Many parents feel restricted when choosing a family holiday, but the truth is that families are spoiled for choice when deciding where to go. There are a so many options to choose from; short-term break to longer-term trips, from camping to all-inclusive. Here are just a few suggestions to get you thinking about your next family holiday!
City Breaks
Sometimes a short break is the best and city breaks are a wonderful, low-stress option for families needing to get away. European cities are chock-full of child-friendly restaurants, places to stay and many interesting and exciting things to do, from historical sights to fairytale castles.
Barcelona, for example, has everything for a fine break – beautiful weather, delicious food, a distinctly Spanish pace, whimsical architecture and a pretty stretch of beach to rest weary feet or cool down tiny toes. Or stay in unique, quirky accommodations in the City of Bilbao, see the Guggenheim museum and experience the range of seafood on offer.
Fun in the Sun
There’s nothing like the combination of the sun and sea to make sure your family has the ultimate holiday. Kids of all ages love spending time building sandcastles and paddling on a beach or splashing in a pool.
Going all-inclusive tends to be the easiest, cost-effective way, to make the most of a holiday. Greece offers some of the best for a beach holiday. A family favourite is the mellow Lyttos Beach outside of Heraklion in Cyprus where kids can run free and play in the gently lapping waves on its long sandy stretch of beach. For another type of island adventure, head to Las Caletillas in Tenerife where thrill-seekers can go wild at some of the world’s best waterparks.
Ice, ice baby
Iceland is the stuff of dreams – volcanic craters, hot springs, stunning waterfalls, glaciers and lava flows are just some of the natural wonders that await intrepid families visiting this remarkable island. Family fun can be had by taking part in a range of unforgettable experiences, from bathing in hot pools, gazing at the Northern Lights, to whale-watching.
Culture vultures will find plenty to do in Reykjavic, Iceland’s cultural hub. Everything is within walking distance in this attractive, compact capital city. It has a distinctly village atmosphere with plenty to see, including the cavernous Reykjavic Art Museum which is home to ancient and contemporary Icelandic art. There are many great excursions in Iceland, It’s a very interesting country to visit.
Closer to Home
If it’s more convenient to stay in the UK, consider heading down south to Kent, the ‘Garden of England’. Here you can discover the Middle Ages in Sandwich, the beach at Broadstairs or the windswept grandeur of the White Cliffs of Dover.
For British island fun, nature lovers should head to the ruggedly beautiful isle of Skomer that is nestled in a marine nature reserve off the Welsh coast. There are over half a million birds here, including large populations of puffins and gannets. Grey seals and dolphins also play in the surrounding water.
No matter where you and your family head on your next holiday and what you plan to do while you’re there, it’s bound to be an amazing one!
Written by Sherona McArthur. She’s a mum of four and especially enjoys going on European breaks with the family. When she’s not travelling or running the family home, she likes to try her hand at Asian cookery as well as teaching herself to play the violin.