No sooner are we gazing at our little treasures in wonder than we are packing them off to university in a blur of tears while they are giving us not as much as a backward glance. It’s perhaps no surprise that so many of you want to make the most of the precious first years with quality family holiday time together. Travelling with kids is hugely rewarding. They relish new experiences and, with little concept of time, they adapt far more easily than us grown-ups. And today, unlike when we were children, the world is their oyster – a far cry from than our annual summer outing of tents and tantrums. Thanks to a proliferation of outstanding family friendly resorts in even the most far flung corners of the world, travelling with tots or teens in tow means that your days of luxury holidays need no longer be consigned merely to the photo album. Read on for our top ten family holidays.
1. Family holidays to Mauritius.
That first big trip with baby is daunting but with direct night flights direct to this Indian Ocean idyll, minimal transfers and resorts that are superbly equipped for children aged from 0 to 18, you have no need to worry.
2. The Caribbean.
No one else in the world makes children feel as welcome as these delightful island nations and with their twinkling eyes and laid back lilt you will soon slip into their way of life – no shoes, no shirt, no problem.
3. Family holidays to the Maldives.
What a way to introduce kids to the wonders of the undersea world. Once the preserve of royalty and celebs, The Maldives has embraced the family concept with all inclusive affordable charm.
4. Safari Beach.
Once they hit their teens this is every kid’s’ ultimate holiday. Watch them in awe of the big five as they capture the magic of Africa and then soak up the vibe of a Zanzibar holiday – this brag factor will be the envy of the classroom.
5. Australia and New Zealand family holidays.
If you have three weeks to take, why not go as far as you can. From outback to rainforest and mountains to beach, you can see it all if you pack up the motorhome and take off. You can be as free as a bird.
6. Family holidays in Sri Lanka.
It’s never too soon to introduce a splash of culture and this Indian Ocean island is bursting with it – along with wildlife, beaches, great food and adventure.
7. Swallows & Amazons.
Who doesn’t love playing pirates on the high seas? From sailing the BVIs to a Dhow Safari holiday along the Mozambique archipelago, each member of the family can be a big kid for a week or two, no matter how young or old.
8. Asian jungle adventure.
Follow your call of the wild on a never-to-be-forgotten journey through the Borneo rainforest finishing with a few days on an eco-island paradise.
9. Middle East.
Dubai is great for a half term family holiday, but its more mysterious neighbour, Oman, with a gloriously untapped desert/ beach combo certainly gets our vote for some winter sun.
10. Family holiday in the Seychelles.
The last word in luxury they may be, but there’s more to these islands than picture postcard white sand beaches. Giant turtles, endless watersports and great kids clubs make this destination an island-hopping holiday of fairy tales.
