Seeking unique family escapes this Summer?
By Alayna Carter
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With the privilege of visiting around 50 countries, my own travel journey has evolved from childhood package holidays to thrilling fly drives, transformative backpacking adventures, and living abroad in places like New Zealand.
As a parent of three, I now focus on family-friendly holidays. By combining my personal and professional experiences, I’m here to ensure your travels are perfectly tailored to create lasting memories for every family member. Backed by Travel Counsellors, a billion pound travel business with a 5 star Excellent Trustpilot customer rating, and over 30 years’ worth of experience, I offer 24/7 care and 100% financial protection via the Travel Counsellors Trust and ATOL for your peace of mind. Working from home in Leicestershire allows me to provide consultations outside traditional hours, making it easier for you to plan your next adventure on your terms. A question I’m often asked is: ‘Where’s good to go in the summer holidays that’s a bit… different?’ So, here are my top picks for summer holidays: destinations that offer the perfect balance of luxury, culture and fun – ensuring your family holiday is as enriching as it is relaxing. July Iceland is ideal for families seeking unique experiences, such as visiting explosive geysers, live volcanoes and stunning waterfalls – it takes the kids’ geography lessons to a whole new level! With long daylight hours, warmer temperatures (low 20ºC’s), and a short flight from the UK, it is also prime hiking and whale watching season. Stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon for a luxurious family-friendly spa experience or the Foss Hotel Glacier Lagoon for a modern style. Perched in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, west of Portugal, The Azores provide lush landscapes and outdoor activities in another volcanic playground. With whale watching and swimming with dolphins on the agenda, there are also bubbling mud pools to explore and crystal-clear lakes to kayak. I would recommend an island-hopping itinerary here to get the most from your holiday. On São Miguel, the Hotel Verde Mar and Spa offers family rooms that also come with a sea view, whilst the Terceira Mar Hotel located on the smaller island of Terceira, is situated in the charming town of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. August Bali is a paradise for families, offering culture and natural beauty. August is the perfect month, falling in the middle of the dry season with temperatures ranging from 24-30C. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay features beachside villas ideal for blended families and larger families with more than two children. For a jungle retreat, Maya Ubud Resort and Spa overlooks rice paddies and a river, offering swimming pools, rafting, cooking classes, and traditional Balinese dance performances. In Canada, families can explore breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glacier-fed lakes and forests, taking the shorter route of the famous Rocky Mountaineer train from Lake Louise to Jasper. Stay at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise for postcard perfect views and enjoy hiking and canoeing in the Canadian Rockies. Another option for more freedom is to self-drive, there is so much to see and do and going at your own pace also gives you the flexibility to change plans based on the needs of the kids! For more information call: 0116 312 0033,
email: [email protected], or visit: travelcounsellors.co.uk/alayna.carter |
Issue 25
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