1. Play the nature detective in Cornwall
Trevella Park, which has held a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for 15 consecutive years, launches a new ranger programme this Easter, with activities such as pond dipping, fishing, bug hunts and rock pooling. As well as exploring the woods, fields and lakes around the five-star holiday park near Newquay, you’ll venture along Gannel Estuary to sandy Crantock Beach. Daily sessions start on 12 April and continue through the May half term and summer school holidays.
How much? A four-night short break in a two-bedroom holiday home at Trevella Park costs from £254 from 14 April. Ranger sessions are free.
2. Hike the Carian Trail in Turkey
Inaugurated in February 2012, the 800km Carian Trail follows stone-paved caravan roads and mule paths through a little-visited corner of southwest Turkey. Led by Carian Trail founders, Dean and Ayse Livesley and Altay Özcan, this three-day sampler from Exclusive Escapes combines the region’s ancient ruins, deserted beaches and pine-scented forests.
How much? Departing May half term, seven nights’ B&B at Badem Tatil Ev and three days’ guided trekking along the Carian Trail costs from £1,225 per person based on a family of four sharing two rooms, including return flights to Dalaman from Stansted, Heathrow or Manchester, transfers and a day’s sea cruise.
3. Take your teens kayaking in Croatia
New for summer 2014 and suitable for families with children aged 14 years and over, the Sea Kayaking Adventure from Completely Croatia features fabulous paddling in the Sibenik Island archipelago. Led by experienced guides, you’ll spend a week kayaking between four and five hours a day, exploring largely uninhabited islands, visiting fishing villages and swimming in secluded coves.
How much? From £997 per person, including return flights from Gatwick, transfers, three-star accommodation on a half board basis, use of all equipment and a qualified English-speaking guide.
4. Set sail along the Amalfi Coast
Climb aboard a skippered yacht and spend eight days cruising the Bay of Naples on this new trip from The Family Adventure Company. Highlights include Naples and the ruins of Pompeii, visits to the islands of Capri and Procida, as well as unforgettable sailing along the Amalfi Coast with its dramatic limestone cliffs and pastel-tinted villages. Throughout the trip, there are plenty of opportunities for shore excursions, swimming and snorkelling.
How much? From £1,512 per adult and £1,361 per child (minimum age five), including international flights, seven nights aboard a skippered yacht, six breakfasts and five lunches, local tour leader, airport transfers, sightseeing and most activities.
5. Reach new heights in the French Alps
Following a successful first winter season, Kalinda Village mountain apartments in the newly regenerated resort of Tignes 1800 les Boisses is all set for summer. Boasting a spa, swimming pools and mini market, the luxury accommodation, available from Peak Retreats, offers easy access to summer activities, such as mountain biking, climbing, walking, via ferrata and glacier skiing.
How much? Seven nights self-catering from £115 per person, based on five sharing a two-bedroom apartment, including return ferry crossings and one Sportignes activity card per person for free archery, swimming and tennis.
6. Cruise the backroads of Cuba
New from Journey Latin America, this flexible self-drive is a great way for adventurous families to explore Cuba at their own pace. After collecting a hire car in Havana, you’ll drive into the countryside of Las Terrazas, with a visit to a coffee farm and the chance to go zip-lining, biking and hiking. Beach time is also included, along with some time exploring Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains.
How much? From £3,300 for two adults and two children, including transfers, hotel accommodation, vehicle rental and most meals. Flights are not included – allow around £854 per adult and £736 per child in August 2014.
7. Escape to the Cape – in style
South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape stars in this twin-centre self-drive from Rainbow Tours. It features five nights at the V&A Hotel on Cape Town’s Waterfront, plus five nights at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club in George, gateway to the Garden Route. Top family outings in Cape Town include taking the Cableway up Table Mountain, driving to the Cape of Good Hope and seeing the penguins at Boulders. The Garden Route, meanwhile, is brimming with activities, from whale watching and Big Five safaris to steam train rides and walking with elephants.
How much? From £7,880 for a family of two adults and two children under 12, including international flights, car hire and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, plus a free pass on the Cape Town Hop-on/Hop-off Bus, six dinner vouchers, two complimentary spa treatments and a free round of golf at the Fancourt Hotel.
8. Become part of the community in Kenya
New and exclusive to Audley Travel, ‘Me to We’ is a non-profit organization, which arranges trips to visit local communities around the world. In Kenya, you divide eight days between a safari in the Masai Mara and time at local Maasai villages, getting to know the people that live there, as well as helping out with everything from water collecting and tree planting to painting schools, learning traditional beading and visiting local health clinics. A brilliant experience for families, it’s more about education and social involvement than getting your hands dirty with building projects.
How much? From £3,630 per person, including international flights, transfers, light aircraft flights, full-board accommodation, Masai Mara park fees, game drives on safari and activities at Me to We. Half of the profits from your time with Me to We goes back into the local communities you visit.