watersports

Ah, the great family holiday! How times have changed.  I remember growing up, with family holidays being mainly in the UK – places like Rhyl in Wales or Nairn, North of Scotland.  My 1st holiday abroad was at Salou, mainland Spain, when I was 13 years old.  Certainly, never forgotten.  It was amazing! That was when I decided I wanted to work within the Travel Industry. The family holiday has evolved so much, with families looking for so much more these days. (Although, I’m sure the embarrassing Dad dancing still exists)! Families tend to be more adventurous, with words like ‘education’ and ‘conservation’ becoming more key to the experience.  The bucket and spade break might not be as universally popular, but ABTA’s research shows that Spain, Greece and France are still family favourites.  Turkey is a growing market with lots of hotels having an astronomical amount to do on-site. It is also well researched that creating childhood memories are better than toys. Families are looking to create experiences, whether that is the thrills and spills of a Theme Park or learning to sail, a skiing holiday or trying water sports. All-inclusive holidays are still extremely popular with families, as your meals and drinks are included in the up-front cost (not forgetting ice-cream in most).  Most accommodations have children’s clubs, entertainment by day and night for the family and some even have waterparks or water sports on the beach.  The likes of Mark Warner holidays and Club Med have resorts across the world catering for families looking for activities on dry land or water.                                                         For some, however, they prefer spending time as a large family or group of friends and hiring a villa with private pool and car hire.  Exploring their local area, eating out and getting to know the local way of life. Some adults want to go on a holiday of a lifetime, at times making it part of a children’s Christmas. Taking the kids to see Santa in Lapland, visiting Mickey Mouse in Disneyworld, seeing Elephants on an African Safari, snorkelling in the Caribbean or holding a Koala Bear in Australia.                                      The cruise market is huge now, with some ships having waterslides, dodgem cars, ice rinks, racing car circuits, rollercoasters and Broadway shows.  Be prepared to pack loose-fitting trousers as you taste the amazing gastronomy options.  Imagine waking up in a different port every day!                                                                                      My customers love to take @brilliantbear with them on their travels too! If the children are happy, the adults are too! Julie Batchelor Brilliant Travel