A Family Affair: 7 Active Family Holidays

Discovering exotic animals in the jungles of Costa Rica, learning how to eat with chopsticks in Vietnam, enjoying the thrill of water sports in Mauritius, Climbing Mt Vesuvius in Italy, meeting the local children in the mountain villages of Nepal, seeing the ‘real’ Madagascar out of the theatres, exploring the jungle ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or experiencing the ancient and mystical Inca treasures of Peru. The hardest part will be choosing which adventure to go on!

Water Sports In Mauritius

As a kid, I have grown up listening to the stories of Pompeii from my dad. It has fascinated me to no end on how an entire city got buried under the lava of Mt Vesuvius and was excavated many centuries later, intact. My love for it only grew when I visited it in 2013, it is worth every bit of the story and more. If there is one place in the world I want my kids to see it’s this. It’s history alive! Italy will be an amazing destination for a family to explore full of activities to enrapture the whole family without the electronic devices. Instead it’s a place where you can  swap ideas with them on  making the perfect Neapolitan pizza, tasting the best gelato, cycling along the ancient Via Appia in Rome, hiking to the top of the Mount Vesuvius volcano, swimming at the beach in Positano and taking a boat to the beautiful island of Capri, exploring the hidden treasures in the Vatican. When it comes to Italy there is just no limit to what we can plan. No wonder Italy Tourism has grown by such leaps and bounds over the years.

Wildlife Treasure Hunt | Costa Rica

Unveil together with your family the myths of ancient Inca civilisations in Peru as you experience the country by raft, bike and kayak. The visit to Machu Picchu will bring memories that last a lifetime and the stories from our guide help your children understand life in ancient times. Explore the famous Urubamba River and overnight at a secluded campsite, visit the ‘mini Galapagos’ of Peru, and discover the Amazon rainforest on foot, looking out for monkeys, capybaras and hoatzin. There’s too much on this 16-day trip to mention here, so

Only for those that fear no heights! Take your family to Costa Rica this year and spend two days spotting as much wildlife as you can when you traverse treetop walkways and suspension bridges in Monteverde cloud forest. The primary cloud forest is home to 400 species of birds (who will be first to spot a toucan?); 100 species of mammals such as sloth, primates and armadillo; 120 species of amphibians including salamander and of course the red-eyed leaf frog; and 2500 species of plants. After all of this, there is plenty more action including a guided volcano walk, a dip in La Fortuna’s waterfall and some blissful relaxing on Costa Rica’s fine beaches.

Hands On | Vietnam

In Vietnam, new experiences for the children (and perhaps parents & grandparents as well) include a painting class in Saigon, spending the night with a local family in the Mekong Delta, and cycling the country roads of Hoi An. On top of that, you’ll head to the local market to shop for ingredients like shrimp paste and lemongrass so that you can learn to prepare exquisite Vietnamese food. Who’s spring rolls or pho will be the best?

Also, Read Ten Useful Tips For Parents When Travelling With Kids

Camping & Trekking | Nepal

National Park, Nepal

If you like to introduce your children to trekking, the low altitude parts of the Annapurna foothills are the place to be. During the day, be rewarded by spectacular views of the Annapurna Range and walk through alpine meadows and magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron. In our private eco-camps, spend time dancing, singing and playing games of volleyball and cricket with the local crew. Visit local schools and take a safari in Chitwan National Park to spot rhino, crocodile and other wildlife.

Island of Lemurs | Madagascar

Imagine the reaction on your children’s face when they learn that they will visit the famous island featured in the film Madagascar. Take them on a fun adventure that will involve and delight your offspring every day with much to see and do. The essence of Madagascar is the unique wildlife and you will probably all remember the scenes of dancing lemurs. See this and other animals in the wild when you pass through lush rainforest, and along wild coasts, lakes and narrow canals.

Get Back to Nature | Tasmania

Discover Cradle Mountain National Park on a series of stunning walks designed with the family in mind!

Carrying just a day pack, explore the base of the Great Western Tiers on foot before a visit to the fascinating caves of the Mole Creek Karst National Park. It’s then on to the trails of Cradle Mountain National Park where you can even tackle the summit of Cradle Mountain (weather permitting). Sharing the 360-degree panoramic views of Tasmania’s highest mountains and surrounding wilderness area from its summit with your children will inspire them to want to explore even more.

Cradle Mountain