Top 5 Family Summer Holidays
Sometimes magical, sometimes fractious, but always about spending time with the people you love most. Family holidays offer so much more now. The world is more accessible, flights are cheaper, experiences more diverse, but the motive remains the same. At The Curious Travel Company, we believe that travel experiences are bonding experiences. Here's our pick of five places we believe offer bonding family summer holidays that will help create treasured memories.
Curious if we can help you design the perfect trip? Why not Contact Becky for a chat?
Sicily
Greek mythology tells us that three nymphs created Sicily by throwing all the world's finest fruits, stones and soil into the Mediterranean, which bubbled up into three peaks, forming the island. This Southern Italian island certainly feels blessed by nature. Picture-postcard coastlines dotted with perfect beaches, pebbled coves and nature reserves. Mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks and brooding black volcanoes. The fertile soils that saw Sicily become ‘the grain store of the Roman Empire' now produce world-famous olives, wines and produce. Families with fussy eaters won't need to worry about food here. Pizza, pasta and gelato; heaven for kids and adults alike.
You are spoilt for choice in Sicily but here are a few of our picks to enjoy on your Sicilian odyssey.
Beaches
With such a delightful coastline you’ll no doubt want to indulge in some beach time. Some of our favourites include Cefalu beach, a small alcove at the centre of a historic town. Explore the town before heading down for a swim in the warm, azure waters. Take a cable car from Taormina to Isola Bella Beach, a favourite pebble beach with beautiful sea and spectacular views.
Kids Culture
Introduce the kids to the rich Sicilian culture and mythology with one of Arte al Sole's interactive workshops or summer camps. Activities such as chocolate making and mosaic art will keep them entertained while you take a tour of the local vineyards or a cooking class.
Volcanoes
Even the most cynical teenager can't fail to be impressed with a volcanic eruption. The island of Stromboli hosts one of the earth's most active volcanoes. It is one of the few places where regular volcanic eruptions are regularly witnessed. Active families may enjoy hiking up the volcano. It is also possible to view it on a more sedate boat tour around the Aeolian archipelago. Of course, Europe's highest volcano and home of the Greek god of fire and forges, Hephaestus, Mount Etna, is also based in Sicily and a must visit.
Baroque Towns
The stunning baroque towns of the south-east of the island may be more appealing to parents but visits to Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and the seaside gem of Ortigia (Syracuse) don’t have to be dull. Art, chocolate, ice cream, shopping, stunning scenery and cycling can mean something for everyone, especially with a great guide.
For wonderfully different family summer holidays contact us to start planning your journey through Sicily.
Jordan
Regional instability has impacted tourism in the Middle East in recent years, but Jordan remains an oasis of stability and a truly fascinating place to visit for all ages. Easy accessibility from Europe and good infrastructure make it an excellent option for exciting and fun family Summer holidays.
“Jordan is in my daughter’s top 3 of places that we have travelled to. We had a magical travel experience there.” – Becky Harris, Director at Curious Travel.
Here are a few suggestions for a memorable family getaway to Jordan.
Petra
The ancient city of Petra is one of the world’s archaeological wonders. It features magnificent ruins of temples, Nabatean palaces, Roman amphitheatres and hills covered with burial plots. Enjoy dinner in a Bedouin tent with incredible views of the ancient city before joining the ‘Petra by night' experience. Candles line the rose-red streets, illuminating the architecture, as the night sky silhouettes the craggy city skyline. A truly unforgettable experience.
Wadi Rum
Walk in Lawrence of Arabia’s footsteps with a visit to quintessential desert reserve, Wadi Rum. Less than 2 hours from Petra you can take a thrilling 4x4 tour around notable sights such as the Nabatean temple, Lawrence House and the Rakhabat canyon. Alternatively, take a more traditional camel tour through the dunes. For the ultimate experience make at least one overnight stay in a desert camp, sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin tent.
Red Sea
Head to the Red Sea for some of the world's best snorkelling and scuba-diving opportunities. Less crowded than neighbouring Egypt, Jordan boasts well-preserved reefs and an abundance of tropical sea life. Aqaba Marine Park has some of the best snorkel and dive sites.
Dead Sea
Float in the Dead Sea where the salt concentration gives you such buoyancy it's hard to put your feet on the bottom. A bizarre and enjoyable experience that will delight the whole family. Cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud that locals swear has healing properties.
For wonderfully different family summer holidays, contact us to start planning your journey through Jordan.
Namibia
Long car journeys are often considered the antithesis of an enjoyable family holiday, but a self-drive tour through the varied and wild landscape of Namibia will be a family summer holiday you won't forget for all the right reasons. With fantastic roads passing through spectacular, diverse landscapes awash with exotic wildlife you'll be on a personal safari. From vast white salt pans to red desert dunes; towering canyons to wilderness bush plains, Namibia is a family adventure paradise and one of the safest countries in the region.
Etosha National Park
We recommend starting off in the capital city, Windhoek in the central highlands where you can have your 4 x 4 vehicle delivered to your hotel, stock up on supplies and hit the road. Head north to Namibia's prime wildlife spot, Etosha National Park where you can see lions, elephants, springboks and much more in great numbers. There are many luxury permanent tented camps in the park where you can stay for a night or two while you explore the area.
Drive to the mountainous coastal region of Damaraland to the Great Skeleton Coast National Park. Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and marvel at the 100m high dunes plunging into the Atlantic at Sandwich Harbour.
Sossusvlei
Further south; visit Sossusvlei, the famous salt and clay pan surrounded by epic red dunes. It's a photographer's paradise and will provide selfie opportunities galore for social media savvy teens. Stop off at Solitaire, a little settlement on the way to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, for some surprisingly delicious apple strudel.
Flying Safari
For a different perspective and a change of pace, why not combine your self-drive with a flying safari? Flying in a small propeller plane over the wild, changing landscapes below is thrilling in itself. It’s also the best way to see herds of animals moving through the plains undisturbed by human contact. Spend the time in between flights exploring the land and staying in comfortable safari camps which elevate family camping to a whole new level.
For African self-drive and/or flying safari family summer holidays, contact us to start planning your ideal itinerary.
Peru
Peru is mostly (and justifiably!) famous for the ancient ruined Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu. While undoubtedly worth visiting, Peru has so much more to offer and is the ideal location for active and adventurous family summer holidays.
Amazon River
Exploring Peru's relatively untouched stretch of Amazon river is a must for any itinerary, and one of the most fun ways to do this is by stand-up paddle boarding. Take a lesson (or two) at one of the SUP centres before heading to river tributaries to put your skills to the test. A great way to see the wildlife on the river banks and work off all the delicious Peruvian delicacies you'll no doubt be trying. Roast Guinea Pig anyone?
Mountain Biking & White Water Rafting
For active families, we recommend a mountain bike tour. Peru is considered one of the best, yet undiscovered places to mountain bike. Try exploring the Sacred Valley or the Colca Canyon area on a mountain bike, a fantastic combination for both the thrill seekers and culture buffs of the family.
If you prefer water-based thrills why not try white-water rafting or kayaking through deep canyons from the Andes Mountains down to the Amazon River? Peru has some of the most exciting rapids in the world but also gentler routes to suit all levels of experience and preference.
Nazca Lines and Llamas
Get up close and personal with a llama in Cusco where they wander the streets and enjoy some downtime exploring colourful local markets selling Peruvian crafts and foodie delicacies such as tamales and anticuchos.
End your trip with a flight over the mysterious 2000-year-old Nazca lines, in the Nazca desert and a street food tour in Lima – Peru’s capital and culinary and art mecca.
Contact us today to get planning your perfect Peruvian family summer holidays.
Bali
Bali's a renowned tropical paradise. It's laid back vibe and easy pace provides the ideal setting for quality family time. It's almost impossible not to relax here. From the sun-drenched, palm-fringed beaches to the friendly smiles that greet you at every turn, everything is designed to help you unwind and be happy.
Pampering
For the ultimate pampering break head to Nusa Dua, an island off Bali's south coast. Its picture perfect beachfront houses Bali's more upmarket resorts with fantastic kids club facilities to entertain the kids while you make the most of the spa facilities.
Ubud
Set up in the cooler mountains an hour north of the airport, Ubud is Bali’s cultural heartland and hipster capital; cool, creative and calm. The ideal spot to take in a traditional dance performance and shop for Bali’s famous wood carvings. Kids will love the Sacred Monkey Forest, where they get up close with the 600 simian residents living amongst the temple complex. Cool of with a drip in the Tegenungan waterfall set in the tropical rainforest. Take an eco-tour at The Green Village, a collection of spectacular luxury homes made entirely of bamboo before taking a class in bamboo workmanship.
Surfing
If you’ve always fancied trying surfing, then Bali is a perfect spot to start. Get away from the crowds of Kuta and Seminyak and head up the Southern Coast to Medewi Beach. The beaches on this coast are black volcanic sand, and the waves are more rugged than in the South. Up here it's all about surfing; surf clubs and schools dot the tiny local villages.
If a mix of blissful relaxation, bewitching culture and water sports is your idea of perfect family summer holidays, then Bali is the place for you. Get in touch to start planning your trip.
We hope our family holiday ideas have piqued your curiosity about the variety of fabulous family summer holidays available. To discuss your family’s interests and see what family holiday ideas we might be able to come up with for you, please get in touch.
Curious Travel can assist with tailor-made family trips around the world. We design and operate trips by working closely with the best local suppliers that fully respect and work with these communities. Contact us below to request a conversation or further information.
