Family Traveller editor, Jane Anderson, runs through the latest trends causing a stir in the world of family travel.
Marriott Homes & Villas in Costa Rica
Home from home: Points mean holidays
Homes & Villas by Marriott International gives families the opportunity to take a break in a gorgeous holiday home such as this four-bedroom cottage on six private acres of California wine country (see picture, left), or a six-bedroom villa in Sorrento, Italy with an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and a wood-fired pizza oven.
Families receive all the benefits of a home, such as multiple bedrooms, parking, kitchen and laundry, while knowing they are part of a trusted company like Marriott. This new initiative is part of Marriott Bonvoy loyalty brand, where you can earn and redeem points at 29 participating hotel brands across 129 countries, as well as Homes & Villas by Marriott International. It’s a great way for busy working parents to build up points when on business trips to go towards a family holiday.
The wonderful Emma Bunton
Celeb Q&A: Emma Bunton
Baby Spice, UNICEF ambassador, Kit & Kin co-founder and mum of two, Emma Bunton, takes our quickfire celebrity parent Q&A, where we discover her favourite places and top holiday tips.
What was your favourite holiday as a child?
Visiting the English seaside with my family, camping and caravanning.
What’s your recipe for a successful family holiday?
A bit of everything! Great beaches, delicious food and kids activities.
What do you never travel without?
Kit & Kin magic salve and bubble bath, as my kids have very sensitive skin, but really we all use it as it’s so delicious!
What’s your best holiday souvenir? Some beautiful leather slippers from Morocco, which we all wore to death.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?
On the beach in Bali – one of my favourite places.
Any family-friendly hotel tips?
I love it when a hotel leaves treats in the rooms for the kids as it makes them feel special and included.
And where’s your favourite place to holiday in the UK?
Scotland. It has such a special place in my heart, the immense beauty of the Highlands gets me every time.
Kit & Kin offers a range of eco-friendly products, from sustainable nappies and wipes, to hypoallergenic skincare.
The newly opened Cayton Children’s Museum
When in Santa Monica…
We love a family-friendly museum here at Family Traveller and our latest favourite is the newly opened Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica. This glorious immersive playground offers expansive discovery-based exhibits with a calendar of arts and cultural programming, designed to inspire children. The space is segmented into five core wings with exhibits that offer a fun and active experience for young people to play their way to a better world.
Merlin Annual Pass includes access to Madame Tussauds in London
Days out for less
Spread the cost of a Merlin Annual Pass, with monthly membership from £8.99. A pass provides access to more than 30 amazing UK attractions, including SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, Legoland, the London Eye, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers and more. Passholders also receive exclusive perks, from free parking to money off food and drinks.