Top 3 Tours That Not Only Feel Good - they Do Good

When it comes to family travel, finding an authentic way to immerse your kids in another culture is always a challenge. But if the thought of sitting on yet another theme park tour bus rates L for Lame, then a no-holds-barred, cultural adventure could just fit the bill. As less and less of us are temped by a 'fake break' where our kids are charmed away by nannies and nurtured in a corner of the resort well out of ear-shot, I'm offering a round-up of the best specialist led environmental tours that won't scar and pollute the natural beauty you come looking for - a visit with your kids might even help. 

1. South Africa Sacred Sites Hikes

Southern Africa's San Bushman - 'the Khomani'- are genetically linked to all the peoples of the earth. They are the First People. Yet Southern Africa's ancient & prehistoric Sacred Sites are being degraded at an alarming rate. Now The Sacred Site Foundation of Southern Africa (SSFSA) is setting out to protect ancient & prehistoric Sacred Sites around Table Mountain, the Western Cape & Southern Africa. And they do this by organising Sacred Site day hiking tours lasting from 2 hours to several days. The Sacred Site Foundation of Southern Africa - led by author & researcher Dean Liprin - is working hard to advise, research, protect, develop and raise public consciousness about the prehistoric sacred sites and heritage of South Africa. The culural hikes are a big draw for visitors interested in more than sundowners and simply topping up their tan.

2. Whale Watching

Whales Worldwide specialises in small group excursions and each whale watching adventure includes first class accommodation and private transfers as well as the services of a qualified and experienced guide throughout. 

With over twenty five years' experience of observing marine wildlife Nic Slocum combines his expertise and passion for adventure, wildlife and the environment by offering exclusive, fully guided whale watching adventure tours worldwide. "From swimming with Humpback Whales off the Dominican Republic or Tonga to close encounters with Pacific Gray Whales in Mexico or Southern Right Whales off Patagonia...our sole objective is to achieve, quite literally that 'once in a lifetime' encounter." Nic told me. An authority on the threats facing these unique marine mammals, Nic Slocum has reviewed whale watching guidelines around the world and established one of the most comprehensive codes of conduct for boat based whale watching operations. His education and first-hand knowledge of the animals make him a simply outstanding environmental and educational leader. 

3. Phillipines Home Stays

  

A new and fast growing homestay network, run by Flip Flop Tours Inc., provides adventurous travellers with a front row seat into this unique and welcoming culture. FlipFlop's aim is to give visitors an experience very different to what they might find in their own country. For only 600PHP (that's just £9.50 or $15) per night, travellers get to live like a local, staying with a Filipino family, experiencing their way of life. Homestays can be booked online and are located in the islands of Malapascua, Bantayan, Palawan and Bohol around the Philippines. The Filipino-New Zealand team who operate Flip Flop Inc. is led by Anna Cleal, who first travelled to the Philippines for civil engineering work in 2008, and was amazed that so little was known about this tropical paradise. She has made it her mission to encourage more travellers to hit the Philippines shores in ways that benefit local communities. "Often beach resorts have serious environmental impacts and pop up in areas where the average income is $1 per day," Anna Cleal told me. "The homestay program aims to direct money into the heart of some of these communities, as well as hoping to provide travellers with more of an experience."

Bucket List Trips to Tanzania

 

My good friends at small group tour operator Encounters Travel today launched a selection of eight brand-new tours in Africa, which offer a wealth of once-in-a-lifetime experiences... from gorilla trekking and white water rafting in Uganda, to searching for big game in remote Zambia and kayaking on Lake Malawi.

Another destination they tackle extensively is Tanzania - a country famed for Mt Kilimanjaro, tallest mountain in Africa - as much as its wildlife, and especially during the great migration. Here are my two top tips for exploring Tanzania. Both options offer a combination of raw, bucket-list adventure with the comfort of staying in quality hotels and lodges. And if - like me - you care about leaving a positive impression and impact on the countries you visit, it's worth knowing that every project you book contributes to local projects on the ground.

Explore East Africa 

Encounters Travel is offering a brand-new Savannah & Sands tour of Tanzania (with a touch of Kenya thrown in) Available for travel throughout 2013 from £1399 ($2910) per person, the price includes airport transfers, 11 nights’ varied accommodation in hotels, lodges and safari camps on a mixed-board basis, all entrance fees as well as a local tour guide throughout. Flights are excluded. Offering a perfect mix of wildlife and relaxation, this tour provides a great introduction to East Africa. Arriving in Nairobi, head south across the border to Arusha, gateway to the wildlife heart of Tanzania, followed by a Serengeti safari, making stops at the Ngorongoro crater, home to an unrivalled density of wildlife, and Olduvai Gorge - said to be the birth place of man! After the wildlife experience head towards Zanzibar, via the mountain town of Lushoto. Visit historic Stone Town and its spice markets, then relax at the beach and enjoy a spot of swimming and snorkelling, before finishing in Dar es Salaam.

Climb Africa’s Tallest Mountain

Experience stunning panoramic views on one of the world’s most renowned walking routes, on a Classic Kilimanjaro Trek with Encounters Travel. The adventure specialist is offering this iconic climb of Africa’s tallest mountain from £1099 ($2290) per person in 2013. The price includes airport transfers, seven nights’ varied accommodation in hotels and mountain lodges on a full-board basis, all entrance fees as well as a local tour guide throughout. Flights are excluded. This trek takes guests on the popular Marangu route, which steadily climbs through rainforest, heath and moorland, stopping at Zebra Rocks, so-called because of its distinctive black and white stripes, before reaching alpine desert in the saddle of Kilimanjaro. After six hard and breathless days, the group finally reaches Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) - nicknamed the ‘Roof of Africa’.

Hassle Free Mallorca for Family Travel

Great holidays in Europe don't have to stop when you have children. Scattered around the Mediterranean are breezy alternatives to the lemming-like tourist route of dusty B&Bs, stuffy museums and stately homes. One of my all-time favourite family travel destinations is the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca.   

 

 

 

 

The stunning Sierra Tramuntana mountain range here was recently awarded Unesco world heritage status. And it's here across the plains and pine-clad hills of Mallorca that traditional fincas are being transformed into 'agroturismos' which offer everything from five-star glamour to family-friendly apartments, all with delicious R&R as standard.

Celebrating their 25^th anniversary, Mallorca Farmhouses have perfected the family holiday over the years and now offer a variety of add-ons to ensure a hassle-free and fun-filled time is had by all. Each of its properties come with a private pool, maid service and starter pack, and nearly all have complimentary internet connection. Private catering, babysitting and a ‘pamper by the pool’ mobile spa treatment service can be arranged on request. For playground-weary parents in need of a much needed Easter break Mallorca Farmhouses have got some fantastic rates on rural retreats starting from just £517 ($814) per week (which equates to just £86 or $135 per person) 

 

 

These include: 

 

Burgues (sleeps six) is a quaint three-bedroom villa in the seaside town of Pollença offering dramatic cliffs, scenic countryside and golden beaches. A comfortable family villa with modern kitchen, garden terrace and large pool surrounded by a sweeping south facing lawn, guests will feel at home in this relaxing suntrap setting. Children will enjoy competing at outdoor table tennis and with horse riding and a water park within easy reach, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained. With meandering paths leading into rural paradise and Puerto Pollença just a short drive away, Burgues offers families the best of both worlds. Prices in Easter 2013 start from £517 ($814) per week, which equates to £86 ($135) per person.

Cas Teuler Petit (sleeps nine) is a beautifully restored four-bedroom farmhouse nestled in the Son Van valley and just minutes from the beaches of Cala d’Or. Cas Teuler Petit is perfect for parents seeking family-fun in a relaxed environment, boasting plentiful outdoor space with floodlit gardens, a shaded area for children to play in and an inviting pool with Roman steps, ideal for little ones attempting their first paddles. The outdoor dining and barbeque area is great for family meals while the spacious living room and modern kitchen provide a comfortable haven from the sun’s warm rays. Prices in Easter 2013 start from £694 ($1093) per week, which equates to £78 ($123) per person.

Hortets de s’Horta (sleeps six) is a three-bedroom stone-clad cottage set within easy reach of the sandy coves in Cala d’Or and against a backdrop of distant mountains. With a private pool beckoning to be splashed in, a brick-built barbecue for lunch alfresco and table tennis, the whole family will enjoy hours of outdoor fun. Featuring exposed beams, a fully-fitted kitchen with large dining table and pristine bedrooms, Hortets de s’Horta is an ideal choice for parents in need of a little luxury. Prices in Easter 2013 start from £779 ($1227) per week, which equates to £130 ($205) per person.

 

 For further information and bookings, contact Mallorca Farmhouses

Doing Good & Having Fun: Holidaying in Tanzania

You know that when it comes to travel with children I'm huge on encouraging families to 'travel with a purpose' and to help put the money you spend back into the pockets of those who need it most

Now my friends at bespoke agency Shadows of Africa - who arrange sustainable safaris and tours throughout Africa - have launched their own dedicated 'Traveling with Purpose' package, combining four of its most popular itineraries with time spent at a local orphanage.

With a unique focus on making a positive contribution to the destinations visited and lasting impact on local people en-route, the new Traveling with Purpose packages are designed to sate a thirst for adventure with the chance to spend time giving back. Combining an exploration of majestic Tanzania with the opportunity to meet new people, become immersed in a vibrant new culture and help those who need it most, Shadows of Africa's 2013 Traveling with Purpose itineraries will benefit the Kibowa Orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania.

Natasa Fras, CEO told me, "Our new Traveling with Purpose itineraries are a unique chance to see Tanzania through the eyes of an explorer, an adventurer and an individual whose little act of kindness means the world to the people encountered. Anyone can book a place on a Traveling with Purpose package and help by spending time with the children, sharing their skills or simply engaging in a daily activity. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to volunteer without the luxury of taking six months off work and to see Africa up close and personal, delving beneath the façade to discover what really makes the iconic landscape, cultures and people tick."

In addition to volunteering at the orphanage, a proportion of the cost of the trip is devoted to the centre, helping to cover the daily cost of food for Kibowa's 44 children as well as schooling, shoes, housing and supplies. Shadows of Africa has already placed each of the 44 children in a private school, which provides classes in English, and purchased books, clothes and daily meals.
 

Holidaymakers can choose from eight, 13 and 18 day tours. Option one couples two days at the orphans centre with an awe-inspiring Kilimanjaro climb, safari and several days relaxation on Zanzibar's spice island. Set over 18 days, this itinerary can also be enjoyed over an eight day stay.

Ms Fras added, "All of those who have enjoyed a Travel with Purpose itinerary so far are still connected with us, helping to raise funds and promote the orphanage. Travel to Tanzania could be life changing. Whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime, a gap year abroad or simply need a holiday, you can make a difference when you travel, not only for yourself but for the people and places you visit."

 

TOP TEN HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS FOR KIDS & THEIR PARENTS: LOS ANGELES

I spend a lot of time in the City of Angels exploring the best places to travel with your kids, and this is one city that knows how to have a devil of a good time when it comes to Halloween. From the world’s largest Halloween street party to family-friendly Halloween events at museums and other cultural institutions, spell-binding attractions and spine-tingling nightlife, LA is the Capital of Fright and Delight. 






Here's my pick of the fiendish fun and spooky scares:  

1.    The West Hollywood Carnival (31^st Oct)
Mingle with the mortals at this famed Halloween street party celebrations, drawing more than half a million people to revel in the streets around the Santa Monica Boulevard. The free carnival also includes a pet costume contest, ‘Drag Racing’ – relay races for people dressed in drag, and pumpkin carving competitions.

2.    Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood (dates until 31^st Oct)
Southern California’s most terrifying and exciting annual Halloween event, Universal Studios Hollywood hosts a set of spine-chillingly haunted attractions with five new unrivalled film production-quality mazes, including one by legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper. A new signature backlot attraction ‘Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead’ takes daring visitors behind the scenes to the historic Universal backlot where the horror film genre was born.

3.    Dearly Departed Tours (daily, year-round)
Dearly Departed offers various tours that explore the twisted underbelly of Los Angeles, everything from celebrity scandals and deaths to horror film locations and infamous crime scenes. Options include Hollywood’s Tragical History Tour and the Helter Skelter Tour. Just for Halloween, Dearly Departed will take guests on a Halloween tour devoted to world-famous horror film locations around Hollywood and Pasadena.

4.    Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Long Beach (select dates until 31^st Oct)
With a reputation as one of Los Angeles’ most haunted places, enter the harbour to witness blood-curdling attractions on ship and shore with mazes, monsters, and 20-foot tall flames. The annual event will host guests with potent potions, devilishly good food and riveting live entertainment.

5.    Annual King Tut’s Tomb at the Egyptian Theatre (27^th Oct)
Dubbed the biggest Halloween party in Hollywood, party with Egyptian queens and pharaohs in the classic courtyard illuminated with red and amber lighting at this red carpet moonlit masquerade party. Party-goers can boogie in classic Hollywood style to the tunes of three DJ. The event will also showcase a dazzling laser and lightshow, dance floors – including the Haunted Pyramid Dance Room, go-go dancers and a Halloween costume contest.


6.    Haunted Museum at the Natural History Museum (28^th Oct)
The theme for the 9^th Annual Haunted Museum is ‘Land of Awes’, a family-friendly event where guests can help put the Scarecrow back together, watch a performance by Dancing Flying Monkeys, learn about marine fossils from Kansas City, see tree frogs in the Enchanted Rainforest and go on a scavenger hunt to find the ruby slippers.

7.    Los Angeles Haunted Hayride at the Old Zoo at Griffith Park (dates until 31^st Oct)
One of the city’s most idyllic locations by day with fantastic views over the city, Friffith Park is the backdrop for one of LA’s creepiest locations on select October nights. This tour takes thrill-seekers on a night ride through abandoned cages and habitats set deep in the dark woods of Griffith Park. Also returning to the Haunted Hayride experience is the ‘In Between’ dark maze where visitors are given a small lantern to find their way through amongst unknown creatures in the shadows. A sideshow area includes magic shows, psychics and a house of mirrors.

8.    Old Town Haunt (select dates until 31^st Oct)
Descent into the dark basement of the historical Union Savings Bank Building for a devil of a good time; sealed off for decades, it is reported to be haunted. Enhanced with detailed sets from Hollywood shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones, visitors will find this attraction truly spook-tacluar.

9.    Halloween Silent Film at the Walt Disney Concert Hall (31^st Oct)
Film buffs will enjoy visual chills accompanied by live aural thrills when silent film ‘Cat & The Canary’ is shown. The film is about the wealthy Cyrus West whose will is read to his relatives who spend the night in his mansion and are stalked by ‘The Cat’, a mysterious escapee from the local asylum. This 1927 classic silent film is accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s organ to add a suitably eerie musical backdrop.

10.  Halloween & Mourning Tours at Heritage Square (28^th & 29^th Oct)
A two day event where visitors can learn about Victoria era death and mourning etiquette and participate in a funeral inside one of Heritage Square’s historic homes. See how other cultures celebrate and remember their loved, find out what hair jewellery is, and consult fortune tellers. Children can play period games, make 19^th century harvest crafts, choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to take home and carve, bob for apples and listen to spooky stories by the San Gabriel Valley Storytellers.

For more information on Los Angeles and the latest from its neighbourhoods, visit www.discoverlosangeles.com, like on facebook at www.facebook.com/losangelesfan, and follow on Twitter @discoverLA

The Maldives: The Best Place to Travel with Kids For the Perfect His, Hers & Theirs Getaway

 

When you're planning family travel with children in tow it’s hard to please everyone. I think I've come up with the perfect solution for the best place to travel with the kids, so  the whole family can have a stress-free ‘His, Hers & Theirs Holiday’. 

Her idea of a perfect holiday is absorbing as much Vitamin-D as possible, immersed in a good book, a smiley man with a tray, the clinking sound of ice in a glass and the smell of soothing coconut oil.

His idea of a perfect holiday is high-octane, adrenalin pumping thrills, venturing off to discover new lands, getting in touch with the culture and mixing with the locals. 

   Their idea of a perfect holiday is noise, hubbub and proximity to a video screen, sugar and plenty of kidcentric pampering. 

Sound familiar?  The Maldives may just have the answer to your family travel prayers... 

h

 For Him:

Get a taste of true Maldivian culture on a local island tour to explore the fishing village, visit the mosque, primary school and meet the locals. Vilu Reef participate in a community involvement project so guests can also donate supplies to the local school children

Slice the waves on a catamaran or take an exhilarating ride on a wake board, as well as lots of other adrenalin-fuelled activities at the resort’s watersports centre

 Experience the thrills of traditional hand-reel fishing aboard a dhoni boat and savour the sweet taste of success as Vilu Reef’s chef prepares the day’s catch to perfection

Snorkel the resort’s amazing house reef, or dive deeper into the ocean to reveal hidden treasures and a myriad of colours of the Maldives’ rich underwater life

For Her:

• Surrounded by shimmering pools of emerald and sapphire water and bathed in swathes of golden sand beaches, this unspoilt island is a beach-lover’s paradise
• At Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort there’s an infinity pool with huge sun deck overlooking the lagoon and ocean, plus plenty of cheery waiters to bring cocktails, fresh fruit juices or tasty snacks. A tranquil Sun Spa, hidden away in the lush greenery of the island, offers a huge array of relaxing massages, holistic and Ayurvedic treatments, facials and scrubs to indulge yourself in.

Travelbag (www.travelbag.co.uk) offers seven nights at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort from only £999 per person in June 2013. The price includes return flights from Heathrow with Qatar, accommodation in a garden villa on a half-board basis, resort seaplane transfers, taxes and surcharges. Book by 31 March 2013.

For Them:

Located on breathtaking Mudhdhoo Island - northwest of the capital Malé - Dusit Thani was newly opened in February.  The resort boasts 46 Beach Villas, two Beach Residences, 30 Lagoon Villa with Pools, 20 Ocean Villas with Pools and two Ocean Pavilions.  Extensive facilities include the largest pool  in the Maldives, pool bar, over-water and grill restaurants, elevated spa, tennis courts, dive centre and numerous water activities in and around the resort.  It is just 35 minutes travel time via sea plane from Malé International Airport. Dusit Thani Maldives is a Preferred Boutique Resort, the first in the Indian Ocean.

Now the Devarana Spa at the Dusit Thani Maldives has launched a bespoke spa programme exclusively for children aged between 6 and 14 years old called “happiness for the little one”. The brand new a la carte spa menu comprises of five specialist treatments, all of which have been carefully designed to balance energy and engender pure relaxation. Treatments available include: 

Happy Feet (60mins): Relieve tired and weary feet from swimming and snorkelling with peppermint foot soak, followed by a jolly foot massage using cheery green grass scented lotion.

Lavender Lullaby (60mins): This calming and balancing head treatment starts with warm lavender oil hair mask and ends wonderfully with a relaxing Ayurvedic head massage to promote sweet dreams at night.  

Magical Massage (60mins): Mix your own magic potion from the exquisite selection of aromatic oils. Then use it for the ultimate relaxing massage from top to toe.  

Pretty Sweet Hands (60mins): Indulge in the sweetest pampering starting with chocolate & caramel hand wrap, followed by a hand massage using floral-scented lotion and a mini manicure. Pick your favourite glittering and island dream nail colours for the perfect beach chic style.

Spalicious Treat (90mins): The yummiest body treat for young souls. Spoil your body and mind with a total flavourful and unwinding journey that begins with a warm chocolate milk foot soak, followed by a soft lavender coconut cupcake rub, and ends delightfully with a mellow oil massage. 

For the Entire Family:

This unique group tour takes in a plethora of idyllic islands, allowing you a chance to experience the highlights of this tropical paradise, with the freedom to move around, explore and meet the locals. Visit deserted islands, sand bars, coral reefs and the best swimming and snorkelling spots. Experience true Maldivian culture and cuisine staying on a local island and then finish the tour at The Royal Island Resort & Spa where facilities include two restaurants, four bars, a spa, watersports and PADI dive centre.

Prices start from £999 per person, to include nine nights’ varied accommodation staying a night in a Malé hotel, three nights on board a yacht, two nights in a local island guest house and three nights in a five-star villa resort, all on a mixed-board basis with snorkelling gear provided and the services of a local tour leader throughout.

Prices do not include international flights. 

Contact Encounters Travel (www.encounterstravel.com)

Your unwanted currency helps fight child poverty

If, like me, you travel with small children,  it's good to know that now we can give something back to kids  less fortunate than our own. The Children’s Society has today launched a new partnership  with Travelex Foreign Currency Services that will see  unwanted holiday currency, foreign coins and notes turned into  vital funds to help some of society’s most  disadvantaged children. Two thirds of travellers return from abroad with foreign currency and the average holidaymaker returns home  with just over £28 in notes and coins. This new partnership hopes to raise over £25,000 in the next year that will go towards helping hundreds  of vulnerable children simply through collecting unused currency. Just 5% of people ever change the foreign money back into sterling.  Worse still, 17% admit they have thrown away the money on returning, rather than be lumbered with loose change.  Only 4% donate it to charity, even though it is easy to hand it over to good causes.

Visa Europe estimates that UK travellers amass on average more than £900m unused foreign currency a year. Collection boxes are located at all 84 Children’s Society shops, and collection pouches can be provided for  offices, schools and churches.   For your nearest Children’s Society shop  please visit The Children’s Society or call their supporter care team on 0300 303 7000.