FAMILY HOLIDAYS BY SEASON DESTINATIONS
F
or every family who likes to spend a week fleeing the
cold and enjoying the sunshine over winter, there’s another praying to wake up to thick blankets of snow. ‘When to go’ is a question
almost every client will ask when booking a holiday, and it’s important for agents to highlight that each season can bring an entirely different experience to one destination. A week in La Palma in the Canaries in the height of summer means a chance for beachside lazing, for example, while a cooler springtime visit is perfect for active families keen for mountain biking, hiking, and strolls through the charming capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Not only does each shifting season represent a unique chance for clients to get away with their families, if they pick their destination wisely, it can mean fewer crowds and cheaper prices too.
w SPRING LONG-HAUL: Orlando, Florida The theme park capital of the world drew in a record 66.1 million tourists last year, so Orlando is never going to be quiet, but for more manageable crowds and the most enjoyable weather, tell clients to go in early spring, when temperatures reach a pleasant 23C in the day. “Orlando is one of our most popular family-friendly holiday options with attractions for
children from theme parks to water parks, and golf courses for the adults, to myriad other attractions, including a rapidly expanding shopping and dining ‘town centre’ called Disney Springs,” says Rebecca Evans, senior marketing executive at Funway Holidays. Next year sees the opening of heaps of new theme park attractions, including The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Volcano Bay Water Park at Universal Orlando Resort and new immersive ride Lego Ninjago World coming to Legoland Florida. SHORT-HAUL: Weymouth, UK Going away needn’t break the bank, and families can take advantage of the Easter break with a coastal staycation trip that’ll keep the kids entertained. Haven’s Weymouth Bay
Caravan Park is set among rolling hills and river valleys and is a mile’s walk to the beach. The park boasts a heated indoor pool and outdoor fun pools with a lazy river, plus kids’ clubs and a crazy golf course. Those visiting at Easter will also be able to take advantage of Haven’s Easter programme of activities, which includes Easter bonnet making, a parade, egg hunts and Easter parties. OR TRY: Sardinia, Italy Sardinia’s breathtaking vistas of undulating hills, craggy mountains and windswept beaches are perfect for families seeking an idyllic setting for their
active holiday. Neilson’s new 156- room Baia del Mori Beachclub on the northeast coast is perfectly located for some challenging road cycling, offering a thrilling mix of sweeping curves and dipping hills, and for those who prefer mountain biking, there’s a good choice of flat routes for beginners, and a whole range of technical climbs for the hardcore. The region also boasts excellent breezy conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, all offered by Neilson.
w SUMMER LONG-HAUL: Barbados While many associate the Caribbean with winter sun, families who take a trip there in summer can bag themselves some excellent deals. Barbados boasts a whole host of mid-range all-inclusive options, a lot of which offer great value in summer. Paul Cleary, managing director at Caribtours, says: “Barbados is our biggest selling destination and it’s perfect in the summer. There are so many family options when it comes to hotels, and it is about 40% less expensive to visit the same hotels in summer as it is in winter.” Summer is especially
affordable for clients with pre- school age children, who are able to avoid the school holiday prices. “Flights are direct with BA and Virgin, so clients can be on the beach by mid-afternoon, and Barbados has many calm beaches, making it perfect for
those with young children,” Cleary adds. SHORT-HAUL: Menorca Famous for its relaxing atmosphere, abundance of beaches and family-friendly resorts, Menorca is a failsafe option for clients with little ones, and the short two to three-hour flight keeps travelling stress to a minimum. The all-inclusive hotel offering
is strong, and there is lots to see and do on the island, whether families want to take in the scenery of the S’Albufera des Grau Nature Park, spend a day splashing about at the Aquarock water park, or visit the island’s smattering of Bronze Age sites. Beverley Jones, regional
product manager for the Balearic Islands at Thomas Cook, recommends the beaches of Cala’n Bosch and Cala’n Forcat. She says: “Both resorts offer safe, sandy beaches and shallow bays that are easily accessible by buggy, and for older children and adults, there’s a selection of water sports on offer.” SunConnect Los Delfines in Cala’n Forcat is ideally located near restaurants, shops, and the coast, and the hotel has a kids’ Club for children aged three to 11. OR TRY: South Africa Summer safari holidays to South Africa mean less vegetation, so the big five are easier to spot, and clients will benefit from hardly any rain, warmer days and fewer mosquitoes. “The exchange rate makes
20 October 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
