Alaska is fast becoming a hot spot for those looking to enjoy a relaxing cruise. There are of course many other destinations available for the potential cruiser but none quite like an Alaska cruise. So what makes a cruise in Alaska so special and why do more and more people choose this option each and every year?  For many it is the pristine surroundings and jaw dropping wildlife that draws them in. Animals such as bears, whales, bald eagles and salmon swimming through crystal clear glacial waters and something you just wouldn’t encounter in your everyday world and a real treat for those who make the journey. As for attractions Alaska is full of them. For the individual that has an affinity with nature there really is no better place to take you next holiday. When you travel through Alaska you will be met with massive glaciers, which one can only stare in awe at, accompanied by steep sided fjords and even areas of lush vegetation.

Beyond this you will find a number of high quality national parks to visit such as Glacier Bay National Park. Of course many people visit Alaska every year not just for the beautiful and unusual scenery but also for the fishing that goes hand in hand with a holiday in Alaska. Many of the cruises will stop in port for a full day allowing you to hop off and spend a day fishing is you so wish; returning once you’ve had your fill. The majority of cruises will set sail from either Seattle or Vancouver giving you the chance to arrive a few days early and enjoy some of the treats these impressive cities have to offer before setting out on your wilderness adventure.

Holidays should be about family fun and quality time together, packed full of activities, adventures and dining out experiences that all the family can enjoy. It can be a difficult activity when trying to plan family holidays so it could be worth doing a little research before packing your sun cream and passports.

The main things you probably look for within a family resort are as follows; does it include Swimming Pools,
Sport’s activities such as Basketball courts Kids’ and clubs? And most importantly how close to the beach is it?

Northern Brittany

Carantec Parc les Mouettes

If the kids love to swim and parents are taken away by beautiful scenery then this is the location for your family. The main attraction is a fantastic swimming pool complex, overlooked by the terrace.  Children can grab a dingy and whizz round the waterslide in minutes along with being surrounded by pretty trees and flowers. A relaxing and safe environment!

There is also a crazy golf course and extreme activities available within the complex. You can even take a family kayaking trip.

Languesdoc- Roussillon (South of France)

A resort that is close to the beach and walking distance of the lively bars and restaurants. Canet Place, is the one of the safest beaches that offers water sports for all the family along with a range of fishing villages so Dad won’t get bored. If you are an energetic family and love cycling then the Roussillon’s nature reserve made up of winding roads, crossed with cycle tracks.

Catalonia

Salou; Cambrills Park

Cambrils Park offers a fantastic range of pools that are themed to suit the interests of kids with different personalities. Some of the pools include animation and others simply offering a vast amount of sporting activities, competitions, aerobics, discos and shows.

If you and the kids are chasing an adrenalin rush, then the Port Aventura themes park is only 3km away from this location. Definitely a fun day out for all the family!

Greece

Neos Marmaras- Camping Areti

Family holidays don’t have to be loud and crazy with masses of people in one place. It is sometimes nice to escape from this and head for a more private resort. Camp Areti is a more laid back, relaxed and fairly quiet resort which includes private beaches. Really live outdoors by cooking on the communal BBQ or take a trip to the on- site restaurant. There are plenty of sight-seeing opportunities available in beautiful Greece and fun things to do such as horse riding, karting and water sports.

USA

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Thinking further afield? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina can offer you a family holiday of a life time. Packed full of exciting events and available excursions you simply want to stay for ever more. The resort is situated within walking distance of two amusement parks miniature golf courses and live music theatres. There are some of the most beautiful beaches in this location which makes the holiday even more worthwhile.

Written on behalf of Keycamp Family Holidays.

No matter where in the world you’re planning to visit, if you’re travelling abroad it’s important to make sure you’re properly prepared. Nobody wants to think about things going wrong on their holiday (after all, it’s meant to be a break from the stress of everyday life), but unfortunately things can take a turn for the worse, and if you’re unprepared and in a foreign country, it can be all the more stressful and worrying.

To ensure you’re fully prepared, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has instigated the Know Before You Go campaign, attempting to highlight to UK travellers the importance of prior preparation and planning. The campaign advocates the following before travelling to any foreign country:

• Make sure you’re fully aware of any medical requirements well in advance of your date of travel. If you need to get injections or other medicine prior to travelling, make sure you have this organised before you go.
• If you suffer from any serious medical conditions, make sure you have details of your conditions on you at all times, as well as a sufficient supply of any necessary medication.
• Make sure find out the most suitable travel insurance for your needs, and that you’re fully insured before travelling.
• Ensure you know all local laws and customs, even if you’re travelling somewhere that doesn’t seem that different to the UK – for example, different American states have different laws, so if you’re planning to travel to more than one state in the US you need to make sure you’re aware of the law. The last thing you want is to have to deal with getting arrested or needing a criminal law solicitor while abroad.
• Make sure you have a copy of your passport, and that it’s stored in a safe place (in case of loss or theft).