If you’re anything like me, now is the time of year when planning for next years’ summer adventure gets underway. There’s just something about the long, dark nights that start you dreaming of warmer climes with the whole family in tow.
This year we went to Cyprus – a place I have so many fond memories of and would happily visit time and time again. It was very much the perfect family holiday, filled with days spent lounging close to the villa or taking in the vast array of water parks in the area. I’d recommend it wholeheartedly, yet I do think it’s important to consider some of the more out-of-the-box family holiday options too.
Read on to discover a few ideas that you might not usually associate with travelling with the kids, but are great for the whole family.
Houseboat rental
Whether in the UK or abroad, a week on a houseboat is a sure-fire way to bring the whole family together as one. The best part is that they’re usually self-catering, putting you in control of the trip from start to finish. The Norfolk Broads is a particularly popular place for houseboat rentals and offers easy access to a huge range of family-friendly activities on land, such as outdoor adventure park BeWILDerwood. Most houseboats accommodate pets too, so you won’t have to leave your furry friend behind when holidaying with the family.
Cruise holidays
Cruise ships often aren’t considered to be ‘child-friendly’, but in my experience people are usually astonished by just how far they’ve come in recent years. Limited activities and dated entertainment are a thing of the past, with a whole host of family-friendly ships being launched in the last couple of years alone. One of the newest, Marella Discovery 2, boasts its own on-board gaming centre for the little ones, while three kids’ clubs make sure that travellers of every age are covered and have plenty to do even on days at sea.
Glamping and camping
Camping is very much the marmite of the travel world – you either love it or hate it. For those with an aversion to the great outdoors however, glamping makes a great compromise that’s sure to keep people on both sides of the fence happy. Lovers of all things alfresco can still enjoy the buzz of staying outside, while cosy cabins, bohemian treehouses and eco-camping pods are sure to be a better fit for those who can’t do without their creature comforts. The UK is home to a huge selection of glamping sites, so there’s sure to be something that meets everyone’s taste.
Family volunteering
If you’re looking to travel a little further from home, family volunteering is proving extremely popular. From aiding marine conservation efforts in Thailand to enhancing the lives of local tribes in Borneo, there are some fantastic opportunities out there that promise to give the whole family an experience of a lifetime. Travelling with purpose gives a whole new dimension to your family trip and allows you all to bond over a truly unique journey.
What are your top tips for taking a family holiday with a difference?
[…] with the entire family is such a rewarding experience, especially if you’ve got adventure-loving kids! Our busy lives tend to keep us away from our little ones, even though they are the ones who […]