There’s a mind-boggling amount of choice when it comes to taking the family away next year – city break, beach holiday, active fun, or even all the above. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Sardinia
Sardinia’s southern coast has some of the island’s loveliest beaches, and you’re still within reach of day trips to the capital, Cagliari. The resort of Villasimius has fine sandy beaches, a dive centre and boat excursions to the island of Cavoli, but also has a lot on its doorstep, including pools and children’s clubs. Sardinian Places has a week at Residence Cormoran from £3,329 for two adults and two children, including flights, breakfast and car hire, for May departures.
Greece
Get to know Crete’s northern beaches and rugged interior from the vantage point of an attractive residence in the small fishing village of Panormos. Iliana Apartments, offered by Sunvil, are decked out in classically Greek blue and white and include a communal pool. It’s only a few minutes’ walk to the village and the beach. A week’s self-catering costs from £750pp and includes flights and transfers.
Canada
Combine city and countryside with a family self-drive holiday in Ontario. Canadian Sky has a nine-day break that takes in Toronto and Niagara Falls along with a few days’ mountain biking and ziplining in Blue Mountain resort near Georgian Bay. You’re not far from some of Ontario’s most beautiful natural areas, including the forests and lakes of Muskoka and Algonquin National Park. The starting price of £989pp includes flights, room-only accommodation and car hire.
Croatia
With Croatia’s long Adriatic coastline and 1,244 islands, it’s hard to narrow down your choice. But a good bet is Brač, and not because it happens to be home to Croatia’s most famous beach – the white V-shaped Zlatni Rat. Avoid the crowds and head to the eastern tip of the island towards Sumartin, where the three-bedroom Villa Sinatra with Croatia Gems is close to the beach and has its own pool. A week’s rental costs from £2,152.
Rome
For children who can’t get enough of gladiators, a holiday in Rome will transport them to the ancient world. Along with the obvious tourist sights of the Colosseum and the Forum, you can rent a boat on the lake at the Villa Borghese and let them roam round the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, an hour’s train ride away. Rooms in the friendly Suites Trastevere, which include access to a communal kitchen, start at £71, B&B.
Mallorca
Have the sandy beaches of Port de Pollenca within easy reach at El Cano, a three-bed townhouse offered by Vintage Travel. You’ll be only 200 yards from the beach, shops and restaurants, and only a short drive from the pretty cobbled streets and squares in the town of Pollenca. The house features a swimming pool and a shaded barbecue terrace in the garden, as well as an open-plan living/dining area. A week’s rental starts at £774 in April.
France
Rather than join the hordes along the Mediterranean, discover France’s Atlantic coast by staying in one of the country’s most appealing islands. Ile de Ré combines French seaside chic with a laid-back ambience, fabulous seafood and superb sandy beaches. Club together with another family to rent Maison Ile de Ré, a five-bedroom villa with a pool in the village of Bois-Plage-en-Ré. The beach is within walking distance, as is the village’s excellent food market. A week’s rental costs from £3,366 with French Connections.
Vietnam
For far-flung family adventure, it’ hard to beat Vietnam. Explore has an 11-day trip that gives a captivating introduction to the country, including a cooking class in Hanoi, a night in a junk in Halong Bay and a journey on the Reunification Express train from Hanoi to Hue. You’ll also go sea kayaking, cycling and cruising along the Mekong Delta. Prices start at £1,175pp and include accommodation, transfers and some meals, but flights are extra.
Turkey
Despite its popularity, Bodrum has managed to retain its elegance and allure. This city on the Aegean coast not only has fine beaches and classy cafés, but also some riveting cultural sights including Bodrum Castle and an ancient theatre. Tui has an all-inclusive, seven-day holiday at the smart Diamond of Bodrum, which has sea views as well as its own pool, from £558pp. The price includes flights and is for May departures.
Isle of Wight
If you plan to stay closer to home, start thinking now about renting a cottage on the Isle of Wight before the best are snapped up. Holiday Cottages has Chine Cottage, a handsome four-bedroom house with a large garden and conservatory. It’s a short walk to the beach at Totland Bay, and it also offers direct access to the island’s coastal path. A week’s rental in May starts at £898.
