A-Z of Holiday Ideas for Adventurous Families
Dream a little dream ......
As travel specialists but more importantly as travel lovers, it has felt especially strange not having taken one trip already this year.
We have kept our spirits up and our travel dreams alive by starting to get ahead with our planning for a getaway once the lockdown is lifted and borders reopen.
As with the day to day things that many of us are now taking stock of, it’s also been a really good opportunity to think differently about our personal travel plans, what we think is important, where we dream of visiting and how and what we can plan now, despite the unknowns, to get ahead with.
If you need some inspiration for when the world opens up again, in this blog we will share our ‘ABC’ of Travel Inspiration
A is for Adventure
We have a love of travel and experiencing things that are off the beaten track.
When we had our children, everyone said to us “there will not be as many holidays now”. We were determined that that wouldn’t be the case, because it really is important to us to show our little boys the world and expose them to different cultures.
That’s adventure!
For us, it isn’t about less holidays, it is more about adapting our travel slightly to ensure that our boys can safely experience the adventure which comes with seeing and doing new things.
There’s something fabulous in being able to watch our curious boys immersing themselves into different countries and cultures and most of all having a great time.
B is for Beaches
Holidays are an important and a precious time to spend together away from work.
Whilst we want to make the most of that and think that exposing our boys to different cultures and giving them new experiences enhances their childhood and broadens their views of the world, there’s also nothing quite like spending some quality time on the beach.
We have been to some idyllic tropical, picture postcard settings, but it’s often the less commercial off the beaten track coves and beaches which are a welcome change for mum and dad and keep the boys entertained for longer.
We found a quiet beach in Krabi, Thailand complete with rustic swings, delightful beach bar and the best views out to the islands and ocean you could wish for. There wasn’t a kid’s club in sight, but the kids loved it.
C is for Cambodia
Cambodia is a destination growing in popularity for family travel. Here’s a few great reasons to put it on your family travel wish list
Take a tuk tuk around Angkor Wat temple complex
Visit a stilted village on Tonle Sap Lake
See a cultural performance by the awesome Phare Cambodian Circus
See the wonderful elephant sanctuary at the Mondulkiri Project
Spit monkeys and tropical birds in the Cardamom mountains
Taste adventure as you zip line through the jungle
Lay back and relax on Koh Rong Sanloem Island
Ride the bamboo train through Battambang
Enjoy learning how to cook traditional dishes with a local family
See the fisherman bringing in the days catch and explore the crab market in Kep
D is for Dubai
Larger than life in all respects, Dubai defies logic on many levels. Taller, bigger, faster, more luxurious, ultra- modern, the list of superlatives almost changes by the day.
Fun days are to be had at the iconic Atlantis The Palm Aquarium and waterpark, IMG World of Adventure, Ski Dubai and the world’s longest zipline; you won’t be bored and there really is something to suit all tastes and ages.
Traditional Arab life and a sense of Dubai’s past can be found along the creek whilst a short trip out from the city provides the desert backdrop for exhilaration as you 4x4 trek across the sand dunes.
With only a 5 hour flight time it’s accessible, its friendly, and easy to get around, making it a great destination for children and toddlers of all ages.
E is for Environment
Travel itself seems to a big inspiration for those that travel to do so more responsibly and sustainably.
Over 60% of travellers surveyed for a recent report indicated that seeing impressive natural wonders on their travels (and we will be featuring some of those in our A to Z list) has inspired them to think about how they can travel with more respect for the environment.
Getting Little People to become environmental champions on family travels may be a tall ask but as they get older we’d like ours at least to have a respect for every country they visit, be inspired by natures wonders and be curious about the what, the why and the how!
On our travels keeping the boys entertained at airports, on planes, during transfers and between tour locations often needs a bit of a helping hand.
Here are a couple of great options we’ve used to zip through some travel time, keep the boys entertained and give them a fun reason to understand a little more about the environment.
Jungle snap
Brainbox Nature
Go find it
F is for Florence
No family trip to Tuscany is complete without a visit to one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic walking cities.
We took our eldest on a trip to Tuscany and would now count Florence as one of our favourite destinations.
There’s so much to see in a city centre that’s small enough to stroll round and literally jam-packed with history, culture and some of the world’s greatest art treasures.
Take your Little People to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery and a walk- through Santa Croce. Just don’t forget to buy them a top-quality ice cream near the Ponte Vecchio enjoying the view down the Arno river at the end of the day.
Pinocchio’s creator Carlo Collodi lived in Florence, so the little wooden chap and the most wonderful traditional toy shops are never far away from the interesting side streets of this amazing city.
G is for Galápagos⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here’s 10 good reasons why these amazing islands should be on the bucket list for you and your little ones.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. The giant tortoises that the islands are named after can live for up to 100 years
2. The islands are the home of ecology having played a significant role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
3. They are 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador
4. The Galapagos penguins are the only ones of their species that live north of the equator
5. Only 5 of the 19 islands are inhabited
6. 97% of the islands are National Park
7. The adorable and famous red and blue footed boobies are a real star attraction
8. The Galapagos Archipelago is one of the most volcanically active areas in the world - you may even be lucky enough to watch (safely from a distance) an eruption on one of the neighbour islands
9. Because the days and nights stay equal in length all year round there’s a perfect opportunity to see the animals that come out by day and by night
10. One of the top eco friendly family holidays. With less than 200,000 visitors a year the Galápagos Islands offers a truly exclusive experience
H is for home
Travel is definitely our passion. It’s also nice to explore places closer to home. With everything that is going on this year we will definitely have a list of fun things to do with children in the UK - which of course we will share. There are so many beautiful places to explore that this year we will have to give children a summer they will never forget. Home is also the base where we as a family return after our adventures, somewhere to give our boys a solid foundation - and also of course somewhere to plan our next trip
I is for Igloo
If like us, seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list then we think have the perfect setting for watching one of Nature’s miracles. From the comfort of your own private glass igloo you can cosy up and see a spectacular natural theatre between August and April at one of the worlds best and most unique locations to lie back and watch the show.
J is for Japan
Japan has recently come under the spotlight as a great family destination to let your children experience a unique culture.
With last year’s Rugby World Cup and the Olympics now coming along in 2021 (we hope) there’s no better time to think about a new family holiday destination with a difference.
Here’s 11 good reasons to give Japan some serious consideration.
1. Experience sushi being made
2. Ride the Bullet Train
3. See the bright lights of Tokyo
4. Relax on the beaches of Okinawa
5. Learn about the Samurai at Himeji Castle
6. See the Lucky Cat Statues at Gotoku-ji Temple
7. Ride a rickshaw through Old Kyoto
8. Take a boat across Lake Kawaguchiko and marvel at Mount Fuji
9. Stay in a traditional Ryokan
10. Walk along a section of the ancient Nakasendo Trail
11. See the Cherry Blossom in Spring
K is for Kota Kinabalu
This beach area is great for relaxing at the end of an action packed trip to Borneo. If you fancy earning your rest then spend some time taking a gentle hike to the top of Mount Kinabalu.
Perhaps the reason that most people visit Borneo is to see the Orangutans at the famous Sepilok Orphanage. A trip along the Kinabatangan river gives you even more opportunity to see some of the country’s wildlife up close. From Pygmy elephants to Proboscis monkeys and even the odd crocodile, we absolutely love Borneo and a once in a lifetime trip here will definitely be one your children will never forget.
L is for Lapland
This one needs little explanation. We guess it is at the top of every little persons wish list to meet Father Christmas. You can actually meet Santa all year round at his home in Rovaniemi.
There are so many activities to combine with your trip to Lapland. Experience the Polar Night - as there is snow on the ground for about 6 months of the year there’s many opportunities to plan a visit.
M is for Maldives
Contrary to popular belief the Maldives is not just an adult destination. There are surprisingly few adult only hotels and the islands are really family friendly. It is considered to be expensive, however the weather is great all year round so if you have a family you can make the most of the off peak prices. These are some of the great activities to keep you and your family entertained on a wonderful trip to the Maldives
Learn to be a marine biologist
See the Manta Rays in Baa Atoll
See the white sharks in An Atoll
Cookery classes
Treasure hunts
Snorkel in the best coral reefs in the world
Experience the unique underwater restaurants
N is for New York
If you haven’t yet visited it in person then you will have seen it in the movies. There is so much to keep you and your little ones entertained in New York.
It is a great place to visit all year round, but our favourite time is in the autumn when the trees of Central Park are dropping their leaves and the places is ablaze with colour. The weather is often quite sunny but not stifling which makes for a pleasant stroll around the city.
Away from the most well known tourist things to do, walking around the neighbourhoods of Greenwich and Chelsea village, you will find some hidden gems and see life in the city.
Here’s a few of our favourite things to do:
1. See the Empire State Building and Central Park from the Top of the Rockefeller Centre
2. Walk the Highline Path
3. Visit Central Park Zoo
4. Take the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty
5. Have a hot chocolate at Serendipity Cafe
6. Visit the Children’s museum of Manhattan
7. Find the hidden gems on a walk around Central Park
8. Visit lower Manhattan and the Ground Zero memorial
9. Spend an afternoon exploring Greenwich village
10. Bike on the promenade across Brooklyn Bridge
O is for Oman
Oman is emerging as a popular tourist destination, its quality and its attraction grow every year. This is an extremely safe and well-kept country proud of its heritage and culture and a perfect destination for a great family adventure.
Oman is fast gaining a reputation for quality hotels, great food with different influences and high adventure.
From tasteful Muscat and a sense of old Arabia to the Wadis spread throughout the Nizwa and Hajar mountains for high-octane adventure, there’s something to appeal to all tastes. Here’s a small flavour of what’s on offer:
Sand dune driving
4x4 trekking through the Hajar mountains
Sleep in a traditional Bedouin Camp
Visit Mutrah Souk
Experience the Wadis by 4x4
Visit the Nizwa Fort
Watch the turtles lay their eggs at Raz Al Jinz
Visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Take a traditional dhow boat or fishing trip
P is for Paris
Paris is not just about le chic. It’s also a great destination to explore with children.
There’s plenty to entertain the kids and lots to look at beyond the wide boulevards, parks, grandiose palaces, the river Seine and of course the majestic Eiffel Tower.
Here’s a few of our favourite Paris escapes (with not a Disneyland Paris in sight), and perfect for a weekend trip with les enfants:
Les Catacombes – an astonishing underground maze of tunnel
Jardin du Luxembourg – home to puppet shows, pony rides, a beautiful carousel and an amazing playground. Mums and Dads will love the parc too.
The Chateau de Versailles – the gardens and grounds are free and the palace is simply exquisite from the gardens. A picnic from the local market and hiring a rowing boat for a turn around the lake make for a great day out.
Sacre – Coeur – exploring arty Montmartre by foot then climbing up to this beautiful church on the hill is a must and the view from the top of the Dome is tremendous
Hop on the Bateaux-Mouches – at roughly an hour long you can ride the Seine, see some of the most iconic sights and hop on and off at some of the key spots including the Eiffel Tower.
Talking of which, the Eiffel Tower is the primary attraction. Just book in advance to avoid the longest queues and take a trip to the second floor which is arguably the most convenient and best stage to head to with children.
If you need Disneyland Gaulish - style then introduce the kids to Parc Asterix. The zones are split into the famous empires of the ancient world so it’s a great historical day out with the odd scary ride thrown in as well.
Avoiding the serious artwork and the impossible queuing, just walking around the outside of the Louvre and seeing Le Pyramid is a great spectacle
If it's raining then the digital art of the Atelier des Lumieres is the place to head – it’s a sound and light show which will have the kids speechless
Paris is the sort of destination that you can return and return to and not quite tick everything off the list. We’ve made a series of day trips with our boys and planned our days to see something new each time.
Profitez de votre temps a Paris!--
Q is for Quito
We featured the Galápagos Islands in G is for....
We therefore didn’t think we could really leave our Ecuador’s capital Quito. Warmer and more compact than Peru, Ecuador is one of the Andes’ beat family destinations
The Capital Quito’s historic centre was the first city to be given World Heritage Status
It’s the worlds second highest altitude capital city so no surprises if the family gets the odd headache whilst exploring.
It’s a great walking city and the kids will love exploring the narrow streets full of Spanish colonial interest along with the presidential palace, la Ronda and the cathedral
Ascend Quito’s famous viewpoint in a cable car. From 4,100 meters above sea level, you’ll see the city in all its splendour.
Elsewhere in Quito, The indigenous arts scene can be found at the Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha. It’s a browsers heaven and a great photo opportunity.
Many of the top cultural attractions lie just outside the city and it’s an adventure playground like no other
Whilst exploring try staying at a hacienda.The Andes are dotted all over with them. Many have been converted into stylish boutique guest houses.
Many have resident horses and even friendly llamas and access to great hiking and cycling countryside for the slightly older children.
Other Ecuador highlights include
Over 2000 rivers and 275 lakes
Whale watching from Puerto Lopez
The majestic volcano of Cotopaxi
The pristine rainforest of the Yazuni National Park
The tranquil Banos with its adventure offers include rafting, zip lining, horse riding
the sensational backdrop of the smoking Tungurahua Volcano
And of course the amazing and unique Galápagos Islands featured in G is for......
Ecuador has everything Peru offers and more, but it’s not as popular.
That, in our book, makes it an opportunity - and a perfect one for families with children of all ages.
R is for Railway
Every child loves a train ride.
It’s a great way to really see a country, its landscape and its people and it's one of the most responsible and sustainable forms of travel.
One of our favourites is the train ride running from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka.
Its undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and magical train journeys in the world.
About an hour out of Kandy, the ride takes you through scenic hillsides of misty tea plantations.
It's not fast, it's often delayed and it's always busy. However, it's magnificent and the children will love the experience.
The train ride takes 8 - 9 hours so we'd recommend stopping along the way to break up the journey.
The Kandy to Ella train stops at 8 stops including Nuwara Eliya and Haputale. Being two of the most interesting places in Sri Lanka to visit, they are great stop offs.
There’s lots of great tips to make the most of your Sri Lankan train journey experience which we can help with.
So all you need to do is put Sri Lanka and its incredible railway on your list of great family adventures.
S is for Safari
A Big Five safari is probably on the wish list of most people - even more so if you can experience it as a family.
The Eastern Cape has low lying vegetation making game viewing easier than some of the other African safaris. It also boasts some of the most children friendly game lodges. Many of them welcome children of all ages and have a range of activities that you can enjoy as a family outside of the time that you are on safari drives.
Some of the activities that you may find on offer are kite building, local cookery lessons, gardening projects in a local community, treasure hunts and fishing trips.
On special game drives the guides will teach your little ones some fun basic navigation techniques, using points on the landscape for navigation or a sun compass.
Private use villas or lodges will also give you the privacy of being together as a family with the benefits of being in a lodge.
After a few days safari a stop in Cape Town would be the perfect addition to your South African holiday.
Is a safari on your 'must see' list?
T is for Thailand
We were lucky that this was our last holiday before lockdown
From the vibrant and colourful sights of Bangkok, to the beautiful beaches of the many islands and National Parks. Thailand is laid back and welcoming, making it a great place to explore with children. We only scratched the surface and will definitely be going back to see some more of what this amazing country has to offer (and we don’t often go back to places)
Here are our top things to experience in Thailand
Ride a tuk tuk through the streets of Bangkok
Visit the Golden Palace
Cruise the ‘old city’ on a Long Tail boat
Sleep in a floating house
Visit an elephant sanctuary
Walk the Bridge on the River Kwai
See the limestone formations of Phi Phi Island
Zip line through Chang Mai
Visit the National Park at Khao Sok
For more detailed information on these activities you can read our blog ‘ 7 things to do on your Thailand Family Holiday’ here
U is for Umbria
Medieval villages, waterfalls wine and truffles, Umbria has something for everyone. Assisi, Orvieto and Perugia are the regions main cities, but nestled between these are some smaller real gems.
We love that in Italy you can stumble on a festival, here are 3 of our favourites in Umbria.
Take a tour of the House of Chocolate in the regions capital Perugina. In fact, if you visit at the end of October you can part in ‘Eurochocolate’ festival which sees master chocolatiers from around the world take part.
The Perugia jazz festival fills the streets with music in July or visit Orvieto in December for the winter festival.
Gubbio’s Festa dei Ceri ( Race of the Candles) takes place every year on 15th May. A race through the streets traditionally with giant candles, which have now been replaced by wooden structures is in honour of Ubaldo Baldassini, the medieval bishop of Gubbio
V is for Vietnam
South East Asia is a family favourite of ours and diverse nature of Vietnam is no exception. Here are our top things to do with kids in Vietnam.
See the limestone karsts of Halong Bay
Visit the famous Chu Chi Tunnels
Do some shopping at the Mekong Delta floating markets
Trek through the Sapa mountains
Watch a water puppet show
Cruise the Perfume River in Hue
Play on the beaches at Phu Quoc