Are you on the lookout for ideas and inspiration for a family adventure? Are you bored with tired old destinations and resorts, searching for something that's not in the usual brochures? Well we've researched and hand-picked ten top family adventure ideas we think might appeal. Whether you're into nature, wildlife, unusual attractions or more active adventures there's something here that should hit the spot.
1. Bike the Balkans: Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro
With some of the cleanest beaches in the Med, 8 national parks, 10 UNESCO heritage sites, and amazing sailing around the Dalmatian islands, Croatia is one of Europe's less well-known 'not to be missed' destinations and offers lots for active families. There are hundreds of small, family run hotels around the country too, offering a great family experience. If food's more your thing neighbouring Serbia has recently launched 'Soul food Serbia' gastronomy tours and there's great flat biking along the Danube's to help work off those calories. If you're more into mountains, then why not try the relatively undiscovered gem of Montenegro; where dramatic cliffs, extensive coasts and great mountain biking trails are on offer.
2. Go wild about water: Florida
For kids of any age, great water parks are always a hit so why not go big and visit some of the best Waterparks in the world? Florida's Seaworld is opening some new attractions in 2012, including one that will enable visitors to get up close and learn about the amazing sea turtles, while Discovery Cove offers opportunities to swim and wade through water trails with otters and marmosets. If you're after thrills and spills try Orlando's new Coco Key Water Resort for the latest watery slides 'n rides. Or for a more natural thrill how about croc watching in Miami's Everglades National Park.
3. The year of the Mayans: Mexico
2012's a big year in the Mayan calendar, and if you believe some of the wilder predictions, this is your last chance to visit! A vacation in Mexico gives you the chance to combine beautiful beaches with the legacy of an ancient civilisation, to get education and relaxation in equal measures. There are turtles here too and if you visit the Riviera Maya you could be swimming in safe bays just a few hundred metres from nesting turtles. If you like history try a visit to Tulum, an ancient city and gateway to the Mayan world.
4. Safari in the city: Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi.
Lilongwe in Malawi is the base for an important conservation and education centre that provides sanctuary for orphaned or injured animals and works to conserve the country's animal population. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre recently won an international Responsible Tourism Award but it's more than just a worthy cause. Set in 180 acres of woodland, you can also go walking, biking or on picnic safaris on wilderness trails that are home to monkeys, hyena and bushpigs. A great up-close with nature experience.
5. Open doors and wild spaces: Iceland
Iceland is currently running a campaign that invites visitors to meet locals in their own homes. People from all walks of life are opening their doors and showing others how they live. Some are taking visitors with them to do some of their favourite activities, to knitting lessons, on ice cream tours, out dog walking or swimming. But Iceland isn't just about people; it's also about wild, untapped beauty and if your family likes geysers, glaciers, deserts and hot springs, this could be the destination for you.
6. An eco escape: Guyana
If eco tourism appeals to you might want to consider Guyana. North Rupununi's is a stunning mix of rain forests, savannahs, and rivers, all largely untouched by the mainstream tourist industry. A variety of community based initiatives bring much-needed money to locals and let you get up close with monkeys, jaguars and otters while staying in eco-lodges in local communities.
7. A celebration of Olympic proportions: London
It's no secret 2012 is a big year for London. It's Charles Dickens' 200th birthday. There's a Making of Harry Potter studio tour opening near Watford. The Royal Palaces are celebrating The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. And there's a new themed resort hotel opening at Legoland Windsor. The Barbican Theatre is celebrating 30 years of theatre and the Cutty Sark is due to reopen in Greenwich. Oh, and if you're a sporting fan I think you'll find a little event called the Olympic Games is on too.
8. Bike the bridges: New York, San Francisco and Monterey
If you are into urban cycling, have you ever thought about a biking holiday in Manhattan? You can circle the island on 90 per cent traffic free trails these days, biking over Brooklyn Bridge and enjoying the New York skyline from across the river. Over on West coast you can bag the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or take a bike friendly route around Monterey Bay, past the famous Lone Cypress Tree. Blazing Saddles, a family run company, has all manner of bikes for hire, with trailers and tag alongs for kids or an engine for granny.
9. Mad about history: Siene-et-Marne
The charms of Paris are endless, but there's much more around the region than the city highlights. After a visit to the city, why not explore a little further afield? The region of Siene-et-Marne has lots to offer nature, activity and history lovers. In Meaux there are new interactive exhibitions at The Museum of the Great War. In Nestles you'll find the biggest feline park in Europe is purring with life. And in the medieval town of Provins you can indulge your inner actors, rent a costume and join in one of the regular town shows.
10. Slovenia.
Slovenia has love written into its name, its people are friendly and hospitable and its scenery amazing. Right now it's putting active green adventure at the heart of its tourism initiatives. Who needs any more reasons to go?
Stuart runs The Family Adventure Project, a leading family adventure travel blog.
Banish routine. Embrace adventure. Every day. We're about making family life more active, adventurous, creative and interesting through everyday micro-adventures and once in a lifetime experiences.
Stuart and his partner Kirstie are family adventure travel experts with over ten years experience of biking, hiking, ecotouring, roadtripping, and railroad riding with kids. They've done more than 12000 miles of independent family cycle touring in more than 17 countries, and this breadth and depth of experience is shared in their long running blog. Part journal, part inspiration, part wisdom, part nonsense, the blog is a goldmine of hard won lessons, tips, ideas and inspiration for anyone interested in family adventure. We'd love to see you there.
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