Top 5 travel wish list holidays for families in 2017
Have a read of my top 5 favourite ideas for you and let’s whet your appetite:
1. The ultimate city break - Rome, Italy
Where to go: Rome for its history, culinary masterpieces and memory making. A place where children are adored, babies are fussed over and it’s short-haul! Teens will be equally as happy wander the Eternal City
While you could spend weeks here, Rome is also perfect if you have only a short time for a break. This capital of ancient history, fantastic cuisine, and stunning beauty will please even the grumpiest of adolescents. It’s possible to coordinate with the school curriculum, meaning trips to the Vatican or the Colosseum will seem like an investment in your child’s academic future - with breaks for gelato and Roman pizza or even a side trip to Naples!
2. Cultural and culinary delights - India
Where to go: India for a spot of culture, wildlife and culinary adventure in Kerala. Best for children aged 8-14
In two weeks, you could visit tea farms, wildlife sanctuaries and even take a cruise of the Keralan backwaters. A visit to the oldest European settlement in India will be the icing on the cake of exploring Kerala. The cherry is to add three nights at the end for some well-deserved R & R before returning home.
3. A wild adventure in the west - California, USA
Where to go: California – Yellowstone and Sequoia National Parks are best for toddlers and upwards (some activities are age dependent)
With 59 national parks to choose from and spanning 27 states, your family will have plenty to explore. My favourite for families is Sequoia, for its easy access and fantastically tall trees.
A trip to Yellowstone is a must and one of the best places to camp in the US. Please try to avoid confrontation with a bear to enjoy some of the park’s 300 geysers! These enchant visitors of all ages – Old Faithful, the most famous, comes by its name honestly: it erupts 17 times each day, so you won’t miss it. The park offers a Junior Ranger programme, with guides for children ages four and older as a great way to navigate the park safely together.
4. Sun in the UAE - Dubai
Where to go: Dubai – a family destination for children of every age!
It’s not all about the sunshine – yes its average daily winter temperature is 25°C and there’s hardly any rain, but what about the seven plus theme parks which range from Legoland to IMG Worlds of Adventure? So, between lounging by the pool and soaking up the sun, you can wear out thrill-seeking children with a tour of the best of the new roller coasters, attractions themed around popular films.
As always in Dubai, nothing will be done by half: Legoland’s water park features a half-million-gallon wave pool, and Legoland’s Dragon roller coaster is designed to reach speeds of 60km per hour.
5. A jungle safari - Costa Rica
Where to go: Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for children of school-age to most appreciate the variety here. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April
There has never been a better time to visit Costa Rica – take advantage of the regular flights to reach the country regularly topping lists of the ‘world's happiest countries’.
Costa Rica crams a rich variety of wildlife adventures into one conveniently small geographical package; there will be something for everyone in your family. While parents crane into the canopy for sloths, monkeys and macaws, children will be rummaging at ground level for poison-arrow frogs and other bizarre mini beasts.
Zip-lining and river-rafting opportunities provide an adrenalin rush for thrill-seeking family members – although parents may prefer to steam gently in the natural hot springs of the volcano slopes...