Great Family Vacation Ideas

Some families love to go to the same place every year. But for those who need some new ideas here are some family vacation ideas.

You may also find that some people in your family love to sleep and read while others have to play hard all day. Many of these options below allow you meet the different needs and wants for your family holiday.

1. Holiday in the Sun: Close the ocean with the sun, surf and sand. You can stay in anything from a luxury resort to a basic campsite and have the best time. Coastal resorts are busiest during summer time so organize accommodation well in advance. For those that love to relax, pull up your beach towel, your umbrella and a good book. The rest of the family can knock themselves out (hopefully not literally) in the waves, building sand castles, beach cricket and exploring the rock pools.

Some beaches will even offer surfing lessons or other activities that the active ones can get involved in. When selecting a good beach town to go to, find one with a variety of beaches so that there are the toddler safe waters as well as the surf beaches to suit the needs of the older ones.

2. Animal Farm: Don’t like scratchy sand and itchy dried salt water? Try a farm stay as a family vacation idea. There is usually animal feeding, horse-riding, swimming (in a relaxing pool!) walking and lots of space for the kids to play outdoors with other children. Best of all there’s a glorious rural peace and quiet for frazzled mums and dads. Properties can be isolated or some distance from towns and shops. If you think you might need emergency supplies, plan ahead. Farm stays can be self-catering or extend to meals with the family if you want time away from the kitchen. Ask when you book.

3. The Great Outdoors: Many campsites around the place are amazingly well suited and equipped with all you need. Many family friendly sites have pools, playgrounds, games rooms, tennis courts, shops and some even coffee shops or restaurants. They offer lots of fresh air, freedom, a chance to get close to nature and a great bonding experience for the whole family. When going bush, be prepared for the unexpected. Always travel with a first aid kit and a way of contacting for help, summer time can make campsites a busy place so choose your spot carefully, share the cooking as it’s a chance where everyone can have a go! Some campsites even have holiday programs for children – particularly during summer. This means they can be off making friends and learning new games while you have a coffee and a chat.

4. All aboard: Cruises are not just for the single, rich and famous. Some have begun to offer some great family packages too. The vast floating resorts offer kids clubs, programs and activities, swimming pools, cinemas, restaurants and new destinations. Cruises vary in length so you can find a time that suits you, some even offer babysitting services if you need a date together as a couple, some people get seasick so take medication just in case (some tablets you actually need to take before you leave). Consider other types of boating holidays like house boats or renting a yacht

5. The open road: Children love variety so road trips can take everyone on a tour that can be a big hit. You can stop when you want and having the flexibility to change your destination is exciting and spontaneous. Kids can also learn a great deal from visiting new places so it can be educational as well. Plan your route and accommodation and stop often. Bored, whiny kids are no fun for anyone. Have lots of car games and portable activities with you for the travel time. Factor in hold ups if travelling in summer months as it can be a busy time of year on the road. In order to be prepared for other family travel problems that might occur, make sure you have packed your Holiday Travel Survival Kit.

6. The Last Resort: Resorts are where everything is laid on can be paradise for kids and their parents. Kids clubs, heaps of activities, restaurants with meals for the littlies and a laid back environment where children can be both seen and heard and can take a lot of the stress out of holidays with youngsters. They can be expensive so organize yourself and save in advance. You can save money by self-catering and shopping around for a good deal.

7. The Hills are alive: mountain holidays offer fishing, boating, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking and much much more. It can be a cool alternative during hot summer months. Often much quieter than the coast with less tourists. Great to do with friends and relatives. Accommodation can be better valued as it is their off-season.

These ideas certainly take you to a variety of places. But what about if you know where to go but don't know what to do without blowing the budget? Check out these cheap family activities you can do at home or away.

So when you need a change of scenery, why don’t you try one of these family vacation ideas and treat yourself and your family!

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