When the winter cold bites too hard, I always think about getting away to enjoy the sun. With three kids in tow, finding the right family destination is not always easy so I’ve listed my favourite five to whet your appetite.
Victoria, Australia
There are ample of amazing places to tour in Australia, but I like Victoria because it has something for everyone. Its principal city is Melbourne, brimming with culture, live music and museums. Kids love the tram ride along St Kilda pier and the simulated underwater rollercoaster at Sea Life is a given. Whilst you’re in Victoria, head to St Kilda for a day in Luna Park, take a tour along the Great Ocean Road – one of the world’s most iconic drives – and explore the natural beauty of Gippsland where you will find the stunning Ninety Mile Beach and Wilson’s Promontory National Park.
Cibao Valley, Dominican Republic
Winter is a good time to visit this glorious part of the world because the weather is still great but not as stiflingly hot as the summertime there.
With its pristine beaches, spearmint blue waters, vast rainforests and colonial architecture, the Dominican Republic is just as dreamy as you imagine. There are also hundreds of family-friendly resorts and plenty of things to do with kids of all ages including snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, zip-line adventures, jungle trekking and dune buggy rides. And when you’re not out exploring, many of the hotels have a children’s club to give parents a reprieve and a chance to relax.
Cyprus
Nestled in the enigmatic Aegean Sea, the fascinating island of Cyprus is a cultural hotspot influenced by colonial rulers from Turkey, Greece and Great Britain. Blessed with natural beauty, miles of gorgeous coastline and sumptuous food, Cyprus is an ideal location to combine relaxation with fun. The two waterparks, one in Ayia Napa and the other, Fasouri in Limassol keep the kids entertained for the entire day, whilst boat trips, beach sports, swimming in the blue lagoon, horse riding and castle visits easily fill up the time.
Chile
Chile is one of the easiest countries to travel through in South America with children. Once you arrive in Santiago, you can head south to Patagonia, north towards the Atacama desert or hit the beach in Vina del Mar just one hour away. Nature-loving children will love Chile’s diversity; from the range of animals – penguins, pumas and pygmy deer – to the changing of the landscape. You can go whale watching on the coast, white water rapids and kayaking on the rivers, paragliding in the hillside, star-gazing in the desert and hiking trails in the mountains. Many of the attractions are free for children under 12 to enter and the friendly locals are some of the most hospitable people you will meet anywhere in the world.
Florida, USA
Americans that don’t want to venture too far from home should head to Florida – the sunshine state! Famed for its Disney theme parks, Sea World, Universal Studios, Everglades National Park and Legoland, parents with young children won’t find more things to do with kids in any other holiday destination in the world. Temperatures in winter also drop to a minimum of 16-20 degrees, so the heat is more bearable than any other time of year, and with plenty of kid-friendly hotels and restaurants, organising the holiday is simple as Key Lime pie.
Why weather the winter when you can basque in the glory of the sun this year? Treat yourself and your family to a warm-weather climate, plenty of fun and a chance to see amazing parts of the world!
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