

5. While destination weddings can often have a reputation for being expensive, opting for a wedding package can actually help couples save money. Packages often include discounts or special rates for accommodations, transportation, and vendors, allowing couples to have their dream wedding while staying within their budget. Additionally, packages often offer all-inclusive options, simplifying the payment process and minimizing financial stress.

What are destination wedding packages and what do they include?

Destination wedding packages  are comprehensive offerings provided by resorts, hotels, and wedding planners that cater to couples who wish to tie the knot in a location away from their hometown. These packages are designed to simplify the planning process and provide all-inclusive services for a memorable wedding experience.

Typically, destination wedding packages include a range of services such as venue selection, accommodation for the couple and guests, catering, decorations, photography, transportation, and even assistance with legal requirements. The packages can be customized based on the couple’s preferences and budget, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable wedding celebration.

With destination wedding packages, couples can choose from a variety of stunning locations around the world, including tropical beaches, picturesque mountains, or historical landmarks. The packages often offer different themes and styles to suit various tastes, whether it’s a romantic beach ceremony, a rustic countryside wedding, or an elegant city affair.

Benefits of opting for a destination wedding package

1. Simplified Planning:  One of the major advantages of destination wedding packages is the convenience they offer. By choosing a package, couples can delegate most of the planning tasks to professionals who are experienced in organizing weddings in the chosen destination. This allows the couple to focus on enjoying their special day without the stress of managing every detail.

2. Cost-Effective:  Destination wedding packages often provide excellent value for money. Since the packages are designed to include multiple services, couples can save on individual costs that would otherwise add up significantly. Additionally, resorts and hotels may offer discounted rates for group bookings, making it more affordable for couples and their guests.

3. Unique Experience:  Destination weddings offer a unique and memorable experience for both the couple and their guests. By choosing a package, couples can explore exotic locations and create lifelong memories in breathtaking settings. The destination itself becomes an integral part of the wedding celebration, adding an extra touch of magic and romance.

Tips for choosing the right destination wedding package

1. Research and Compare:  Before finalizing a destination wedding package, it’s crucial to research and compare different options. Look for reputable resorts, hotels, and wedding planners that specialize in destination weddings. Compare the packages they offer, including the services, inclusions, and prices, to find the one that best suits your preferences and budget.

2. Consider the Location:  Think about the type of destination you and your partner envision for your wedding. Do you prefer a tropical beach, a charming countryside, or a vibrant city? Consider the climate, accessibility, and local attractions of the location to ensure it aligns with your vision and offers a memorable experience for you and your guests.

3. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations:  Before making a decision, read reviews from couples who have previously chosen the destination wedding package you are considering. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed choice. Additionally, seek recommendations from friends, family, or wedding forums to gather more information and ensure you select a reliable and reputable provider.

Alternatives to destination wedding packages

1. DIY Destination Wedding:  For couples who prefer a more hands-on approach, a DIY destination wedding allows them to plan and organize every aspect of their wedding themselves. This option requires more time, effort, and research, but it offers complete flexibility and customization according to the couple’s preferences.

2. Local Wedding with Travel:  If a destination wedding package seems overwhelming or out of budget, couples can opt for a local wedding in their hometown and plan a travel-themed celebration. They can incorporate elements from their dream destination, such as cuisine, decorations, or music, to create a similar ambiance and experience for themselves and their guests.

3. Elopement Packages:  Elopement packages are ideal for couples who desire an intimate and private wedding experience. These packages often include accommodation, ceremony arrangements, and photography services in picturesque locations. Elopements allow couples to focus solely on each other and create cherished memories without the stress of a larger wedding.

1. What are destination wedding packages?

Destination wedding packages are comprehensive wedding plans offered by resorts, hotels, or wedding planners in popular tourist destinations. These packages typically include everything needed for a wedding, such as venue, decorations, catering, photography, and accommodation for the couple and their guests. They are designed to make the wedding planning process easier and more convenient for couples who wish to have their wedding in a destination away from their hometown.

2. How do destination wedding packages work?

Destination wedding packages work by providing couples with a pre-designed wedding plan that includes various services and amenities. Couples can choose a package that suits their preferences and budget, and then work with the wedding planner or coordinator to customize certain aspects of the wedding, such as the decorations or menu. The package usually includes a set number of guests, but additional guests can be accommodated for an extra fee. The wedding planner takes care of all the arrangements, ensuring that everything is in place for the couple’s special day.

3. What are the benefits of choosing a destination wedding package?

Choosing a destination wedding package offers several benefits. Firstly, it simplifies the wedding planning process as most of the arrangements are already taken care of by the package. This saves couples from the stress and hassle of coordinating with multiple vendors. Secondly, destination wedding packages often include accommodation for the couple and their guests, making it easier for everyone to stay together and enjoy the wedding festivities. Additionally, these packages are often offered in picturesque locations, providing a stunning backdrop for the wedding ceremony and creating lasting memories.

4. Can destination wedding packages be customized?

Yes, destination wedding packages can usually be customized to some extent. While the packages come with pre-designed elements, couples can work with the wedding planner or coordinator to personalize certain aspects of the wedding. This may include choosing specific decorations, selecting a customized menu, or adding extra services such as live music or entertainment. The level of customization may vary depending on the package and the destination, so it’s important to discuss the options with the wedding planner beforehand.

5. How much do destination wedding packages cost?

The cost of destination wedding packages can vary greatly depending on the location, the package inclusions, and the number of guests. Some packages may start at a few thousand dollars, while others can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It’s important to carefully review the package details and pricing to understand what is included and if there are any additional fees or taxes. Couples should also consider their overall wedding budget, including travel expenses for themselves and their guests, when determining the affordability of a destination wedding package.

6. Are destination wedding packages suitable for small weddings?

Yes, destination wedding packages can be suitable for small weddings. Many packages offer options for intimate ceremonies with a limited number of guests. Couples can choose a package that aligns with the size of their wedding party and customize it accordingly. Whether it’s a small gathering of close family and friends or a larger celebration, destination wedding packages can be tailored to accommodate different wedding sizes and preferences.

7. What destinations are popular for destination weddings?

There are numerous destinations that are popular for destination weddings. Some of the top choices include tropical beach locations like the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii, where couples can exchange vows against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. European destinations such as Italy, Greece, and France are also sought-after for their romantic charm and historical venues. Other popular options include exotic locations like Bali, Thailand, or the Maldives, which offer unique cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

8. Can destination wedding packages accommodate religious or cultural ceremonies?

Yes, many destination wedding packages can accommodate religious or cultural ceremonies. Wedding planners or coordinators are often experienced in organizing various types of ceremonies and can work with couples to ensure that their specific religious or cultural requirements are met. Whether it’s a traditional Hindu wedding, a Catholic ceremony, or a Jewish celebration, destination wedding packages can be tailored to incorporate the necessary rituals and traditions.

9. How far in advance should destination wedding packages be booked?

It is recommended to book destination wedding packages as early as possible. Popular wedding destinations and resorts can get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Ideally, couples should start planning and researching their options at least 12 to 18 months in advance. This allows for ample time to secure the desired wedding date, make travel arrangements, and ensure that all necessary paperwork and legal requirements are met. However, even if the wedding is planned on shorter notice, it’s still possible to find available packages and make the necessary arrangements.

10. What should couples consider when choosing a destination wedding package?

When choosing a destination wedding package, couples should consider several factors. Firstly, they should determine their budget and ensure that the package aligns with their financial capabilities. Secondly, they should carefully review the package details and inclusions to ensure that it meets their specific requirements and preferences. Couples should also consider the location and the accessibility for themselves and their guests, as well as the overall ambiance and atmosphere of the destination. It’s also important to read reviews or seek recommendations from others who have had destination weddings to ensure a reliable and reputable wedding planner or coordinator is chosen.

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A free and fun healthy lifestyle program!

Go4Fun® is a healthy lifestyle program for NSW children aged 7-13 years who are above a healthy weight, and their families. It helps children to improve their eating habits, fitness and confidence.

Go4Fun® is run by qualified health and community professionals (like dietitians and exercise physiologists) and is completely FREE!

Sessions are once a week for 10 weeks, during school terms. Each session is two hours long, often running after school and sometimes on weekends. In the first hour, parents and children get expert advice on healthier eating habits for the whole family. In the second hour, children play fun, game-based activities while the adults have a parent-only discussion on behaviour change.

More than 13,000 families have participated in the Go4Fun program since it started in 2011. Eight years later, Go4Fun® has expanded into three versions: standard Go4Fun®, Aboriginal Go4Fun® and Go4Fun® Online.

As Go4Fun® is a family-focussed program, a parent or carer is required to attend every session. Not a parent? That’s ok! We have lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles and adult siblings who attend the program as carers.

At the start of the program, your child will be given their Go4Fun® welcome pack, including a Go4Fun® shirt to officially welcome them to our family! At the end of the program, your group will have a graduation ceremony to celebrate all you have learnt and achieved. You will also get a report showing all the great changes that your child has made to their health.

What’s involved

Ways to help you eat healthily.

• Understanding food serving sizes
• Reading food labels and menus
• Menu planning and healthy recipes
• Ideas for eating out and parties

Support and advice for parents and carers

• How to talk about healthy eating and getting active
• Setting goals and rewards
• Solving problems

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• Have fun while getting active
• Building movement skills
• Learning new games
• Meeting new people

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• Wednesday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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Nakumatt Lifestyles Nairobi

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Sozo Church Of God

Technology Partners Limited

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Blantyre Cuisine

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I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they compare — and the one thing you really need to look for when booking.

• I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.
• My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too. 
• Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations. 

I've been on two African safari trips . Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.

My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.

Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you plan an African safari .

My affordable safari experience was at Jackalberry Ridge, where some tents cost $80 a night.

The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.

I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).

After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.

I was staying at Jackalberry Ridge , a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.

The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.

When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.

My main tent felt pretty spacious, with a king bed and a living-room area.

I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.

The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.

Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.

The bathroom was standard, with a tub, shower, and toilet.

This is glamping, so I had access to running water and a flushing toilet. I had hot water, but I found it went from scalding hot to cold in a few seconds.

I ended up taking quick showers and just washing my hair with cold water, which wasn't ideal since it was a little chilly in the morning.

It's also worth noting that Jackalberry Ridge was renovated recently, so the issue I had with hot water may have been fixed now.

I also had access to a kitchen in the same building as the bathroom.

The kitchen was well-equipped with things like pots, a microwave, and a sink, so I could cook meals or heat up leftovers.

I signed up for a couple of day safaris and did one at night.

Although I had a rental car and could've done a self-drive safari around Kruger, I didn't trust myself to spot animals while focusing on the roads.

Instead, I signed up for a couple of day safaris and one night safari. The safari tour prices often don't include the park entrance fee (about $25 per person per day), which I paid when I got to the entrance.

My three safari trips and park fees came to around $280.

I got to see zebras, giraffes, and more.

I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.

I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.

As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to see the Big Five , even though some of them were pretty far away.

For my next safari trip, I leveled up.

I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at Taasa Lodge , a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.

The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.

The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.

Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.

We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.

To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.

We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).

Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.

I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.

My tent was luxurious and equipped with a comfortable king bed and a large living room.

When I arrived at the lodge, the staff greeted me with a glass of juice and a wet towel to refresh myself.

My tent was quite spacious. I especially liked that it had a desk and plenty of outlets I could use to charge my electronics. Our bathroom was behind our bed, and I was glad it was inside the tent this time.

We also got a butler who kept track of our schedules and made sure we had what we needed.

The bathroom felt spacious, with two sinks and a shower.

The shower's hot water was great and we had double sinks we could get ready at.

Another perk of the lodge is that we could have staff do our laundry every day, which meant we could pack less clothing.

There's a main lodge with a communal living room, dining area, and bar.

We got breakfast at the buffet in the main lodge unless we were going on a morning safari.

Most people ate dinner in the dining room, but we could've requested to have food brought to our tent.

We also passed a small pool next to the main lodge.

The pool was on the small side, but certainly had great views.

I didn't end up using it as my afternoons were filled with safari, and the mornings and evenings were chilly.

On the mornings with an early safari, we had a simple breakfast next to our Land Cruiser.

Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.

Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.

At the private game reserve, we got pretty close to wildlife.

Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.

Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).

But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special.

We saw a bunch of animals in the private reserve and Serengeti.

We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.

For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Every dinner at the resort consisted of three courses: soup, an entrée, and a dessert.

The main course was usually some type of Western food, and there was always a vegetarian option.

It would've been nice to be offered more typical Tanzanian dishes, though. For me, part of the fun of traveling is learning about different countries' cuisines.

I also had access to an open bar in the main lodge. Staff could make simple cocktails, and there was lots of beer and wine. The drinks were all included with the price of the stay (except for fancy Champagnes and select wines).

One morning, we had a special breakfast on the plains.

On one day of the trip, we had a special bush breakfast. It was one of the extra activities we got with that special add-on package.

Instead of our usual safari breakfast, we had freshly prepared omelets in the wild.

We also got another special treat in the bush that morning — a toilet!

When you're offroading looking for wild animals, you can end up pretty far from a proper toilet.

On most safari days, the car stops (when guides think it's safe), and people go behind the car to do their business.

This was the only time we had this portable toilet while out on a safari. On my budget safari day trips at Kruger, we'd have to wait until we reached a rest-stop facility.

Again, we spent a lot of time watching lions.

After breakfast, we were back in safari mode.

We found a family of lions, and as we were in the private reserve, we were able to stay and watch the cubs play for quite a while.

At Kruger, when lions are spotted, traffic starts backing up on the road as all the safari cruisers stop to look, so you can't stay too long.

Here, we knew no one else would be coming.

On a different morning, our guide got a tip that another car had found a leopard sleeping.

The communication between guides in the private reserve paid off when one spotted a sleeping leopard.

When our group arrived, the leopard was napping on the tree next to his catch. Eventually, it came down, and we got a better look.

Our trip ended with a great happy hour and outdoor dinner.

Other activities that were part of our add-on package included a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya and a special happy hour and barbecue dinner.

And, for our journey home, the travel agency took care of everything, including transfers, until we boarded our international flight.

My big takeaway is that it's really worth paying to be inside a private reserve.

In my opinion, the difference between these two safari trips that's the most worth paying for is being in a private reserve.

After all, the main reason I fly to Africa is for the safari, not the glamping.

I much preferred my lodging at Taasa, mostly because of the bathroom. But if I hadn't had the 50% off deal, I'm not sure the full price would've been worth it.

Still, it was a wonderful experience, and if I had more money, I may feel differently. Even so, the budget glamping was pretty comfortable and just fine for a week.

But again, as far as the safari experience goes, the private reserve is hard to beat. Being able to go offroading and get closer to the animals is quite the experience.

And if luxurious lodges are out of the question, private reserves can also be visited more affordably. Some lodges inside private reserves, like Shindzela or Rhino River Lodge, can cost around $250 per person per night.

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For any questions, comments, bookings or enquiries with regards to Go4Fun Safaris, please fill in the form below: Full Name * Email Address * Telephone / Mobile Number. Select Service * Message or Enquiry. Captcha. Contact Info. Address: Kenindia House ... Email: [email protected] . Phone: (+254) 722 831 752 / 722 527 407. Fax (+254) 20 ...

At Go4fun Safaris we offer theses services at unbelievably competitive prices: TIP:when you arrive at Nairobi Airport there are lots and lot of Touts/ taxi men/ brokers that will hassle you for business - some even pose to be companies that they are not. ... Email: [email protected] . Phone: (+254) 722 831 752 / 722 527 407. Fax (+254 ...

Go4Fun Safaris: Crafting Your Dream Adventures into Lasting Memories. Destination wedding packages offer a unique alternative to traditional ceremonies by allowing couples to celebrate their special day in a stunning location far from home. Gone are the days of mundane church weddings or banquet halls; instead, couples can exchange vows on ...

Kenya is the land where the word safari originated translating from the native Swahili it means journey when traveling in Kenya one will discover that it is the journey not the destination that brings the real experience. ... Email: [email protected] . Phone: (+254) 722 831 752 / 722 527 407. Fax (+254) 20-2248043. About Us. Go4Fun ...

Email: [email protected] . Phone: (+254) 722 831 752 / 722 527 407. Fax (+254) 20-2248043. About Us. Go4Fun Safaris Ltd was established with an objective to provide "FUN" Safari/ Travel packages to both the local and International markets. ...

Tour Operators : Go4Fun Safaris. Go4Fun Safaris. ABOUT THIS TOUR: Tour Operator: Go4Fun Safaris. Tour Information: Offers a variety of custom or pre-planned tours and packages for groups or individuals. COMPANY HQ: Kenya. DESTINATION(S): Kenya, Tanzania . LANGUAGE(S): English. Contact Information: Email: [email protected]

Email: Rating: 4.80: Opening Hours : Monday: ... Where is Go4Fun Safaris & Car Hire? Go4Fun Safaris & Car Hire is located at: 1st floor Kenindia house, Loita Street., Nairobi, Kenya. What is the phone number of Go4Fun Safaris & Car Hire? You can try to dialing this number: +254 722 831752 What is the opening hours of Go4Fun Safaris & Car Hire? ...

These are adventure-oriented safaris where one enjoys; Nature experience, wildlife, culture and scenery. The safaris are basic and NOT luxury; we carry the camping equipment with us on safari and set up the camps in designated areas within the national parks. Most of the campsites do not have any facilities; some have latrines and cold showers ...

We are a Safari Company based in Nairobi Kenya, offering tailor-made Groups Safaris & Weekend getaways for (families, couples, groups, chamas, friends, students, corporates). Our Service offering ranges from Luxury ...

Masai Mara Private Safari Tour - 3 Days. The Masai Mara is rich in wildlife diversity and is World famous as a one stop shop for game spotting and scenery viewing. Safari tour includes transport and game viewing drives in private pop up top safari minivan or private pop up top 4 x 4 land cruiser jeeps.

Go4Fun Safaris & Car Hire, Nairobi, customer reviews, location map, phone numbers, working hours. AFRICABZ.COM. For Merchants; Write a Review; Go4Fun Safaris & Car Hire. 17 reviews Kenindia house loita street 1st floor, Nairobi, Kenya +254 722 831752 www.go4funsafaris.co.ke suggest an edit. Nairobi.

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• Research article
• Open access
• Published: 10 June 2019

Dose response relationship between program attendance and children’s outcomes in a community based weight management program for children and their families

• Santosh Khanal 1 ,
• Leah Choi 1 ,
• Christine Innes-Hughes 1 &
• Chris Rissel   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2156-8581 1  

BMC Public Health volume  19 , Article number:  716 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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Introduction

The Go4Fun program in New South Wales, Australia is a community based weight management program for overweight and obese children aged 7–13 years and their families. This study assessed the impact of the number and type of sessions attended on body mass index (BMI) z-score, fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity and sedentary behaviours to determine the number of sessions required to achieve optimal program outcomes.

Secondary analysis was conducted on pre and post participant program data collected over 3.5 years. Relationships between session attendance and program outcomes were assessed using Spearman’s correlation and multivariate analyses of variance and multivariate regression. Number of sessions required to achieve optimal program outcomes was determined using piecewise linear regression.

For 3090 participants (48.5% of registrants) who attended at least five sessions, outcome measures improved significantly at post program compared with pre ( p  < 0.01). No relationships were seen between number and type of sessions attended and outcome measures.

Children of mothers without a post-school qualification (university degree or vocational qualification) were more likely to achieve lower levels of improvements in BMI z-score ( p  = 0.02) and vegetable intake ( P  < 0.01) than those children with post-school qualified mothers (F = 3.68, p  = 0.03). Children of mothers without post-school education that attended seven sessions or more achieved significantly better BMI z-score outcomes ( p  < 0.01) than those who attended fewer sessions.

Conclusions

Maternal educational attainment influences program attendance and health and behavioural outcomes in a family based obesity treatment program.

Peer Review reports

Childhood obesity can lead to lifelong overweight and obesity with adverse health effects throughout life. A recent analysis [ 1 ] of worldwide data has shown that childhood obesity rates have plateaued in developed countries, albeit at high levels, and are increasing in developing countries. A concerted approach is required to tackle childhood obesity that includes community based programs to manage childhood obesity, interventions in schools and other settings and media campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and policy changes to influence health behaviours [ 2 ]. Community based interventions at the family level are one of the most effective in managing childhood obesity [ 3 ] and a systematic review found them to be more effective than school based interventions for children under the age of 12 years [ 4 ].

The Go4Fun program in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, described elsewhere [ 5 , 6 ], is a family based community weight management program for overweight and obese children aged 7–13 years that is delivered once per week [ 7 ]. It is a mandatory requirement of the program that a parent or a carer attend the program sessions with their children. The program is a community-based translation of the MEND (Mind Exercise Nutrition Do it) program in the UK which is delivered in association with clinical services [ 8 ]. It has since been further modified to adapt to Australian settings and in response to ongoing quality assurance and research findings [ 5 , 7 ]. The most significant modification was changing program delivery from twice per week to once per week to reduce participants burden and service costs. A cluster randomised controlled trial showed that the condensed once per week version was as effective as twice per week version of the program in achieving health and behavioural outcomes [ 7 ]. No program changes were made to the once per week version of the program for the purpose of the current study.

Understanding the level of attendance that is likely to yield optimal participant outcomes would help program staff develop strategies to encourage participants to attend at least the minimum number of sessions that is likely to deliver beneficial lifestyle and health outcomes. The importance of assessing the dose-response relationship between attendance and outcomes for programs targeting childhood obesity has been highlighted previously [ 9 ], but it has also been acknowledged that dose-response relationships are difficult to discern in controlled studies because of limited sample size and variability in data [ 10 ].

In this paper, using routinely collected pre and post program data for the Go4Fun program between July 2013 and December 2016, we describe the impact of the number and type of sessions attended on BMI zscore and nutritional behaviours at program completion to determine the number and type of sessions likely to generate optimal program outcomes.

Methods and subjects

Secondary analysis was conducted on routinely collected de-identified Go4Fun program data, which includes anthropometric measurements of the participating child and the attending parent and parent reported nutritional, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Go4Fun program is delivered over 10 weeks during school terms (January to December, with four terms). Groups typically comprise of 8–12 children. The program is delivered by the local health districts (LHDs), geographical administrative regions for health services in NSW.

All program participants for whom pre and post data were available between July 2013 and December 2016 were used for this study, which includes data for 265 children from a pragmatic incentives study [ 11 ] to assess the effectiveness of incentives to families in improving program participation and outcomes (results not yet published). No changes were made to the program structure and delivery approaches for the incentives study.

Program and participants

Families were enrolled into Go4Fun via the usual enrolment pathways such as self-referral (the majority) or by referral from their health practitioners, and each eligible child was allocated to a local program based on availability and the family’s preferences for day and time. BMI was calculated from the height and weight recorded by the program facilitators who were trained to conduct the measurements using a standardised approach [ 12 ]. BMI zscore was calculated using the LMS method described by the Centers for Disease Control [ 13 ]. Children were eligible to participate in the Go4Fun program if their pre-program BMI was equal to or more than the 85th percentile for their age on the Centres for Disease Control BMI chart for children [ 14 ].

The Go4Fun program at each site was delivered by LHD allocated facilitators who had undertaken the standardised Go4Fun training as a prerequisite for employment as a facilitator [ 15 ]. As part of the program leader training, the program leaders are trained on program related anthropometric measurements and questionnaire administration. A site requires a minimum of five registered participants for the program to run. Children were typically enrolled a few weeks before program commencement and it was a mandatory requirement that a parent or carer attended each session with their child.

Measurements

Pre and post program measurements were conducted by the trained program facilitators.

The attending parents completed a questionnaire on physical activity, sedentary activities and dietary behaviour that had been used previously [ 7 ]. Parent questionnaire items were from a previously validated parent reported dietary questionnaire for children aged two to five years [ 16 ] and self-reported physical activity [ 17 ] and sedentary behaviour [ 18 ] questionnaires for adolescents. The self-response phrasing of the physical activity and sedentary behaviour questions were modified for parent response without changing the questions and the response items. Physical activity items relate only to physical activity outside the Go4Fun program.

The dietary questions included the number of servings of vegetables, fruit and other food types (mostly energy dense nutrient poor food) as well as the number of cups of water and other drinks such as milk and soft drinks the child consumed. For the purpose of this study, the vegetable and fruit intakes were assessed because fruit and vegetable intake has been demonstrated to be a reliable measure of childhood obesity [ 19 ] and there are specific guidelines in Australia for fruit and vegetable intake in children [ 20 ].

Questions asked about the total amount of time (hours and minutes) during the week the child walked and participated in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the week for recreation, exercise or to get to or from places, with the response option an open field for the number of times. Questions about sedentary time asked about the usual weekday, and each of the weekend days, how much time the child spent sitting and using a mobile phone, iPad, tablet, computer, gaming console or watching TV/DVDs. Total weekly duration of physical activity was determined by adding the time spent participating in organised sports and non-organised physical activity. Weekly sedentary behaviour questions were on recreational screen time and sedentary travel modes. The pre-program parent questionnaire also included demographic questions including the highest qualification of mother to represent socioeconomic status, adapted from the Australian Census [ 21 ].

For health outcomes, physical measurements were height using a height measuring rod (HM200P, Charder Medical, Taichung City, Taiwan) and weight using a digital scale (Seca clara 803, Seca, Hamburg, Germany). Height and weight were each measured twice and the average taken. Weight was measured in KG and height in CM. Waist circumference was also measured, but these data was not analysed due to concerns raised recently in Australia [ 19 ] and UK [ 9 ] regarding its reliability in children particularly when it could not be ascertained that pre and post program measurements were conducted by the same program facilitator [ 22 ].

All data were entered into a central database, which was also used by program staff to record attendance at each session. BMI z-score at post program and follow up were treated as missing values if the difference score for BMI at post program was ±5 kg/m 2 from pre-program similar to the approach used in the routine Go4Fun program reporting as it is highly improbable for a child to achieve a BMI change of ±5 kg/m 2 in a 10 week period. Program sessions were categorised into knowledge and application types by LC and face validated by CIH. (Table  1 ).

Data collected between July 2013 and Dec 2016 were used to assess the dose response between attendance and the key program outcomes (BMI zscore, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour) and to assess whether the session type had any effect on program outcomes.

Statistical analysis

The data were initially analysed descriptively to explore the demographic and other characteristics of participants and their families. Pre and post program date were compared (using a p -value of p  < 0.01 for statistical significance for all analyses), and correlations between the number of sessions attended and the program outcomes (BMI z-score, vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour) were assessed using a boxplot and Spearman’s correlation coefficient to account for the potential monotonic relationship between the variables. An initial multivariate analysis of variance and a subsequent multivariate regression was conducted for the BMI zscore program outcomes as the dependent variable, and the number of sessions attended and the participant and family characteristics as independent variables.

As a post-hoc analysis, for the participant characteristic that was found to be statistically significant on the multivariate analyses, a line graph with interpolation was plotted for BMI z-score for all mothers against the number of sessions attended to determine a cut-off for the number of sessions until which incremental outcomes were achieved. Independent t-test was conducted to compare the BMI zscore outcomes for participants with and without university qualifications attending fewer or more sessions than the cut-off. A piecewise linear regression using the cut-off as the break point was then conducted as a sensitivity analysis to confirm the cut-off.

We would expect the ICC for obesity and overweight to be high because we have recruited only from the top 15 percentile of the BMI distribution. We have not used multi-level modeling in this paper because in our previous (published) RCT (comparing once a week with twice a week delivery) we did not find any differences when the analysis was done at the group and Local Health District levels [ 7 ]. An initial analysis with Local Health District in the current data did not find any effect and was dropped from consideration.

A total of 6366 eligible children registered for the program within the study period of which pre-program data were available for 5389 participants (84.7% of registrants) and post-program data for 3090 participants (57.3% of those with pre-program data). Program delivery occurred at 426 sites, with the number of participants ranging from four to 22. The intracluster coefficient (ICC) for BMI z-scores was found to be 0.13.

The average age of the children who registered for the program was 9.8 (±1.9) years, 50.6% of whom were females (see Additional file  1 : Table S1). Most participants were brought to the program by their mothers ( n  = 4327, 72.6%). Children who did not attend the post-program measurement session attended 4.2 (±2.3) sessions on average whereas the children for whom the post program data were available attended 8.8 (±1.4) sessions on average. The children who completed the Go4Fun program were more likely to be from families with post-school qualified mothers and those that lived with more than one parent or carer. There were no differences in the other demographic characteristics and the health and behaviourial measures between the children who attended or did not attend the post program measurements (Additional file 1 : Table S1).

Children with post program data who attended fewer than five sessions ( n  = 38) were excluded from further analysis as the low numbers did not allow a reliable assessment of the association between attendance and outcomes. For participants who attended at least five sessions, there was a statistically significant change in BMI z-score and other outcome measures at post program compared with pre ( p  < 0.01 for all outcome measures) (Table  2 ). The number of sessions attended showed weak correlations with BMI z-score and fruit and vegetable intake and no correlations with time spent on physical and sedentary activity (Table 2 ).

The multivariate analysis of variance (F = 3.68, p  = 0.03) and the subsequent multivariate regression showed that the only variable likely to influence the BMI zscore was highest qualification of mother. (Table  3 ). Children of mothers without university degree qualifications were likely to achieve significantly lower levels improvements in BMI zscore (β =0.02, p  < 0.01) at program completion compared to the children of mothers who were university degree qualified. No effects were seen for number and type of attended sessions, age and gender of child, parent BMI at pre-program and household type.

Post-hoc analysis of children of mothers with and without university degree qualification

The mean difference in BMI z-score outcomes was statistically significant when compared by seven sessions or more (− 0.8 ± 0.1) or less than seven sessions (− 0.5 ± 0.1) ( p  < 0.001). However, there does not appear to be incremental benefits in BMI z-score outcomes of attending more than seven sessions (Fig.  1 ). This finding was confirmed by the intercept (≥7 sessions) of the piecewise regression (β = − 0.76, t = − 0.68, p  < 0.01). In comparison, children of mothers with post school qualifications were able to achieve a BMI z-score change of − 1.0 after attending six sessions (Fig.  2 ).

Change in zbmi score at program completion from program start (post – pre) by the number of sessions attended for all participants ( N  = 3052). The error bars represent 95% confidence intervals

Change in zbmi score at program completion from program start (post – pre) by the number of sessions attended for children of mothers with ( N  = 1925) and without post-school qualifications ( N  = 1127)

At least seven sessions were attended by 55.7% of all children with mothers without a university degree qualification, which was slightly lower than the proportion of children of university educated mothers who attended at least seven sessions (63.9%).

Our study, using routinely collected data from large scale routine implementation of the Go4Fun program, supports previous reports that participants of the scaled up childhood obesity programs based on the MEND program achieve positive health and behaviourial outcomes at program completion [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Our study adds to the evidence that large-scale weight management programs for families of overweight and obese children are a useful tool in tackling obesity in children, in line with findings from previous reports of MEND based and other interventions [ 3 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].

An important finding in our study was the association between maternal educational level and program outcomes. Participants that had mothers without university qualifications benefited incrementally from attending more sessions until seven sessions after which the impact of the program plateaued, whilst other participants seem to achieve better BMI z-score outcomes by attending fewer sessions. It has been reported in other areas of health care that families with low level of parental literacy are less likely to fully participate in or adhere to programs like Go4Fun [ 27 , 28 ] and achieve worse health care [ 29 ] and program outcomes [ 30 ] which subsequently lead to health inequities [ 31 ]. Specifically for the Go4Fun program, strategies need to be developed to encourage families with low levels of parental literacy to attend at least seven sessions. Families who speak a language other than English at home may also benefit, but our analyses did not find language spoken at home was associated with attendance. This target should be achievable as more than half of the families with mothers without university degree qualifications in Go4Fun already attend at least seven sessions.

There was no distinctive pattern in our study of participants attending either a session which was based on learning information or obtaining knowledge e.g. a session learning about fats and sugars or a session around application of knowledge e.g. supermarket tour. Session type did not influence the program attendance or outcomes for Go4Fun families. This may be because attendance is often determined by factors outside of the program schedule (for example, illness, or competing time demands) and material covered in the sessions can be caught up or learned from the program resource material. Interest in program content is one of the main predictors of attrition in paediatric weight management programs [ 32 , 33 ] along with other competing priorities and logistical factors [ 33 ]. From a program implementation perspective, this means that it is crucial to ensure participants remain interested in the overall program content area but it may not be necessary to prioritise some sessions over others.

In a broader context, our finding highlights the strengths of routinely collected robust program data in monitoring and evaluating weight management programs delivered at scale to identify program implementation strategies that can be key influencers of program outcomes [ 34 ]. Conversely this is not usually possible with experimental data due to insufficient sample size. Nonetheless, the use of routine program data for assessing outcomes and using clustered data have limitations. Although recent studies have shown that measurements by trained staff are sufficient for research purposes and are reliable [ 35 , 36 ], we could not validate the accuracy of the collected anthropometric data. Further, self-reported/parent-reported physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary intake has some limitations, as these behaviours can be difficult to recall. However, child recall of these behaviours is very poor, and at least the parents are able to report consistently (at the beginning and end of the program) about what they were able to observe. The ICC in our study was considerably higher than the values reported for other prospective clinical and population based studies with cluster designs. The high ICC for BMI zscore in our sample is perhaps not surprising given the mandatory program requirement that all participants need to be overweight or obese. Nevertheless, the high ICC reinforces the need for large sample sizes when assessing program outcomes.

Given the large sample size however, it can be expected that the effect of any measurement errors in the final outcomes is likely to be small. Also, it is not possible from our study to establish cause-effect associations for program outcomes, and we could not ascertain the reasons for families withdrawing from the program. Despite these limitations, we have been able to gain insights into how the program benefits can be optimised for participating children.

Our study has been able to show that children from families with mothers without university degree qualifications need to attend more program sessions than those with university degree qualified mothers to achieve similar level of health and behaviourial outcomes in family based weight management programs.

Availability of data and materials

Data are available from the authors.

Abbreviations

Body mass index

Centimetres

New South Wales

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Better Health Company for providing the Go4Fun data for this study. The authors would also like to acknowledge Madeline Freeman from Better Health Company for reviewing the manuscript and Dr. Fadil Pedic for his advice when developing the study proposal.

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All authors contributed to development of the study question and design. SK performed the data analyses. All authors contributed to the writing of the manuscript and reviewing the final version. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Table S1. Comparison of demographic characteristics and health and behaviourial measures at pre program of children for whom post program data was not and was available. (DOCX 14 kb)

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Khanal, S., Choi, L., Innes-Hughes, C. et al. Dose response relationship between program attendance and children’s outcomes in a community based weight management program for children and their families. BMC Public Health 19 , 716 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7094-5

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