As parents ourselves, we’ve experienced the challenges of travelling with small children. We instinctively understand the importance of knowing whether the villa pool is gated or not, which seats on the plane are most suitable when travelling with babies and which Mediterranean resorts have the best kids clubs. Our destination specialists take the time to understand your family’s interests and needs, whether you have teenagers demanding high-adrenalin activities or a toddler who loves splashing about in a pool.
Whatever family holidays mean to you, see below for some suggestions or contact our experienced travel specialists on 01242 787800 for a tailor-made itinerary designed for your family.
A Family Safari in Kenya
See the Big Five and learn survival skills from local tribesmen, canter across the Laikipia Plateau and explore the bush on camelback. July/August is a tremendous time to visit Kenya and a perfect African safari destination for first-timers and youngsters. Visit late August and you may also catch the migration as it crosses the Masai Mara (though book soon). Complete your safari holiday winding down on the beach at Kinondo Kwetu where watersports and riding are also on offer.
Malaria-Free Safari in South Africa
It’s winter in South Africa in July/August, but climate is warm and gentle. Feed ostrich at Cape Point and see penguins at Simon’s Point. Explore rock pools and enjoy treasure hunts and rides at Grootbos and keep watch for southern right whales. Take a South African safari in the malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) on game drives and bush walks.
A Family Voyage to Galapagos
It is an incredible privilege to visit Darwin’s Enchanted Isles and a unique lesson in evolution and the heritage of nature. Take a family-only voyage and encounter prehistoric reptiles such as land and sea iguanas, watch the dance of the courting blue-footed boobies and see penguins and albatross, sea lions and dolphins, whales and tame sharks. Activities include kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling in the clear waters of the Galapagos.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a beautiful retreat on Vancouver Island in Canada. Stylish prospector tents sleeping families of five, with cedar hot tubs and luxurious en suite bathrooms, welcome guests home after a day of exhilarating adventure. Take your pick from an action packed menu of activities: high speed RIB adventures to spot bears and whales, riding through forests, canoeing, rock climbing, surfing and hiking & biking. Dining is equally heavenly, with a menu inspired by the freshest local produce grown in the purest of landscapes.
Turkish Gulet Holidays
For family privacy and independence, set sail aboard a Turkish gulet, with crew to ensure family time is spent on fun activities rather than chores. Enjoy some family games or see who can jump the furthest from deck to sea; make use of the ‘toys’ and go water skiing or wind surfing; let mealtimes last all afternoon or all evening and have your own disco on the deck. Sail to where mobile reception can’t reach and drop anchor where you please. This is quality family time at its finest.
Borgo Egnazia – An Italian Family Resort
Choose from hotel or villa accommodation in a Puglian resort which knows how to make families feel special. The Trullalleri Kid’s Club is one of the best in the Med, with qualified staff leading creative activities such as jewellery making, ceramics and painting. There’s a nursery, indoor and outdoor games area, obstacle course and swimming pools, all with children from very small to almost grown-up in mind. There are also watersports galore for active families, with water-skiing, wake-boarding, kayaking and RIB rides on offer.
A Family Holiday in Sicily
The Verdura Golf & Spa Resort provides lots of thoughtful detail to ensure a happy family holiday. Rooms are specially ‘child-proofed’ for families with children under four years. The pool and beach areas are supervised and there’s a baby-sitting service to allow parents a little time off in the evening. The Kid’s Club has lots to keep kids occupied both indoors and out, with a sand pit and small pool, swings and football goals, all supervised by CPR certified staff. There are screenings of cartoons and children’s movies and lots of activities such as pottery making, cooking lessons and group tennis.
Villa Papavero, Tuscany
Whilst its location, in the heart of Tuscany’s Valdera region, is ripe for exploring the castellated villages and the Tuscan rolling hills, you’ll be forgiven for simply relaxing at Villa Papavero where a pool house with summer kitchen forms the social hub of the property. Days may be whiled away here as children splash about and the large dining table makes it the perfect spot for al fresco dinners and family conversations long into the evening. There’s air conditioning throughout and with seven bedrooms (all en-suite) it’s very suitable for a multi-generational family or two families travelling together.
George Morgan-Grenville is CEO at Red Savannah.
