Exploring the Choices for Family Activity Holidays

Thinking of taking advantage of the huge range of family activity holidays on offer? With so many options the choice can sometimes get confusing, so this article is a guide to help you select the ideal experience for your family. Whether it’s thrills and spills for the older kids, or something equally exciting but less challenging for the younger ones, there are family activity holidays available to suit everyone.

Choosing the Right Experience and Destination

With the concept of specialised family activity holidays becoming increasingly popular, there are more and more to choose from; while this is fantastic news for the holidaymaker, it can sometimes see you going around in circles trying to decide on the right experience. Issues such as what country to visit, what kind of activity to go for, when to go and what activities your children may embrace (or not) are all elements to consider before making your choice.

The best travel companies offer a personal service where you can talk to an experienced member of the sales team in order for them to help guide you towards making the right decision. It is always a good idea to take advantage of this service, as the team of experts knows their activities and destinations inside out. Every company offers different itineraries, which can include high adrenaline activities, strenuous adventures and challenging environments. But, equally, many of the itineraries are focused on a slower paced adventure, which is no less satisfying and challenging but is more suited to younger or less confident children.

Aspects to Consider

When deciding on your destination, the time of year you plan to travel will dictate your choice to some degree, of course. Naturally, skiing and winter go hand in hand, but other activities, such as hiking or horse riding, are much less restricted by the seasons.

You also need to bear in mind the age of your children and be realistic about what they may be able to manage in a day. Of course you will want them to feel like they are achieving something, but you shouldn't push them too much so they are left feeling despondent or disappointed. That said, however, most parents want their children to have the opportunity to try something new and take on challenges that will increase their confidence and build their social skills. In fact, your children may surprise you: put them in a different environment and they may come out of their shell, begin to show a sense of responsibility, and blossom in the realms of a different and positive environment. It is wise to bear this in mind when deciding the experience you would like to give them.

One final aspect to consider is that you should always remember family activity holidays are not just about the children, but also about the group as a whole. As parents, you also need to feel comfortable and enjoy your break! Keeping a group holiday dynamic on an even keel relies on everyone having a fulfilling experience.

Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit and Blue, a specialist adventure and activity holiday company offering independently crafted family activity holidays to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for families looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.