Best Places For Vacation With Kids

Great European Holiday Destinations for Kids

Whether you are seeking sunshine, adventure, or historical attractions, Europe is filled to the brim with holiday destinations for kids. When choosing your European holiday destination, you will find that you are spoiled for choice.

Theme Park Lovers

Any theme park loving family will enjoy a brief stay at Disneyland Paris. With parades that continue around the year and a theme park based on Disney’s most magical tales, it is perfect for any member of the family. If you enjoy France, but would like to move a little further south, visit Frejus and make the most of Luna Park. Luna Park itself features rides for thrill seekers, like the G Force Booster and Magic Mountain, as well as classics, like the Ferris Wheel. If you would rather visit a European holiday destination with an awesome water park, try Lido de Jesolo in Italy. Its Aqualand Italia has been voted as the best water park in Europe several years running, and is situated in one of Italy’s most family-friendly areas.

Beach Fans Families with Kids

If your idea of the perfect family holiday is relaxing by the beach, there are several European holiday destinations that will meet your needs. In Portugal, Estaril and Cascais are home to Portugal’s calmest and most beautiful waters. The area is perfectly complimented by a range of upmarket hotels, as well as several casinos. Those who want an authentically Greek experience should pay a visit to Kefalonia. As one of Greece’s most untouched islands, it is perfect for beach loving families who want to escape European tourist traps.

History Lovers

While the southern portion of Europe is perfect for those who love beaches and theme parks, the northern half is ideal for history fanatics. A visit to Prague will allow you to take a holiday on a budget, while making the most of the Gothic squares and buildings, as well as structures that date back to the Middle Ages. Fans of the Renaissance and revolutionary periods could pay a visit to Austria, which is home to some of Europe’s finest buildings and castles. Both countries are exceedingly child-friendly, and therefore are perfect for families of all ages.

US Holiday Destinations for Kids

As one of the most varied countries on earth, the United States offers plenty of opportunities for family members of all ages to enjoy themselves. Whether you are enticed by the magic of Disney, or drawn to the bright lights of Broadway, your family’s visit to the US will leave many lasting memories.

The East Coast

The East Coast of the US is most well-known for its key Broadway and shopping destination: New York. While it is a busy urban metropolis, New York is still a great holiday destination for kids. Staying in city center accommodation will allow you to make the most of features like interconnecting rooms, and it will also place you perfectly for New York’s fantastic transport links. Families who want to enjoy northern US charm should head to Boston; with free entry to the Harvard Art Museum for Kids, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library, and many other historical destinations, it is also perfect for those who are on a budget. If you want to make the most of the East Coast, but with more sunshine, try Florida. Every child loves the thought of Disneyworld, and with Orlando being packed with other exciting theme parks, zoos, and aquariums, every moment will be thrilling.

The West Coast

Any visitor to the West Coast of America should not pass up on the opportunity to explore California. Not only does San Francisco offer a wide variety of city center accommodation, its outer regions are filled with campsites that make for the perfect camping adventure. You can capture the imaginations of your children by taking them for a visit to Alcatraz–America’s most notorious former prison. The Venetian Carousel is also a hit with family members of all ages. If you want to head away from the tourist regions of the US’s west coast, make your way to the Southern California area of Newport Beach. As well as offering some of the safest beaches, it is home to a pier, and the Balboa Fun Zone.

If neither the west or east coast of the US appeal to you, do not be afraid to explore America’s deep south with your children. The cities of Houston and Dallas will be a hit with cowboys and cowgirls, and you can experience a side of America that is often not found on the tourist trail. No matter where you venture, your holiday will certainly be one to remember.

The World’s Greatest Theme Parks

Whether you are seeking magic, adventure, or something in between, you can rest assured that your wildest dreams will be met when you visit one of the world’s greatest theme parks. From the USA, to Japan, the world is filled with theme parks that can provide endless forms of entertainment.

Cedar Point in Ohio

After being consistently voted as the best theme park in the world several years running, Cedar Point in Ohio has become popular with families from every continent. The roller coasters at Cedar Point have been dubbed as some of the world’s most thrilling, with many reaching stupendous heights and taking daring twists. As an inclusive park, Cedar Point also has rides and areas that cater specifically to children; these include bumper boats, racing tracks, and a snoopy themed bouncer.

Alton Towers, United Kingdom

While Alton Towers can only open its main theme park doors between March and November, the rides and attractions available make it one of the world’s most well-loved theme parks. Unlike many other theme parks, Alton Towers places special emphasis on including laughter inducing rides alongside thrill themed ones. Anybody who heads for the Cedar River Rapids will not be able to avoid getting soaked, and a journey through Hex–its legendary ghost train–is sure to cause laughter and fright at the same time. Several hotels and a water park are also on site, making it convenient for those who visit there.

Fuji Q Highland, Japan

Situated in Fujiyoshida, Fuji Q Highland is well known for its exceedingly terrifying haunted house, and quirky take on classic theme park rides. Despite its reputation for thrills and chills, Fuji Q Highland is also particularly well-suited to younger members of the family. It features Thomas Land, which allows children and adults alike to explore a world of wonder based on a childhood classic. Hide and Seek in the Forest is also available, and will provide hours of fun for children with a mischievous sense of adventure.
In addition to the above theme parks, many countries across the world offer their own exciting versions. Whether you are on the Southern Coast of France, or staying at home in Britain, you will be sure to find one that can keep you entertained.

Flat Sharing: a Family Friendly Way to Travel

If you’re planning a break away with your family, but are worried about finding suitable, family friendly accommodation where the kids don’t have to tiptoe around and feel restricted, then you should consider flat sharing. This is a great way to ensure that your family has its own privacy and freedom whilst on holiday, thus ensuring a stress free and enjoyable time away for all.

Enjoy flexibility and freedom when away

Staying in a private accommodation setting with your family has many benefits over hotel accommodation. Many holiday flats and houses are designed for families like your own, which is why they make such a great choice when it comes to family friendly accommodation. They are often set in open locations with big gardens, meaning that your kids can run free and release all their energy without disturbing other guests. Although you may choose to eat out in the local area, sharing a property with your family usually means that the option for self-catering is there. This is great news when it comes to budgeting on food and having the flexibility to eat when you choose, not when a hotel tells you to.

Sharing for a stress free and fun packed holiday

Sharing a property also means that if you want to put the kids to bed upstairs and then enjoy a peaceful evening downstairs you can, just like at home. In a hotel setting however, you may find yourself in a family room and not wanting to leave the children asleep alone while you go out, for fear of security issues.

Most private family friendly accommodation, also allows for you to have visitors. Perhaps a member of your extended family or a friend wants to join you for some of your holiday; well when you have your own place, there is always room for one more, saving everyone pennies and adding to the fun!

So wherever and whenever you are planning your next family holiday, don’t rule out the possibility of flat sharing. Not only will you save money, be able to relax in freedom and have the flexibility to choose your own schedule, but the kids will have the time of their lives too, making it a memorable and family friendly experience for all.

Disneyland for Children and Parents

Situated in the sunny state of California, Disneyland is one of the most magical theme parks in America. With rides for family members of all ages, and multiple opportunities for parents to relax, it is the ideal holiday destination for those who want to be constantly entertained.

Disneyland Rides and Attractions

Disney in California is made of two primary parks: Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure. Those who choose to visit the Disneyland Park will enter into Main Street USA, where they can indulge in delicious sweets and learn about American history. The park is then subdivided into further magical lands, including Fantasyland, where you can fly over London with Peter Pan. Disney California Adventure will allow you to experience some of the adventures that have been featured in your favourite Disney films. From modern hits like Cars, to nineties classics like Aladdin, you will feel as though you are re-living every moment of well-loved films.

Fun for Parents

Once you have exhausted yourself in the two theme parks, you may want to find time to relax. The Downtown Disney District is filled with bars and shops, where you can grab a quick drink and relax, or purchase Disney memorabilia. The downtown area also features live outdoor entertainment and a movie theatre. This makes it perfect for families that want to take a relaxing stroll in the evening, without missing out on any of the Disney fun. If you have the opportunity to grab a babysitter, you could make the most of the Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. If carrying on the magic into the night appeals to you, catch one of the parades or view a firework show, before heading back to your hotel.

Staying at a Disneyland Hotel

The best way to make the most of the Disney magic is to stay in an official hotel. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa features three pools, four dining locations, and the chance to have breakfast with your children’s favourite Disney Characters. All hotels affiliated with the parks come with convenient entry, making your experience that much more enjoyable. No matter where you choose to stay, you can rest assured that your Disney experience will be enjoyable for all.