With the Olympics coming to the UK this summer, many London families will choose to holiday at that time to avoid the mad crush of the crowds and festivities. Or, if they are sport fans they might prefer to stay for the Games and travel abroad later in the year to brighten up those cold, dreary winter months. Here are five exotic destinations worth considering whatever time of year you decide to take a holiday.
1. Traveling with young children can be challenging during any season. Long flights, airport delays and difficult travel conditions can make some holiday destinations less attractive to families, being better suited to the more adventurous visitors. For a traveller from the UK, Malta holidays can be a great choice. From leaving the house to the point of booking into a luxurious hotel suite can take less than five hours. This fact alone makes Malta a perfect get-away destination for those traveling with small children. With a huge entertainment centre to be found in St. Julian’s, as well as the Playmobil factory, and shops and restaurants that cater for children, Malta is an ideal destination for families.
2. The Indian Ocean offers a number of exotic destinations to travellers from the UK. Sri Lanka’s scenic coast is lined with luxury resorts and has sparkling white beaches. Home to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Sri Lanka offers water sports including jet skiing, scuba-diving, windsurfing, parasailing and, of course, bathing. The fishing village of Negombo is a must-see stop with its beautiful churches and the Elephant Sanctuary.
3. Orlando in Florida is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers, featuring six huge theme parks as part of the Disney chain. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom are great choices for young families. The water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and the Hollywood Studios theme park are a good choice for those traveling with older children. Visitors should allow a full day for each park that they plan to visit. Package holidays that are inclusive of accommodation and all meals are a popular way to save when visiting the Disney parks, so be sure to seek out the best deal. If you choose to stay at one of the Disney Resort hotels, a shuttle will carry you to and from the parks.
4. Prefer a cooler destination for your holiday? Nepal, in southern Asia is a spiritual mecca for many tourists. Travellers should be in good physical shape before attempting to tackle Nepal’s altitudes and rugged terrain, but adventurous types will be well rewarded by the amazing architecture and beautiful scenery. Trekking is a popular way to see Nepal. Visit the Vishnu shrine of Ichangu Narayan, near Swayambhunath, for some of the best trekking in the world. At sea level, there is white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Visit Chitwan National Park to have a chance to see tigers or rhinos in their native habitat. Note that this is a destination choice more suitable for adults and older teenagers, not small children.
5. The final pick for our top-five countdown is beautiful, pristine Fiji. Luxury package holidays are common in this exotic nation with its azure skies and sparkling, crystal-clear waters. Friendly natives, colourful marketplaces and the variety of experiences to be had, make Fiji one of the most popular holiday destinations to make for in 2012. Who could resist paddling around in the warm Pacific waters or scuba diving off the coast?
Closer to home or across the world, exciting and exotic holiday destinations abound and some great and memorable experiences await you.
