Family activity vacations advice

“Rafting and swimming in the river was the highlight. The Bronze Age mountain village was also really amazing. It seems a very remote area, with hardly any people, and very little traffic, which was a blessing as the roads are mountainous, twisting and quite scary. Plan your activities before you go so that you get to do extras like star gazing and canyoning. Take your Spanish dictionary or brush up your Spanish. It's off the beaten track, so it's useful to be able to communicate if you can. This doesn't seem to be a very touristy area for foreigners, used more by Spanish people exploring and enjoying their own country. Probably benefited local people as our hosts suggested loads of good local places to eat and arranged activities run by local people.” Moya Fillmore on a family activity vacation in the Altiplano de Granada

“The canyoning was amazing - really thought I wouldn't be able to do it but I did and the children were so proud! The cycling trip was lovely especially seeing the river source and being able to swim there - although it was very cold! The tour operator is really clear about what clothes to bring and other accessories needed but always have your swimming gear on as there is always an opportunity to get wet. It was a fantastic vacation, extremely well organised, great fun, really active, gave us loads to talk and laugh about. The children are already planning next year's trip. We have been raving about it to all our friends.” Céline Dignan on an activity vacation for families with teenagers in Croatia

“Bring waterproof sandals or shoes, factor 50 sun cream and a sense of adventure. Renting a car is not necessary but it did mean that we could explore on our days off. All the hikes and kayaking were very suitable and really enjoyable for both of us as parents and for our kids aged 12 and 18. Spending a week with like-minded people was so much fun, I can't believe how much we managed to do in just a week. Excellent planning on Ben and Emma's part. I just couldn't believe this incredible country is only a 2.5 hour flight away from our home in England.” Kyra De Coninck on a family activity vacation in Montenegro

“We all agreed that the husky safari was the best part of the trip. The kids enjoyed cuddling the dogs and they were the friendliest pack you'll ever see. It was too cold for the kids on the starlight trip - more reindeer skins and 'sleeping bags' were needed in the sled. The men liked the skidoo, they got to drive them and they had hand and feet warmers. The rest of us sat on the back or in the sledge and slowly froze. I think that this is a great introductory vacation to winter sports. This way you get to try everything and in a next vacation you can choose and pick with this previous knowledge. We enjoyed it very much and would not hesitate to return to this part of Finland.” Leontine Mastenbroek on a family multi activity vacation in Finland

“My two boys (aged 10 and 12) really enjoyed this trip. We did a new activity every day from rafting and sea kayaking to cycling and hiking in the beautiful Greek countryside. Our guides were warm, friendly, knowledgeable and competent. They really brought the group together and we all had a fantastic time. Be ready for an active, sociable and highly enjoyable vacation in a part of Greece not many vacation makers get to.” Rebecca Sutherland on a multi activity vacation in Greece

“We loved the white water rafting. Views are craggy and hilly against the amazing opaque turquoise Soca River. Our guide was full of local history, we felt in safe hands and he helped to pull the group together. Summer is a good time to go to Tolmin for all day entertainment as there are music festivals within walking distance from the hotel. We won’t forget the knees up we had at the local festival to the marvellous Slovenian Brass band, there was lots of dancing fuelled by very reasonably priced pivo (beer). If you're also going on the walk/trek up Mount Krn it is steep and you will need proper walking boots and poles. You can buy these things in Tolmin but it is a small place so if you've got them take them with you.” Jennifer Grainger in Slovenia on an activity vacation for families with teenagers