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Finding the perfect recipe for a family holiday can be a tall order, with adults and children’s needs often at opposite ends of the spectrum. A perfect family break has something for all members of the family to enjoy, with plenty of moments together and shared memories guaranteed to outlast those blissful days spent in the sun.
I’m here with all the help and advice you need to plan that perfect and much-deserved moment away with your loved ones. I know many of the best spots, and I’ve been lucky enough to try a few out for myself.
If you have exhausted many of the options available from within the UK over the last couple of years, it’s exciting to know that this summer you can venture further away and discover something new together.
Reacquaint yourself with your favourite European destination, al fresco dining and getting active in the fresh air or water. Or perhaps a long-haul destination is on the agenda... With the return of stress-free travel, here are a few of my favourites for a memorable family escape in the sun this summer.
Greece
Greece and its beautiful islands stretching into Aegean and Ionian paradise waters is the perfect place for your next family holiday. The Greek coastline has endless jaw-dropping vistas whilst inland olive groves and rustic architecture make the perfect setting for a family adventure. Whether you opt to rent a private villa or manage your spending by staying at an all-inclusive, you can guarantee fun for the whole family.
Greece has a range of child-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs and sports centres, even eco playgrounds and climbing walls that promise to keep children, young and old, occupied whilst you relax.
There are fantastic beach-front options available in Crete, Corfu and Zakynthos where you can move between the pool and sea with ease. Join a yacht trip, take a snorkelling tour or go on a day trip to encourage young learners to see how impressive the ancient Greeks were for themselves.
Aside from its excellent accommodation options and resort facilities, Greece never fails to treat its visitors to its authentic charm, and has summer sun from May all the way through to late September, or sometimes even October!
Explore fishing harbours, town squares and farmland, and wander around the shops whilst the kids get an ice cream and try out some local tavernas. With so many islands in Greece, you could go back again and again, and still explore somewhere new!
Spain
Spain welcomes millions of visitors each year to its mainland resorts and island havens. You are spoilt for choice with family-friendly hotels, apartments and villas. The Balearics, Canaries and mainland all have fabulous resorts with wonderful facilities for both children and adults. Spend time by the pool with a book whilst the kids play in the water and make friends, or check in for a spa day whilst they’re in the kids’ club.
For those more interested in hiring a private villa, there are traditional and modern family villas in idyllic settings to choose from, boasting pools and comfortable, shady outside spaces for al fresco eating, reading and playing games. You’ll find air conditioning and all the mod-cons necessary to keep in touch with people at home or surf the net when you’re not out in the sun.
If you struggle to get your children away from the pool, there are superb water parks for days out along with many other activities you can book and enjoy as a family. From paddle boarding to cycle tours and historical places of interest, there’s a lot to keep active minds and bodies occupied.
Explore Roman ruins, medieval churches, museums, and art galleries, or pick your way around markets and shops. Do a little research and you may get to experience a local fiesta during your visit - these street parties see all generations come together so don’t worry about taking your children – they’ll love it.
Even if you can’t fit in a fiesta, you’ll notice that the Spanish are family-focused, making dining out with children of all ages not only possible but also fun. Fresh and delicious food is surprisingly inexpensive so make sure you try something outside, even if you do opt for an all-inclusive.
The Caribbean
Caribbean family holidays can be anything you want them to be. You could spend time together relaxing on blissful, palm-fringed beaches, hike jungle trails or visit colonial and pre-Colombian places of interest.
Nature lovers should consider islands like Tobago and Dominica where marine life and tropical forests will inspire young adventurers. Families who enjoy resorts will find that Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have excellent options for them with facilities for adults and children alike.
Calm waters, excellent snorkel and dive spots, and reliable winds make the Caribbean a haven for sailors, kite surfers and scuba divers. The clear and shallow water with regular and gentle winds make conditions safe and the perfect way to introduce children to these activities. The British Virgin Islands are perfect for sailing and the Caymans have excellent diving – so whilst these beautiful islands are well-known for relaxation, there’s plenty of adventure to be had too!
Stay in family-run beachfront hotels or guest houses if you want a more local touch and make sure you hit a local spice market. Hire a car to explore the coast and you’ll uncover a variety of beaches ranging from pebbly, volcanic black and powder white sand with plenty to do on and away from the coast - you’ll have trouble fitting it all into one holiday!
And it goes without saying that the Caribbean really knows how to do all-inclusive – if you’d like to roll up and be served morning, noon and night, then you’ve come to the right place!
Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to start thinking about your next family break in the sunshine. Get in touch and I can share top tips and recommendations on these destinations and I will find the perfect summer break for you!