As we all start to think about travel and planning our next holiday, it can be tricky to know where to go when organising a family vacation. Whether you’re longing for some family fun in the sun abroad or would like to keep it local and opt for UK holiday, here’s some recommendations for the best family holiday destinations from experts at the Destinations presents Travel 2021 online travel show.
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Make North Wales your family holiday destination in 2021
We love Wales and spent a glorious week in Carmarthenshire a couple of years ago. But we haven’t visited North Wales as a family so far.
Eirlys Jones from Go North Wales sets out the case for a holiday in North Wales in 2021:
“If you haven’t yet been for a family day out in North Wales… You don’t know what you are missing.
“We have it all here in North Wales. In abundance. With both indoor and outdoor attractions, there is something to do in all weather and for all ages.
“Ride a heritage railway, a tram, a cable car, a rack and pinion railway or take a trip on a horse-drawn boat.
“Climb turrets and winding stairs in our castles.
“Adventure parks provide an array of things to do in North Wales including roller coasters, slides and experiences.
“For a day of discovery, head to one of the regions zoos, farm parks and aquariums – here, the kids can be introduced to animals from all over the world.
“These are only some of the things that you can enjoy and do in North Wales, all set within the most awe-inspiring landscape you’re ever likely to find.”
It sounds totally action-packed and just the type of trip we love.
Heres some more places we can recommend visiting in Wales:
Go long haul to Japan in 2021
Japan has to be on most people’s bucket lists because it has something for everyone, whether you want to bask in the neon-filled commercial hubs of Shinjuku or Shibuya or be mindful in the lush scenery and verdant landscapes of the Iya Valley and Izu.
Of course, the thought of meditation and enjoying Japan’s more traditional experiences may not tick the right boxes for your kids. But this is where the country’s contrasts come into play.
Rebecca Lightfoot, UK Office Manager for Into Japan Specialist Tours says Japan is a incredible destination for family holidays:
“There are so many family-friendly places in Japan! Japan has big theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios but small videogame arcades that are also a great way to pass an afternoon.
“Themed restaurants and cafés are also great with kids. Who wouldn’t want to have pancakes with Hello Kitty?”
I think the Tin Box girls would be in heaven!
Balance your family beach holiday with culture in Valencia
There’s something very special about a family holiday destination that can give you the perfect balance between relaxing and exploring. Valencia is one of these golden locations.
Eva Fernández, International Marketing Manager at Visit Valencia explains why Spain should be on your holiday shortlist:
“Choosing a place for the summer holidays, that will keep everybody in the family happy, is not always easy. Some may want to just lie on a beach, others may want something a bit more cultural and the young ones need to be entertained at all times.
“Valencia may be the answer. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the African Bioparc, the long green ribbon across Valencia that once was the Turia River, the white sand beaches, the portfolio of nautical activities.
“With plenty of options for everyone, enjoying family holidays in the city couldn’t be easier.”
Our most recent holidays in Spain have been to Barcelona and Ibiza.
Explore The Lake District in 2021
We are long overdue a return trip to The Lake District. It’s somewhere I spent a few family holidays as a child and we took Tot on her first summer vacation.
Jonny Winter from Cumbria Tourism makes the case for revisiting, or if you have never been, discovering The Lake District:
“The Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be for a family-friendly adventure, and with parents across the county excited to enjoy and explore the great outdoors, there’s never been a better time to plan your visit.
“Your little ones can summit their first mountain (with 214 Wainwrights ranging from easy hikes to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England), explore Whinlatter, England’s only mountain forest and get on and in the water through kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and wild swim activities.
“Did you know that 2021 is Cumbria’s Year of the Coast? Alongside stunning beaches at St bees, Allonby and Silecroft there’s plenty for families to get involved in.
“Explore Cumbria’s history at Senhouse Roman museum or the Beacon in Whitehaven or take a step back with a ride on the Ravenglass-Eskdale steam railway – perfect when combined with a trip to Muncaster Castle and its amazing bird of prey centre.
“Animal lovers can enjoy attractions across the county, from Walby Farm Park in the north, to the Lake District Wildlife Park near Keswick and also Fell Pony Adventures who offer wild camping pack pony experiences. You can even take an alpaca for a walk with Alpacaly Ever After!
“Whatever your age, Cumbria is also perfect for rediscovering literary favourites. Lovers of Peter Rabbit can explore the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness as well as her home at Hill Top and the Lingholm Estate near Keswick – the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden.
“The new Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories isn’t just the place to be to learn more about Arthur Ransome and his Swallows and Amazons books, it’s also packed with interactive activities for all ages.”
Get more inspiration for the best family holiday destinations
Whether you are planning a holiday in 2021 or beyond, Destinations presents Travel 2021 is a great place to start.
It is an online hub which provides comprehensive travel information, holiday ideas and inspiration, enabling visitors to make informed booking decisions. It runs online from today (Friday 7 May) until Sunday 16 May with access to live content from 7 to 9 May 2021.
The event features an array of leading travel operators and tourist boards who you can contact directly to discuss planning and booking holidays, plus there is a diverse range of talks and on demand content, hosted by travel personalities and industry experts.
With panel discussions, interviews, live advice clinics and live Q&As, the show provides extensive choice and experiences for you to consider when planning your next holiday.
Want more ideas for family holidays and days out? Read my tips for smashing family travel and sign up for my newsletter.
Which of these family holiday destinations takes your fancy?