Top 10 destinations for intrepid family travel
Looking for a little travel inspiration? Rebecca McCosh counts downs her top 10 alternative family holiday ideas.
Family holidays. Whilst these two words may once have conjured up images of a miserable week in a flooded caravan park, being stranded on a mind-numbingly boring canal boat, or getting frostbite after dipping your toe in the sea at Skeggy, it’s not necessarily the case anymore.
These days, more and more families are looking further afield and opting for something a little more adventurous. So we asked British Airways for their top 10 emerging destinations for intrepid family travel. Follow us as we venture off the beaten track with our tiny travel companions in tow…
San José, Costa Rica
Wondering how to prise the phone from the claws of your teenager? Pack them off to San José’s rainforest adventure parks for zip lining and rafting. Less active teens will feel right at home at the nearby sloth sanctuary in Limon.
Kampong Cham, Cambodia
The natural beauty of this destination has drawn the likes of Angelina Jolie and the blogger Travel Mad Mum who recently hit the headlines for backpacking there with her 10 month old baby. If your hyperactive kids need a lesson in chilling out head to Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument in the world, for an enlightening experience.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Fill your days with whale watching and dog sledding then spend the evening marvelling at the magical Northern Lights, guaranteed to capture your kid’s imagination.
Courchevel, France
Adventure camps, ski schools and family parks - enough to keep the whole family entertained we think.
Norrbotten County, Sweden
Remote and rugged, this is a great choice for those wanting to let their kids run wild in the great outdoors. Tire them out with fresh air and long walks then cosy up in the evenings back at the eco-lodge.
Lima, Peru
Here’s one for the bucket list – take in the awe-inspiring World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, follow the Inca Trail, then cool off with a canoe tour of the Amazonian rainforest.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Adding a hefty dose of cute factor to your holiday, Johannesburg is home to a number of family-friendly volunteer animal centres. It’s also just a short flight from Cape Town where you can discover Table Mountain and Robben Island – a UNESCO heritage site.
Kalamata, Greece
Sun, sea and plenty of great food. Discover the ancient cities of Peloponnese peninsula.
Inverness, Scotland
Whilst we don’t recommend taking your toddler to tackle Ben Nevis, the stunning coastal views and historical sites of the Highlands provide the perfect setting for quality family time.
Dubai, UAE
Guaranteed to keep kids big and small entertained, book yourself into The Atlantis and dive straight into the onsite aquapark and impressive indoor aquarium or head out on a desert safari tour.