Four Active Holiday Destinations for Families
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica has natural beauty and amazing wildlife, making it a fascinating place to visit with children. From San José visit one of the many coffee plantations, the hummingbird gardens and La Paz waterfall. Head to Tortuguero, children will love exploring the lagoons and waterways by kayak or a boat ride, where they can spot abundant wildlife. Stay in La Fortuna which is at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, there is so much for the whole family to enjoy in this region start with a visit to La Fortuna waterfall and bathe in its streams, relax in thermal pools, walk along the network of hanging bridges to explore the forest, to discover the flora and fauna that reside there.
A visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must, take a night walk and observe the nocturnal creatures that live in the forest. Enjoy the thrill of zipling, the sky-tram and hanging bridges high up in the canopy of the forests. Children and adults will also love hiking and bathing in the mud baths in the volcanic region of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. ICELAND
Iceland is a great destination for families and an excellent self-driving holiday. Bath in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Visit Iceland’s Golden Circle, drive through stunning scenery to Thingvellir National Park, one of the incredible geological wonders of the world. Children will love to learn about how bread is baked and how tomatoes are grown using natural geothermal energy. Watch the Strokkur geyser shoot boiling water high into the air. Visit Iceland’s most famous waterfall the Gullfoss Falls and the not to be missed Kerid Crater Lake – ‘The Eye of the World”.
Drive to the south coast and visit the stunning Skogafoss Waterfall, walk behind it and feel the force of the water. Another stop is at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls. Families will love the 'Icelandic Lava Show' at the Lava Exhibition Centre to witness hot molten lava at close proximity. Take a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier. Visit Reynisfjara the most popular black beach in Iceland and view the basalt columns, which are said to be trolls that have turned to stone by the sun.
Kayak in lagoons and lakes and spot the different species of birds and plants that live in the waterways. Explore the walkways of lava tunnels where you will see how volcanic activities formed the tunnels thousands of years ago. Hike through the beautiful Raykjadalur Valley and witness the geothermal activity and bath in the hot springs.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland - Getting around Switzerland independently is easy, whether you hire a car, or take advantage of the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass which includes trains (including panoramic trains) bus and boat, as well as free access to over 500 museums and discounts for many leisure activities, but it doesn’t end there, the Swiss Travel Pass is free for children under 16 so an ideal and affordable way to travel for families.
Switzerland is a perfect destination for active family adventure, take a boat ride on Lake Geneva and get up close to The Jet d'Eau fountain. Visit cheese and chocolate factories in Gruyères, a perfect experience for adults and children alike, children will especially love the immersive experience of making their own chocolate. Visit the Transport Museum in Lucerne, which has many interactive exhibitions. Whilst in Lucerne don’t miss the summer toboggan experience on Mount Pilatus. Zurich is the place to head for a day out at the zoo.
For families with older children, a must stop in Switzerland is Interlaken for adventure sports such as paragliding. Head to Flims for rafting and canoeing and don’t miss the Stoos funicular that is the steepest in the world. And of course, there is mountain biking, swimming in the mountain lakes, and hiking galore, as well as summer skiing on the Glaciers that have snow all year round.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is another great holiday destination for families travelling with children of all ages. With its mix of wildlife, culture, and beaches Sri Lanka has so much to offer travellers. A visit to the ruined city of Polonnaruwa is a must for the whole family. Take a jeep safari at Minneirya National Park where elephants can be spotted year round. A visit to Sigiriya Rock Temple is not to be missed, look out for the frescos and climb to the summit to see the foundations of the ancient Royal Palace. Next visit the magnificent caves of Dambulla a living Buddhist site inhabited by Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE.
Enjoy a cultural show in Kandy, and visit the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha is said to be enshrined. Another family activity is a stroll around the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and spice garden where you can learn about the plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. Take a scenic ride through the tea country and visit a tea plantation and learn all about the importance of this industry.
Head to Horton Plain to enjoy hiking, and look out for Sambar deer and other wildlife, this is an easy walk so it is great for families with young children with several impressive waterfalls en route. Continue onto Yala National Park for a jeep safari, watch out for macaque monkeys, elephants and leopards. Time for some water activities, enjoy surfing, boating through the mangroves, white-water rafting, snorkeling and fishing.
Accommodation All the destinations above have plenty of choice for accommodation that caters well for families. Many hotels have family rooms, inter-connecting rooms and Junior Suite to suit all budgets. Swimming pools, kids’ clubs, and other facilities suitable for families are readily available.
Contact me for more information on any of the destinations or for a personalised itinerary.
