31 January 2025

If you’re looking to break away from the typical family holiday and make your next trip something truly memorable, consider an adventure that offers a fresh perspective. These experiences are about more than just sightseeing—they’re about stepping outside your comfort zone, making memories, and discovering the world together in ways that will stay with you long after the trip ends. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to read on. In this article, I’ve shared some incredible family adventures that go beyond the usual holiday spots—places that will spark curiosity, adventure, and bonding for your whole family. You’ll find trips that take you off the beaten path and offer the kind of experiences that will stay with you long after the plane touches down. Looking for Something Different for Your 2025 Family Holiday? Here’s Your Next Adventure. Why not swap the routine for something truly unforgettable? Imagine exploring the wilds of South Africa, kayaking between Croatia’s islands, or rafting through Costa Rica’s rainforests. These are the kinds of experiences that go beyond relaxation; they’re opportunities to bond, explore, and make lasting memories together. Here are some family trip ideas for 2025 that offer a different kind of holiday experience: 1. Pyrenees Multi-Activity Adventure Looking for adventure and a chance to unplug? The Pyrenees region in Northern Spain offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities, from whitewater rafting on the Noguera River to abseiling down the Estaron Canyon. This is great for families who want to immerse themselves in nature, challenge themselves with new activities, and experience the thrill of shared adventure. 2. Dubrovnik and Croatian Islands If your family loves the water, a week exploring Croatia’s islands could be the perfect change of pace. Kayak between the islands, cycle across Sipan Island, and enjoy fresh seafood at a small family-run tavern. This isn’t your typical beach holiday—it’s a chance to explore beautiful landscapes and enjoy authentic local experiences. 3. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand If your family is interested in culture, history, and hands-on experiences, this journey through Southeast Asia offers plenty of unique opportunities. Cycle the Mekong Delta, visit Cambodia’s ancient temples, and learn about local life in Thailand and Vietnam through cooking classes, boat cruises, and even language exchanges with local children. It’s about more than sightseeing—it’s about connecting with the places and people you visit. 4. South Africa’s Garden Route and Safari Instead of your usual coastal holiday, consider South Africa, where stunning landscapes, wildlife, and adventure await. Hike to the top of Table Mountain, explore underground caves, and kayak along the Garden Route. And for a truly unforgettable experience, head on safari at Addo Elephant National Park, where you can spot elephants, lions, and more in their natural habitat. 5. Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure Costa Rica is ideal for families who love nature and wildlife. You’ll raft through jungles, trek to see monkeys and jaguars, and explore remote national parks by boat. It’s the kind of adventure that gets you off the beaten path and into some of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. 6. India Golden Triangle If you’re looking for a family holiday that blends culture, history, and exploration, the Golden Triangle in India offers something special. From the iconic Taj Mahal to tiger safaris in Ranthambore, this holiday introduces your family to India’s rich history and vibrant culture in a way that will leave a lasting impression on everyone. 7. Marrakech, Atlas, and Essaouira If the idea of exploring a city like Marrakech excites you, why not make it part of a wider adventure through Morocco? Visit the Atlas Mountains experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of this fascinating country. A camel ride at sunset and a visit to the coastal town of Essaouira are perfect ways to finish this unique family journey. If you’re looking for family holiday inspiration, I’d love to help you find the perfect getaway that suits you all. Whether it’s a tropical escape, a nature adventure, or exploring a new city, there are so many great options to consider. What kind of family holiday are you thinking about for 2025? The world is full of places waiting to be discovered!

19 August 2024

From WiFi to Wilderness : How I Discovered Adventure Travel with My Sons It was supposed to be the perfect family holiday—seven days at a luxurious all-inclusive resort on the sun-drenched Greek Island of Kos. I imagined lazy days by the pool, endless buffets, and a chance to finally unwind with my three teenage boys. What I didn’t anticipate was that the most popular spot for my sons would be the hotel foyer—not for its ambiance, but for its WiFi signal! When I booked our trip to Kos, I envisioned a week of togetherness, exploring the island, and enjoying all the facilities the resort had to offer. Instead, I found myself watching my boys glued to their screens in the hotel lobby, the only place with decent WiFi. I tried to pull them away, suggesting beach activities or a visit to the local town, but nothing seemed to compete with the lure of social media and online games. By the end of the week, I felt frustrated and disconnected. While the setting was idyllic, the experience made me realize that something needed to change. I wanted more for my sons than just another week of screen time in a different location. I wanted us to experience something real—something that would bring us closer together and leave us with stories to tell long after the holiday ended. Seeking Adventure... Back home, with the help of my own Travel Counsellor, I began researching different kinds of holidays, determined to find one that would engage my boys. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of an adventure-packed road trip through California. It had everything I was looking for: the thrill of new experiences, the beauty of nature, and the opportunity to explore iconic destinations. Booking this trip wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was about creating a different kind of holiday—one that would pull my boys away from screens and into the world around them. And so the Adventure Began: From San Francisco to San Diego San Francisco: Biking the Golden Gate: Our journey began in San Francisco, a city full of character and history. We kicked off our adventure with a bike ride through gardens and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Followed by a trip to Alcatraz, whale watching and an evening at the stunning ground of San Francisco Giants baseball. Yosemite: Nature’s Playground: Next, we ventured into the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park. Here, we left the screens behind and embraced the great outdoors. We trekked through streams on horseback, went zip-lining through the trees, and even went on a bear hunt! The sight and sheer scale of El Capitan was breathtaking. Los Angeles: A Taste of Hollywood: In Los Angeles, we swapped nature for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. A tour of celebrity mansions and a visit to Warner Bros. Studios brought the magic of movies to life for my boys. We even dined at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, famously featured in "Pretty Woman." It was a different kind of adventure, but one that gave us plenty to talk about. San Diego: Coastal Adventures: Our final stop was San Diego, where we traded city streets for the open ocean on a whale-watching excursion. Seeing these majestic creatures up close was an experience that no screen could replicate. It was the perfect end to a trip filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories. Embracing the Adventure Lifestyle: Five years have passed since that transformative trip, and we still talk about our California adventure at the dinner table. It wasn’t just a holiday—it was a turning point. I realized that our time together was too precious to be spent in hotel lobbies or glued to screens. Adventure travel gave us the chance to connect, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Looking back, I’m grateful for that week in Greece—not for the holiday itself, but for the realisation it brought. It pushed me to seek out adventures that would truly engage my sons and bring us closer together. Since then, adventure travel has become our new norm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you’re a parent struggling to pull your teens away from their screens, consider something more adventurous. You might just discover a whole new world of possibilities—and create memories that will stay with you long after the holiday is over. #FamilyTravel #AdventureAwaits #TravelWithTeens #CaliforniaDreaming #ExploreTheWorld Need help planning your next family adventure? Whether you're looking for an epic road trip like ours or something completely unique, I’d love to help you design a holiday that will create lasting memories. Please contact me if I can assist in planning your perfect getaway. Please call 01527 970100 or email sarah.harvey@travelcounsellors.com