It’s only fair that everyone gets a say when it comes to planning a family holiday. Bearing this in mind, we decided to investigate what children want from family holidays, and the factors that influence their choices. In partnership with our friends Sharky & George, the much-loved children’s party planners, we sent out a survey and held an event to ask youngsters the all-important question: what makes a great family holiday? The results revealed that around 55% of children have been inspired to visit somewhere after learning something at school. Perhaps unsurprisingly, history and geography emerged as the two most influential subjects. So, why not take the curriculum beyond the classroom, bring your youngster’s geography lessons to life and nurture their interest in the environment? Read on to find out about some of the best holidays for budding environmentalists, which are bound to appeal to any mini David Attenborough’s…
Costa Rica
As one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, Costa Rica consistently ranks at the top of the eco class. And its ubiquitous slogan, Pura Vida (meaning ‘pure life’), sums up this eco-minded and positive attitude. The country has long championed sustainable tourism in order to protect its resplendent rainforests, wild coastlines and expansive national parks. What’s more, it boasts a Sustainable Tourism Certification and devotes almost 30% of its land to wildlife preserves and protected land, so your youngsters are guaranteed to get a great first introduction to the world of environmental conservation on a holiday here. There’s no better location for a biology lesson than in the cloud forests of Costa Rica where you can watch sloths moving at a snail’s pace through the forest canopy in Tortuguero National Park, see green turtle hatchlings along the Pacific Coast, and witness cheeky monkeys leaping between branches in Monteverde.
Kenya
Kenya’s safari parks and game reserves play host to the real-life cast of the Lion King; lions like Simba, Nala and Scar, warthogs like Pumbaa and red-billed hornbills like Zazu. Family holidays here are all about teaching tiny travellers about local wildlife species, while also bringing their favourite films to life. During drives with expert guides, the whole family will be treated to close encounters with the animals in their natural habitats. Stay in comfortable and eco-minded safari lodges, where you can learn about their all-important environmental practices and conservation work, and participate in cultural experiences with the Maasai people.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s remote location may require hours of travel, however its far-flung position has worked in its favour when it comes to conservation. Many of the island nation’s wide-open spaces remain untrodden by tourist footsteps and you’ll be able to explore its awe-inspiring landscapes without the crowds. Lord of the Rings fans will relish the chance to visit the otherworldly sites that acted as backdrops for the film trilogy, while budding geologists will be fascinated by the geothermal wonders in Rotorua and the collection of volcanoes that decorate the North Island. On the South Island, Kaikoura and Milford Sound are must-visits for sea life lovers, with dolphin and whale sightings almost guaranteed. Wherever you venture to during New Zealand holidays, you and your brood are bound to leave with a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.
Iceland
You can’t get much closer to a real-life geography lesson than a holiday to Iceland. The country’s list of natural features reads like the index of a geography textbook; rent a car and road trip the Golden Circle en famille, stopping off at Gullfoss Falls, the Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. Here, you’ll be treated to a history lesson too, as the park was the original site of Iceland’s (and the world’s) oldest and longest-running parliament. Other geographical gems that promise to captivate children’s imaginations include the Vatnshellir lava tube in Snaefellsnes (where you can see colourful lava formations) and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and Vik.
Ecuador & the Galapagos
Serving as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are hard to beat as a destination for budding environmentalists. Almost a quarter of the species here are endemic, making for truly extraordinary wildlife encounters that won’t happen anywhere else in the world. Book onto an island-hopping cruise and treat your mini David Attenborough’s to sightings of marine iguanas, playful sea lions, adorable penguins and the legendary giant tortoises. And once your youngsters hit the age of ten, they can begin to explore the underwater world in greater depth with a PADI Junior certification.
Written by Luisa Watts
