It’s never easy traveling with children and it is all too familiar a story that parents and kids both arrive at a destination so frazzled that they need a week to get over the journey, and then the same again when they get home.
The best holiday destinations for kids are usually those which have minimal traveling – or simple travel plans at the very least – and also are nice and laid back once you get there. This doesn’t necessarily mean UK based holidays, but does generally cut out the long-haul holidays. You only have to look at some holiday sites such like First Choice or Thomas Cook to have an idea of what is potentially out there for deals.
Disneyland Florida is all very well, but there is a real chance the whole family will hate each other by the time they get there.
Of course if you are in need of anymore help you can always try using the 101holidays website for help with ideas, in the meantime here are a few others you can look at:
Disneyland Florida is all very well, but there is a real chance the whole family will hate each other by the time they get there.
Of course if you are in need of anymore help you can always try using the 101holidays website for help with ideas, in the meantime here are a few others you can look at:
Camping in France
The French love camping – which sometimes comes as a surprise, as they seem a nation which likes its comfort. The two facts come together to make their campsites a revelation; all mod-cons and an idyllic setting make for a brilliant child friendly holiday.
There are loads to choose from, but one of the best is Les Amis de la Plage (which translates as Friends of the Beach; an immediate good sign) in the Ile de Ré. With a perfect surfing beach for the adults, the place is also ideal for children, with kid-sized loos and sinks and rock pools for them to potter around in.
Add in some great wine and food and you have the perfect family holiday location.
The French love camping – which sometimes comes as a surprise, as they seem a nation which likes its comfort. The two facts come together to make their campsites a revelation; all mod-cons and an idyllic setting make for a brilliant child friendly holiday.
There are loads to choose from, but one of the best is Les Amis de la Plage (which translates as Friends of the Beach; an immediate good sign) in the Ile de Ré. With a perfect surfing beach for the adults, the place is also ideal for children, with kid-sized loos and sinks and rock pools for them to potter around in.
Add in some great wine and food and you have the perfect family holiday location.
Canary Islands
Flights are frequent to the Canaries and relatively short, so for parents who simply must get their fix of sun and sand with young kids in tow, the Canaries and Lanzarote in particular is a great destination.
The local people adore children so as long as your little dears don't rampage around too horrifically, they will be greeted with smiles and serenity wherever you go. The beaches are lovely and because you can choose wilder waves or gentle lapping by changing coast – simple on an island, of course – you can tailor your day according to who wants to do what.
Elba
Perfect out of season – but much too busy otherwise – Elba is a perfect place to visit with kids before they go to school, when you can all enjoy the peace and quiet without hordes of visitors. As in the Canaries, the local people love children and will be very helpful when it comes to child-size portions or picky eaters.
Closer to home – Osea Island, Essex
Back to how family holidays used to be, with sand, swimming, walking and enjoying life on a farm. Parents need to relax on holiday too and sometimes there is too much emphasis on racing around from theme park to theme park. Older kids might find this a bit slow, but tinies will adore it and there is something about being cut off for most of the time by the tide that is oddly calming.
And talking of islands...
There are so many to choose from off the coast of Britain that you could holiday until your kids start uni and never repeat a destination, from the sandcastles, piers and zoos of the Isle of Wight to the peace and quiet of a tiny island such as Griomasaigh in the Western Isles with its population of single figures.
(Photo credits, top to bottom – via Flickr – by Kara Allyson, by stevecadman, by Rachel Ford James)
Flights are frequent to the Canaries and relatively short, so for parents who simply must get their fix of sun and sand with young kids in tow, the Canaries and Lanzarote in particular is a great destination.
The local people adore children so as long as your little dears don't rampage around too horrifically, they will be greeted with smiles and serenity wherever you go. The beaches are lovely and because you can choose wilder waves or gentle lapping by changing coast – simple on an island, of course – you can tailor your day according to who wants to do what.
Elba
Perfect out of season – but much too busy otherwise – Elba is a perfect place to visit with kids before they go to school, when you can all enjoy the peace and quiet without hordes of visitors. As in the Canaries, the local people love children and will be very helpful when it comes to child-size portions or picky eaters.
Closer to home – Osea Island, Essex
Back to how family holidays used to be, with sand, swimming, walking and enjoying life on a farm. Parents need to relax on holiday too and sometimes there is too much emphasis on racing around from theme park to theme park. Older kids might find this a bit slow, but tinies will adore it and there is something about being cut off for most of the time by the tide that is oddly calming.
And talking of islands...
There are so many to choose from off the coast of Britain that you could holiday until your kids start uni and never repeat a destination, from the sandcastles, piers and zoos of the Isle of Wight to the peace and quiet of a tiny island such as Griomasaigh in the Western Isles with its population of single figures.
(Photo credits, top to bottom – via Flickr – by Kara Allyson, by stevecadman, by Rachel Ford James)
(This post was written by Thomas Walker)
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