Top Destinations: Family Holiday

Austria

Keeping the whole family entertained while on holiday in Austria is no problem at all. Whatever time of year you are planning to visit, there is always an activity to satisfy every member of the family, even it that's just relaxing by a stunning lake in the heart of the Austrian countryside. A family holiday in Austria will tire you out for all the right reasons; with an abundance of fresh mountain air, sporting activities, and hearty food, a holiday in Austria is as healthy as it is fun. There are a number of Austrian resorts with hotels that cater for families, many of them with professionally trained, English-speaking childminders.

Winter activities for the family include skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and ice-skating. You can always bundle the kids off to ski school during the day where they can learn all the basics while you take on the larger slopes or relax with a hot chocolate. Bike riding holidays in Austria make excellent family breaks in the summer; plan your route in advance and stop off at picturesque mountain villages where you can find traditional Austrian guesthouses for overnight accommodation. The only drawback with an activities holiday for the whole family is that it can be a little more expensive than your usual 'sun, beach, swimming pool' holiday. One good way to keep costs low is to book a hotel that includes meals and activities within your accommodation fee. There are also a wide-range of campsites that make superb family holidays in Austria. With cheap accommodation, some truly stunning locations, and excellent facilities, a camping holiday in Austria might just be the new beach break.

Costa Del Sol

The Costa del Sol is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations with a year round mild climate, it means that visitors can play in the sun, sea and sand as well as lots of other attractions; no matter what time of year they visit! That adds up to one really great family holiday. It is very rare to get a cold, cloudy or wet day in Costa del Sol but even the weather wasn’t all sunshine; there is so much to do for kids, no matter how old or young they are! See the Zoo in Feungirola or the Selwo Adventure Park, which is spread out with a real safari feel to it. For more animal adventures, there is the Crocodile Park in Torremolinos and the Selwo Marina, the Sea Life Centre and of course Dolphin World where you can get up close and personal with these amazing sea mammals. Kids love horses? Then do go on a trail ride through the hills at El Ranchito Equestrian Centre. Or ride the cable car (Arroyo de la Miel) up to the top of the Calamorro Mountains for great views, and on the clear day you can see to Morocco. Tivoli World and Isla Magica Amusement Parks will keep you screaming as you ride the roller coasters and other thrill seeker rides. And of course there are the huge abundance of great waterparks! There's 'Parque Acuatico' in Mijas, 'Aquapark' in Torremolinos and 'Bahia Park Acuatico' in Algeciras.

For a quieter day; do visit the beaches, parks, play-grounds and local towns, or take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere that costs you absolutely nothing! Families can kick back and relax on the sand, but there are also Moorish castles and Roman ruins to explore together. Marina Banus is a small shopping centre with an unbelievable indoor park which caters for both younger and older children. If they get hungry; there’s a variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to traditional tapas bars. Family accommodation all across the Costa Del Sol is hugely varied is readily available in a diverse range of locales and standards that will cater for every taste and budget.
 

Costa Dorada

Costa Dorada is the perfect holiday destination for a family holiday. The beaches and resorts have activities and entertainment for the kids, while parents can relax with a cocktail in the many bars that line the Costa Dorada. However, you cannot leave the Costa Dorada without visiting Port Aventura, which is the biggest amusement park in Spain. This fun filled amusement park is for all the family and has mouth watering attractions, such as roller coasters and water rides, which will exhilarate mothers, fathers and children alike. Many hotels/apartments/campsites have flexible accommodation arrangements for families with twin rooms or triple rooms, or even family tents and apartments that can sleep 6 - enough room for the entire family. Bed and breakfast accomodation start from €19 and hotels are around €47. One thing is certain, you and the family will have the time of your life on a family vacation to the Costa Dorada.

Croatia

If you would like to spend a family holiday in Croatia you have a choice of parks, campsites, hotels, villas, cottages and package tours. Whether you choose to stay in one of the country’s city centre resorts, or relax by the seaside, Croatia really has got something for every type of family. The 1,000 miles of coastline is literally covered with excellent safe, sandy, family-friendly beaches. The Adriatic, sandwiched between the back of the Italian boot and the Balkan coast, is a fabulous ocean for children as it is warm, clear, calm and safe for swimming. There are plenty of kids friendly hotels on offer, but private accommodation will usually be cheaper from around €200 per house/apartment and can be a more comfortable option for families. Active family holidays are also a great attraction for visitors to Croatia and there are great deals that enable families to combine a beach holiday with a big array of activities such as kayaking, mountain biking or climbing to name just a few.

Majorca

Where better to go for a family holiday than Majorca? There are plenty of family friendly resorts in Majorca to submerge yourself in. Children are welcome all over the island but there are particular hotels that will be child friendly and some resorts offer more in the way of activities in order to keep children occupied such as Alcudia, El Arenal near Palma amongst many more.

It’s a good idea to research your accommodation before booking to make sure there are easy transport facilities and family activities happening in the area. Some hotels have separate children’s pool and club activities available. Many also offer nurseries and baby-sitting services with plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

There are lots of great sandy Majorca beaches with shallow water that are child friendly and Majorca is geared up for children and welcome children anytime and anywhere. There are also a number of great water parks dotted around the island of Majorca and a child friendly go-kart centre in Magaluf.

Travelling with children to Majorca is eased by the fairly short two and a half hour flight and many discounts are available for lone or single parents travelling to Majorca with children.

Sardinia

Taking a family holiday in Sardinia can be full of memorable experiences with something to suit all ages. Sardinians like many Italians are family orientated people and children are welcomed on the island with great facilities and activities. With three main airports on the island, this makes it much easier for families to travel to their destination. Sardinia is a great place for families who love to explore, or who enjoy all types of sports. There are many water sports to enjoy including canoeing, sailing, snorkelling, wind sailing, and water-skiing. Horse-riding excursions, boat trips, swimming, or playing on one of the many clean and beautiful beaches, are just some of the activities available on a family holiday in Sardinia. Many resort-type hotels provide superb facilities for children including babysitting services and kids’ clubs. Sardinia can be expensive but discounts are available for children under the age of 12 on public transport and entry into some attractions and sights. Try and book accommodation, transport, and excursions as far in advance as possible to make you trip stress-free. July and August are the busiest months on the island due to the weather and UK and European school holidays so be prepared for crowds and higher prices if you are taking your Sardinian family holiday around this time of year.

Spain

Nearly every resort in Spain caters for family holidays, perhaps a reflection of the Spanish love of children. Family holidays to Spain have been hugely popular for many years, and it is not difficult to see why. It is suitable for adults and children alike, with such a wide variety of activities on offer that young children will never get bored or restless. Children's clubs are easy to come by, so children will have the chance ot make new friends and take part in group activities while parents relax and enjoy a break.

All inclusive family holidays to Spain are becoming increasingly popular, and the hotel and self-catering apartment holiday in Spain continues to offer the ideal choice for millions of UK families on a Spain package holiday each winter and summer. Peak times for family holidays in Spain are during the schoold holidays in July and August, and this is also when temperatures are at their highest. Prices of family holidays in Spain will rise during these months so it is best to book early to get the best value for money.
 

Tuscany

Tuscany is a great place for adults and children alike. With so many activities on offer, from outdoor adventures, to a cultural tour and how about teaching your children to make a genuine Italian Pizza. Tuscany offers so much for families, and when you are all worn out, you can relax on one of the many beautiful beaches around the Tuscan region. A family holiday in Tuscany will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Sweden

Whether it’s adventure, beach-lounging or snow-filled, there’s something to appeal to any family heading to Sweden, and Sweden’s family-oriented culture means that children will be made welcome wherever they go. Sweden is a land steeped in a culture of fairytales and mysticism, which is a great way of entertaining all the family. If you head for somewhere like Skane, in southern Sweden, the endless stretch of beach combined with the magical mysteries of surrounding forests provide no end of escapism and fun for families. Sweden is also perfect for family holidays because of the numerous opportunities to swim (there are many lakes in Sweden), or play in the snow. One the best family holidays you can have involves a trip to Sweden’s northernmost area, Lapland. From 14 November onwards, children can visit Father Christmas in his natural habitat, meet the elves and the reindeer. For those of you looking for something more central, Stockholm is very family-friendly: most museums in Stockholm offer children’s tours, many of the shops and hotels have allotted areas for children and there are many zoos and places of interest which consider children’s interests too.

Canary Islands

Canary Islands are hard to beat when it comes to budget and bargain family holidays abroad. Particularly great are the popular southern resorts on both Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The choice of family holiday resorts and family attractions on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura make the Canary Islands particularly popular with UK visitors when choosing their family holidays. Top Canary Islands family holiday resorts include Costa Adeje in South Tenerife, Los Cristianos also in South Tenerife, Puerto Rico and Playa del Ingles on Gran Canaria. You may also consider resors such as Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca on Lanzarote, and Costa Calma, Caleta de Fuste and Corralejo on Fuerteventura. There are lots of places where you will find suitably lively nightlife that is not too wild, as well as lots of amenities and a selection of boat trips, excursions and water sports.

Crete

Holidays in Crete are perfect for the family. There is plenty of things to do for the family and some festivals are aimed at attracting young children. The majority of hotels have a choice of pool and sports facilities with staff providing games and entertainment. There is an abundance of golden beaches and beautiful walks and plenty of opportunities to hire bikes or a car if you wish to venture further afield. Water parks are popular amongst families holidaying in Crete though if you have a large family can be quite expensive. Most beaches have activities kids love and the clear waters are excellent for snorkelling. Or why not take a boat trip and explore the islands coastline, discover the aquatic life or go deep sea fishing.

Greece

Greece is the perfect destination for a fun family holiday. With a wide variety of activities to choose from and locations to see, you can spend a wonderful family holiday in Greece. If historical sightseeing tops your list then you have options galore to choose from for a family holiday in Greece. The Acropolis in Athens, The Palace of Knossos in Crete, The temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, The monasteries of Meteora, The Odeon Theatre in Athens are a few of the historic sites worth a visit. If sun, sand and water bring you and your family to holiday in Greece, then head to any of the islands of Greece to soak in the sun, relax or indulge in some exciting water sports with your kids. Islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, Milos and Skiathos have beautiful beaches with lots of adventure water sports. Stay clear of naturist or nudist beaches if you are with your kids. Greece scores 8 on 10 as a destination for family holidays.

Tenerife

Planning a family holiday in Tenerife? The island is ideal for families with safe beaches, a plethora of activities and lots of museums and family attractions. There are many large family resorts in Tenerife, which offer everything under one complex – bars, restaurants, swimming pools, children’s pool, kid’s club and shops. The list is endless.

There are lots of great days out for the family – you can visit one of the many water parks (such as Aqualand) which are dotted around the island, a wildlife park or take the kids to see Teide National Park – an awe-inspiring area of natural beauty ideal for families with slightly older children. Please check before you book your family holiday in Tenerife that the hotel has child-friendly facilities such as adjoining rooms, babysitting, kid’s clubs and a child menu. Most restaurants in Tenerife cater for children and will be able to provide smaller portions and child seats.
 

Turkey

For family holiday in Turkey, there are lots of options in terms of activities for the entire family. Istanbul is the culture capital of Turkey and a family holiday is all about sightseeing, shopping and indulging in some authentic Turkish food. For children, it can be quite a learning experience. The St. Sophia Museum which was once a church, then a mosque, and later turned into a museum, oozes rich Turkish history and culture. With some stunning architecture and artifacts, this museum is a highlight of Istanbul .The Topkapi Palace is another interesting place for the entire family. If you are looking for something more adventurous while on your family holiday in Turkey head to Bodrum, home to some of the best water sports in Turkey. A major hit for the entire family, Bodrum is filled with activities for everyone from jet skiing, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, parasailing, canoeing and lots more. If you want to relax and soak in the sun, the beaches are just for you. For a healthy holiday experience head to Pamukkale which is an unusual natural and historic site, and often referred to as the 8th wonder of the World by Turkish people. During your family holiday in Turkey, head to Izmir to the Aqua Fantasy Resort, Turkey's biggest themed water park, comprising 100,000 sq m of slides, wave pools, waterfalls and rides, near Selcuk on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It is a Mecca for water babies and thrill seekers - the wave pools feature ten different kinds of waves and the slides have such evocative names as Anaconda, Black Thunder and Screamer. Turkey scores 8 on 10 as a destination for a family holiday.

Cyprus

Holidays in Cyprus are mainly geared towards the beer swilling youth or more discerning people interested in the islands culture. However, there is still plenty of things to do for the family and some festivals are aimed at attracting young children. The majority of hotels have a choice of pool and sports facilities with staff providing games and entertainment. There is an abundance of golden beaches and beautiful walks and plenty of opportunities to hire bikes or a car if you wish to venture further afield. Water parks are popular amongst families holidaying in Cyprus though if you have a large family can be quite expensive. Most beaches have activities kids love and the clear waters are excellent for snorkelling, and a variety of boat trips are a great opportunity to see some aquatic life or go deep seas fishing.

Dubai

Dubai is the perfect holiday destination for families with children. Sea front hotels have clean, sandy beaches and safe bathing areas patrolled by life guards until sundown. All hotels have pools suitable for young children with pool attendants and some with aerobic instructors. Hotels provide babysitting services for about AED 30/hour. There are several parks in Dubai great for all the family. The beach parks have picnic areas and water sports for hire, the Creek Side Park next to the Dubai Creek has a 2.5 km long cable car and a children’s entertainment center. All parks are patrolled by security staff. The largest park at Al Safa has a boating lake, football pitches, a ferris wheel and a host of family entertainments. A family holiday in Dubai would not be complete without visiting the Wild Wadi at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the newly opened Aqua Venture at the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. The indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates and the impressive aquaria at the Atlantis Hotel and the Dubai Mall are also not to be missed family attractions. Hotels and restaurants welcome families with children of all ages. So for a wonderful family holiday, Dubai is the answer.

Florida

It's easy to understand why family vacations in Florida are the preferred choice for both USA families and visitors from overseas. Family vacations are available throughout Florida to suit every taste and budget. Some visitors come to swim with dolphins while others appreciate the preserved Florida heritage and history that is so accessible with a Florida driving vacation. Florida is driver friendly with an excellent road network and numerous RV parks. Florida has the ultimate collection of accommodation from all the major brand names that you know and trust. Choose from hotels, resorts, self catering vacation rentals.... and all at the best prices available on the internet. Instant availability checks, guaranteed secure online reservations... its all right here!

Vancouver

As a relaxed city with lots of open space, Vancouver is a good place to take a family holiday. That’s not to say that the only thing to do is take the kids to Stanley Park and tire them out cycling or rollerblading. Stanley Park is definitely a number one destination for families on Hholiday on Vancouver as uit has pretty much everything you could possibly want. Apart from general running around space there’s a children’s farmyard and miniature train, a Water Park with slides, and a good safe family beach. Not only that, Vancouver Aquarium is situated within the bounds of the park and is perfect for families. It’s been recently refurbished and many of the displays are stunning, not to mention the excellent dolphin, whale and otter feeding times and shows.

Beyond the park another fun-yet-secretly-educational attraction is Science World at the end of False Creek. It has lots of interactive displays, plus the enormous OMNIMAX Theatre cinema.

A good combination of adult and child-friendly family holiday activities isn Granville Island. Granville Island has great shops and workshops for adults, but also has a dedicated Kids Market with sweets, toys and child-friendly food outlets.
Another good family activity when you’re holidaying in Vancouver is a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, suspended 230 feet above a canyon. If you’ve managed that then try the neighbouring Treetops Adventure, which is a series of bridges set high above the rainforest.

If it’s winter or spring, you might also consider taking the family to play in the snow on Grouse Mountain.
The range of food and dining styles, particularly at the casual end of the market definitely suits families, even those with picky eaters.