Top Tips for Summer Lazy Days
09 Aug 2019
28 Jun 2019
The end of the school term is so close yet so far, and the big summer family holiday is still but a dream. To keep you going for the last month or so before you finally jet off to that paradise holiday you’ve had booked for a year already, we’ve lined up our top 5 summer holiday destinations for all types of family and budget. Let us know in the comments if you think we’ve missed somewhere, and if your holiday has made the list!
Florida is arguably the number one ‘big’ family holiday destination, and not only due to the obvious draws of Disney World and Universal Studios (now featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). There’s the Kennedy Space Centre to thrill young astronomers as well as the Naval Aviation Museum, home to over 150 aircraft, if you’d like to add an educational element to your trip. With Florida itself being synonymous with alligators, you’d be crazy not to visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm to see these reptiles in real life. For calmer, lazy days there’s some gorgeous beaches (Clearwater Beach definitely lives up to its name) and lots of shopping and dining experiences to be had on International Drive.
Spain is a great family holiday destination if you’re looking for sun, sea, sand and lots of fun; there are beautiful resorts and beaches for lazy days, as well as the exciting Portaventura, home to Europe’s highest roller coaster. The City of Arts and Sciences Museum offers exciting science exhibitions, live music and also accommodates the largest aquarium in Europe, as well as being situated a few minutes from the historic centre of Valencia. For a dramatic day out, visit Oasys Mini Hollywood Park in Almeria, where you can experience life in the Wild West among cowboys, or visit the Zoological Reserve that is home to more than 800 animals.
Our best pick for a short-haul, budget-friendly destination that has something for everyone, Tenerife is home to the Siam Park, currently regarded as the number one water park in the world. There are two great zoos on the island to choose from; Loro Parque in Puerto Del La Cruz holds over 4000 parrots as well as a myriad other animals, and Las Águilas-Jungle Park near Los Cristianos beach also holds an impressive number of animals in addition to beautiful botanical gardens. If you’re interested in seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, you can book yourself onto a Submarine Safari, where you can marvel at the island’s majestic sea life in a 100% environmentally friendly submarine.
This European country might not seem an obvious choice for a fun family holiday, but with its own Legoland theme park as well as Europa Park, Europe’s second most visited theme park (with Disney Land Paris being first, naturally), there’s more to Germany than currywurst and beer. You can spend a magical week roadtripping on the Fairy Tale Road, a 370 mile long stretch that will take you to locations from many well-loved fairytales, and every stop has a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Phantasia Land near Cologne features thrilling roller coasters as well as many rides and attractions specifically aimed at younger children and families – catch a late-night show and stay over at one of their on-site hotels for the ultimate experience.
Visiting the ancient pyramids is probably on most people’s bucket lists, and it’s an experience your children will never forget. But if this is a bit too obvious for you, there are still loads of things to pack out a family holiday in this North African country, like scuba diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea or visiting the local markets (known as Souks). If your kids want a really hands-on experience, they can try their hand at making papyrus paper and writing hieroglyphics at the Papyrus Factory, or escape the tomb at the Pharaonic Village. For the days when you need a bit of rest and relaxation, there are a number of botanical gardens to stroll through and, of course, stunning sandy beaches.
