World of adventure
Imagine you and your children rafting through protected wetlands in Costa Rica while looking out for exotic birds and river turtles. Or wrangling at a rodeo in USA cowboy country. Maybe hiking and cyling your way through the Dolomites. Perhaps even scaling a sand dune in Namibia.
Whether you’re into cycling, surfing or camping, we can recommend tried and tested trips suited to the ages and interests of your children. There’s a world of adventure out there, so here are just a few suggestions to get you started…
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Costa Rica
Best for: Adrenalin activities & wildlife wonders.
If it’s family action you want, Costa Rica is a conveniently compact outdoor playground of volcanoes, rainforests, peaks and peninsulas.
And with as great a biodiversity as the whole of the USA, it’s also paradise for wildlife lovers. Sharp-eyed children will delight in spotting red-eyed tree frogs, brightly plumed birds and sedentary sloths among its teeming national parks, or watching turtles’ nest on its wonderful beaches.
From kayaking through mangrove swamps to ziplining beside active volcanoes, there’s almost nothing you can’t get up to. Try your hand at white water rafting on the Pacuare River’s class III rapids. Go hiking through the cloud forest at Monteverde. There are also numerous prime surf spots on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, where lazy days spent swimming and snorkelling are the perfect complement to all that activity.
When to go: Christmas and Easter school holidays are perfect, while the ‘Green Season’ (July & September) offers glistening jungles, sparser crowds and lower rates.
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Morocco
Best for: Mountain hikes & desert adventures.
Brimming with colourful spices, dramatic landscapes and ancient mystery, Morocco makes a great active break for families seeking a taste of the exotic without the long journey.
In the Atlas Mountains, you can follow ancient footpaths to Berber villages where life has barely changed for centuries. Follow ancient footpaths through walnut groves and along terraced mountainsides, or spend a night in a mountain hut while tackling Mount Toubkal – North Africa’s highest mountain. There are guided hikes for all abilities.
From desert dunes to snow-capped mountains, Morocco’s varied natural scenery presents endless opportunities for activity. There’s little chance of your children being bored as they ride camels through the Sahara or learn to surf off the Atlantic coast’s sandy beaches. It’s an eye-opening experience for children, who are generally fascinated by the culture and contrasts.
When to go: Aside from the sweltering July & August, it is still a year round destination.
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Namibia
Best for: Sand dunes & safaris.
For a family adventure with a difference, a road trip taking in Namibia’s combination of dramatic desert wilderness, spectacular coastline and game-packed national parks takes some beating.
Explore the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, where active older children can scale the likes of Dune 45 for eye-popping views of the vast sandy expanse. Head out in search of lion, elephant and rhino in the vast Etosha National Park. Then travel by 4×4 in search of elusive desert-adapted elephant in the wilderness of Damaraland.
Beyond the fantastic wildlife-viewing opportunities, other diverse activities on offer include meeting local bushmen and kayaking among fur seals and bottlenose dolphins at Walvis Bay. Excellent road conditions make it easy to get around, yet the country’s sheer scale does entail some longer travel days best suited to teens.
When to go: The months of July to September are best for wildlife, as game congregates around waterholes – although nights are chilly. Easter time is also a great time to explore.
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Italian Dolomites
Best for: Hiking, climbing, biking & bonding.
If your family craves adventure, how about hiking winding trails between jagged peaks then spending the night in a high-altitude mountain hut? A summer holiday in the UNESCO listed Italian Dolomites will see you scaling new heights of exhilarating activity.
Choose your own adventures, from cycling the beautiful larch forests of the Alta Badia, to exploring dramatic mountain tunnels constructed during World War I. The extra-intrepid can even learn to climb a via ferrata, protected mountain climbing routes known as the ‘iron paths’ of the Dolomites.
End active days with a restorative sauna or a few laps in the pool, before you all tuck into wonderfully wood-fired pizzas. Or if all goes to plan, treat yourselves to a Michelin-starred dinner for two while your exhausted teens sleep soundly.
When to go: With temperatures in the mid-twenties, July & August is ideal for outdoor activities. Or visit in November to January for a hut-to-hut skiing safari.
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USA Ranch Holiday
Best for: Cattle drives & campfire cookouts.
Immerse yourselves in the American West while living out your cowboy fantasies on a family ranch holiday.
Embrace the great outdoors while staying on a working cattle ranch in Montana or Wyoming. Discover the wide-open plains astride a sturdy steed, as you saddle up for a variety of group trail rides, cattle drives and wrangling activities. All levels are catered from, from novices and children to experienced riders.
If you’re not into horseplay, other family-orientated activities will include fishing, white water rafting, rock climbing, biking and hiking. Most activities are included, meaning everyone can take their pick. There’s nothing like recounting the day’s adventures at an evening campfire cookout under a blanket of stars.
We can recommend range of family friendly options throughout cowboy country, from rustic working ranches to luxury wilderness resorts.
When to go: The outdoor lifestyle is at its best in the July & August holidays, so booking well ahead is recommended.
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Sri Lanka
Best for: Ancient cities & elephants.
Sri Lanka’s winning combination of culture and adventure, national parks teeming with wildlife and sun kissed golden beaches ensure something for the whole family to enjoy.
We’ll arrange a plethora of activities to keep you busy. Cycle your way around ancient Buddhist cities in the Cultural Triangle, then hop in a jeep to see the elephants of Minneriya National Park. Learn the spicy secrets of authentic Sri Lankan curry with a hands-on family cooking class. Hike through tea plantations or go white-water rafting in Hill Country.
Wildlife encounters are plentiful. Excited kids will love rising early for a dawn game drive in search of leopard at Yala National Park, where you can stay in a tented camp. There’s also whale and dolphin watching excursions further along the south coast at Mirissa. With so much variety, boredom is not a problem your kids will encounter.
When to go: Sri Lanka is a year-round destination so it doesn’t matter when you travel.
