Family Holidays With A Difference

The go-to family holiday for most is likely to be somewhere hot and with plenty of beaches where the kids can run free and enjoy themselves. However, whilst there is nothing wrong with this kind of trip, and we have some great beach break options for anyone considering this, sometimes families are looking for something different.

Maybe your children are slightly older now and want something more than sandcastles and seaweed. Maybe they’re just too inquisitive to sit around a pool for more than a day. Or, maybe, you want them to embark on an educational adventure that shows them more of what the world has to offer.

Whatever the reason, TravelQuest has some great options for you. Here are some perfect holiday destinations that offer something different from sun, sand and sea.

Italy

Make no mistake, Italy can do beautiful beaches better than most countries, but the sheer diversity of experiences on offer means that there is so much more to see and do as well. Children can delve into the history of gladiators in Rome or gaze in awe at volcanoes in Sicily. Families that still want to relax but wish to do so away from the coast can head to the lakes and evidence of one of the greatest civilisations in history litters the streets in pretty much every city.

This could also be the perfect holiday to introduce the little ones to a world of delicious cuisine. With so much great pizza, pasta and gelato around, you’ll have no problem choosing somewhere everyone wants to eat and you can even encourage them to branch out and try fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes and everything else for which Italy is famous. Plus, if the group is split on exploration and relaxation, the country is ideal for twin-centre breaks, aided by the fantastic rail network.

Peru

Families travelling to Central or South America are usually lured to Mexico’s shores with the promise of wonderful weather and pristine sands. However, the more unusual choice of Peru can provide something totally different. Synonymous with important past civilisations, the country has plenty of ancient ruins to unearth, with iconic Machu Picchu being just the tip of the iceberg.

The Incas may make most of the headlines, but the Nazca Lines, Caral and Chavín de Huántar all throw the spotlight on other influential groups. They may also be better options if you have children that don’t want to join large groups of tourists or do lots of walking.

Back in the cities, Lima and Cuzco have yet more historical treasures waiting to be found, along with a burgeoning dining scene that has resulted in many revered restaurants springing up.

Canada

Canada is home to so many great holiday experiences that most families should be able to find something that suits them. If you have children that love the great outdoors, the west coast is probably the best choice. Here you’ll find the Rockies, breathtaking national parks, excellent ski resorts and giant glaciers – each offering its own range of exhilarating activities.

Although the east coast can be just as beautiful – especially when autumn paints the leaves in stunning reds, oranges and yellows – fascinating cities like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa make it perfectly suited to urban adventures. World-famous attractions like the CN Tower and Parliament Hill will wow children of all ages and there are plenty of zoos and aquariums to visit too.

But if you’re looking for remarkable sights, they don’t come much more remarkable than Niagara Falls. In our experience, the Canadian side offers the most things to see and do, particularly if you have kids in tow, and you’ll never forget the look on their faces when they get up close to one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders.

Germany

Germany is often overlooked as a holiday destination but it has so much to offer families, whether you have younger or older kids. Some of the destinations on our list boast a rich history that goes back hundreds of years, but Germany’s past highlights an interesting era slightly closer to the present day.

The Medieval period was a time of kings, knights and castles. The fairytale aesthetic and dramatic stories relating to the latter are sure to pique the interest of young minds to provide a learning experience that’s both fun and educational.

There’s also plenty to see in cities like Munich, Berlin and Cologne – three places that are particularly good at showcasing their modern side as well as their historic sights. Trendy restaurants and shopping areas may tempt teenagers, whilst museums dedicated to things like chocolate, cars and art will likely appeal to a wide range of interests.

If you would like some more inspiration for your family holiday, the team at TravelQuest can offer some great advice and recommendations. Call us on 0800 021 3237 or visit our travel agents in Ipswich and Woodbridge.