Where to go for family holiday in 2013

Travelling abroad to some of the world’s most exotic destinations is no longer reserved for the rich and famous, and more and more foreign resorts are shedding their exclusive ‘adult only’ images and opening their doors to families, meaning that no matter how old your children are, the sands of the Caribbean and the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean are now perfect locations for your getaway.

Head to Egypt, land of the Pharaohs, and long time favourite destination for couples, and your family can experience a vacation that certainly beats the tepid waters of the English south coast. With temples and Sphinxes to visit, barges and camels to ride on and a visit to Sinbad’s theme park to enjoy, Egypt is just one big playground for the whole family.

The Caribbean, with its deliciously warm waters, exotic landscape and unique local colour has always been the destination for romantic couples, honeymooners or retirees. These days, families are invited to enjoy exhilarating zip line tours of the islands, thrilling off-road jeep adventures around the mountains and rainforests, and snorkelling trips to shallow reefs. Hotels here are child friendly and offer plenty of kids clubs and crèches, all designed to let parents claim a little adult time for themselves.

Florida, of course, is the quintessential family holiday destination, with Disneyland the first stop on the theme park tour. Follow that up with a day relaxing on St Pete’s Beach, a fan boat tour of the Everglades and an overnight stay in the magical Florida Keys, and you’ll be guaranteed the holiday of a lifetime.

And if it’s America that you crave, but you’d rather avoid the congestion of Orlando, then the west coast is the perfect destination, especially for families with older children. Los Angeles has Hollywood and Universal Studios, Las Vegas has the Grand Canyon, and if skiing is your favourite pastime, a trip to Aspen during the winter months will let you all enjoy your perfect holiday in simply stunning surroundings.

Kenya, as with many of the other African countries, is the best place to go for a real adventure. Here, families can head off the beaten track and explore the wild frontiers of the outback. You and your mini adventurers can hunt to spot lions and tigers, watch meerkats at play or marvel at the sheer size of elephants as they pass beside your jeep.

Family vacations abroad are meant to be fun, so as well as picking the right destination, resorts also offer different packages to make sure families can choose a holiday that really suits them. When you’re travelling with little ones, an all inclusive deal is a popular way to go. With all your meals, snacks and most drinks taken care of in advance, you’ll have even less to worry about, and even more time to have fun.

Other options include self catering, which is ideal for a family that’s more likely to be out exploring than lazing by the pool. This option is particularly good for families travelling with older children, and gives a little more freedom, and a lot less structure to your trip.

The chance to get away as a family doesn’t come around very often thanks to hectic, work-oriented lives, so make sure you get the best out of your family holiday. Booking through a company that specialises in children’s vacations will help you find your perfect hotel, the right flights and the best attractions to suit your family, meaning that you’ll have nothing left to do but look forward to your trip.