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Once Summer is here...people take holiday off work to enjoy family outings, attending events, beach plans, weekend getaways, and most of all traveling!!!
But traveling with kids is much different..you can't just pack your backpack and go...it's not that easy!!!
Lots of parents don't even recommend it!! But according to others...if u planned it well, picked the right family destination...then you are bound to have a fabulous family trip.
Traveling with kids can be so much fun!! HOW?
You just have to have realistic expectations of what vacation will be like with your little ones :)
But traveling with kids is much different..you can't just pack your backpack and go...it's not that easy!!!
Lots of parents don't even recommend it!! But according to others...if u planned it well, picked the right family destination...then you are bound to have a fabulous family trip.
Traveling with kids can be so much fun!! HOW?
You just have to have realistic expectations of what vacation will be like with your little ones :)
Now...what are the most recommended family destinations based on both my PERSONAL experience along to our FEM MEMBERS tips and shares??
Here's our selected Options:
Here's our selected Options:
Turkey
1 - Istanbul
We LOVED it!!
Lots of walking & sightseeing required and thus might be tiring for young toddlers especially if you are going for a short trip visit and wants to squeeze seeing or checking all major momentum's in just 4-5 days!!
YET it is CHILD friendly with lots of huge public parks and playground, walking around TAKSIM!!
We LOVED it!!
Lots of walking & sightseeing required and thus might be tiring for young toddlers especially if you are going for a short trip visit and wants to squeeze seeing or checking all major momentum's in just 4-5 days!!
YET it is CHILD friendly with lots of huge public parks and playground, walking around TAKSIM!!
1-Marmaris:
we traveled to Marmaris almost 5 years ago...I was 12 weeks pregnant...I really liked it walking barefoot on the clean beach...jumping from 1 restaurant / pub to the other...it's fresh and clean in the morning but wild and crazy at nights..non stop beach parties and loud music...so definitely not oriented for families with young toddlers!!
we traveled to Marmaris almost 5 years ago...I was 12 weeks pregnant...I really liked it walking barefoot on the clean beach...jumping from 1 restaurant / pub to the other...it's fresh and clean in the morning but wild and crazy at nights..non stop beach parties and loud music...so definitely not oriented for families with young toddlers!!
Marmaris bay- boat trip & Castle visit
2-Fethiyeh/ Oludeniz:
On the other hand, Oludeniz which was 2hrs drive from Marmaris, is a family must go to destination!!We stayed in 5* Belecekiz Beach Club / all inclusive hotel & it was an awesome experience!!! From the clean suits to the friendly staff - tasty food and non stop Entertainment..making you feel guilty for going out if the hotel!! Which had access to the beach..you can pick a bench and enjoy incredible sunset or the lovely walk!! A tourist attraction market alley located right behind the hotel...we use to walk it every night and watch all types of people and lots of different cultures!! On our last day we walked to the Bay & waw what a thrilling experience...you pay per what you rent (table -chairs -chaise lounge -towels...) then you can choose what water activities you like: we did paddling for 1/2 hr and swimming around...it was a relaxing and nice trip with lots of families around!!
TIPS: highly recommended!! I loved it so much that I can't wait to try it again with the kids :) visa wasn't required. Total expenses around $3000/couple / week. all inclusive!!
On the other hand, Oludeniz which was 2hrs drive from Marmaris, is a family must go to destination!!We stayed in 5* Belecekiz Beach Club / all inclusive hotel & it was an awesome experience!!! From the clean suits to the friendly staff - tasty food and non stop Entertainment..making you feel guilty for going out if the hotel!! Which had access to the beach..you can pick a bench and enjoy incredible sunset or the lovely walk!! A tourist attraction market alley located right behind the hotel...we use to walk it every night and watch all types of people and lots of different cultures!! On our last day we walked to the Bay & waw what a thrilling experience...you pay per what you rent (table -chairs -chaise lounge -towels...) then you can choose what water activities you like: we did paddling for 1/2 hr and swimming around...it was a relaxing and nice trip with lots of families around!!
TIPS: highly recommended!! I loved it so much that I can't wait to try it again with the kids :) visa wasn't required. Total expenses around $3000/couple / week. all inclusive!!
5* Belecekiz Beach Club / all inclusive hotel
3-Bodrum:
WOW (world of wonders) hotel-all inclusive hotel!!!
Enjoyed by Both kids and parents:there are activities for children and adults also!!
4-Antalya:
- Either book all inclusive hotel such as: Club Med Palmyie... excellent choice for families & place is like a small paradise.(where kids enjoy the activities, animation and you are not even obliged to leave the hotel)
- or rent a furnished apartment
both cases...There are parks and playgrounds on every corner and the people there are so child-friendly.
WOW (world of wonders) hotel-all inclusive hotel!!!
Enjoyed by Both kids and parents:there are activities for children and adults also!!
4-Antalya:
- Either book all inclusive hotel such as: Club Med Palmyie... excellent choice for families & place is like a small paradise.(where kids enjoy the activities, animation and you are not even obliged to leave the hotel)
- or rent a furnished apartment
both cases...There are parks and playgrounds on every corner and the people there are so child-friendly.
Egypt- Sharm el Sheik: (or Aqaba- Jordan):
Suitable for all ages...Kids love playing on the sand and beach. Amazing resorts and activities but not recommended during peak summer times!
Suitable for all ages...Kids love playing on the sand and beach. Amazing resorts and activities but not recommended during peak summer times!
U.A.E
1-DUBAI
Our BEST TRIP EVER for it was our very first family trip with my eldest who back then was 1 years & 7 month old & I was 5 month pregnant!!
I had to travel alone ahead of my hubby so it was a bit tiring & challenging 4.5hrs trip...but I was staying at my family house so they made it up :)
We really enjoyed the experience.. lots of open outdoor parks - metro - malls & restaurants were all stroller friendly and well equipped!! Each and every Mall we visited had nice family rooms for changing and BF which made my experience smoother!!
Our BEST TRIP EVER for it was our very first family trip with my eldest who back then was 1 years & 7 month old & I was 5 month pregnant!!
I had to travel alone ahead of my hubby so it was a bit tiring & challenging 4.5hrs trip...but I was staying at my family house so they made it up :)
We really enjoyed the experience.. lots of open outdoor parks - metro - malls & restaurants were all stroller friendly and well equipped!! Each and every Mall we visited had nice family rooms for changing and BF which made my experience smoother!!
Going around Dubai Malls - Public Gardens & Water parks
2-AL-AIN:
Then we took 2hrs drive to Al Ain..much calmer, relaxing and with lots of open space but with less activities to-do!!
My son super loved the Zoo park (you can rent a stroller) and we also had a small camel farm visits :)
TIPS:Visa required via hotel or family members..
Then we took 2hrs drive to Al Ain..much calmer, relaxing and with lots of open space but with less activities to-do!!
My son super loved the Zoo park (you can rent a stroller) and we also had a small camel farm visits :)
TIPS:Visa required via hotel or family members..
CYPRUS:
There are many beautiful beaches-ancient ruins -museums and sites.
1-Limassol & Larnaka:
suggested hotel: Aquapark
There are things to see...If you like to have other options to break the beach days or enjoy your afternoon around the area: enjoy a nice long beach walk, visit the renovated zoo, check the new marina full of boats,or enjoy the good restaurants!!
2-Ayia napa: Makronisos Village Excellent and has bungalows for around 50$ per night..but area is Very touristy....Mostly suitable for couples (lots of beach parties & wild night life)
3-Protaras (highly recommended by many): The area is so family friendly....
Hotel Capo BAY: very nice since & located in a wide beach area
**Suggested tips:
There are many beautiful beaches-ancient ruins -museums and sites.
1-Limassol & Larnaka:
suggested hotel: Aquapark
There are things to see...If you like to have other options to break the beach days or enjoy your afternoon around the area: enjoy a nice long beach walk, visit the renovated zoo, check the new marina full of boats,or enjoy the good restaurants!!
2-Ayia napa: Makronisos Village Excellent and has bungalows for around 50$ per night..but area is Very touristy....Mostly suitable for couples (lots of beach parties & wild night life)
3-Protaras (highly recommended by many): The area is so family friendly....
Hotel Capo BAY: very nice since & located in a wide beach area
**Suggested tips:
- Accommodation:Either rent a villa or furnished apartments: very well-equipped especially for kids (baby/ cot - play park - toys...)
- Booking: Online Via travelocity, bookcyprus, expedia (lower price than Local Lebanese travel agency)
- Duration: not more than 3 days.. as there's nothing much to do besides beach & hotel!!
- Visa: Required
- Tickets: $260/person via Middle East airlines
GREECE:
Mon Repos is great option: It's a Villa located on the Island of Corfu...You can enjoy Archeological museum visit
*TIPS: MEA is a direct flight if going too Athens... Aegean is cheaper, but it stop over Cyprus.
Madrid:
You can rent a stroller -lots of amusement parks & Zoo visit is recommended...
*TIPS: Rent an apartment or villa (cheaper than a hotel room)!!
More freedom:kids get to play freely without annoying other hotel guests...
kitchenette: To cook or prepare healthy food or snacks for the kids (especially if you are staying same area for a long period)
Upper Europe: very child & kids-friendly (longer travel distance...)
Germany-Holland-Hungary:
Perfect weather during our Summer times...
Black Forest-Germany: is recommended: It's a mountainous region in Southwest Germany-bordering France.... well known for its dense evergreen forests and picturesque villages...you can easily spend your days playing in their huge parks, hiking and picking blackberries.
Mon Repos is great option: It's a Villa located on the Island of Corfu...You can enjoy Archeological museum visit
*TIPS: MEA is a direct flight if going too Athens... Aegean is cheaper, but it stop over Cyprus.
Madrid:
You can rent a stroller -lots of amusement parks & Zoo visit is recommended...
*TIPS: Rent an apartment or villa (cheaper than a hotel room)!!
More freedom:kids get to play freely without annoying other hotel guests...
kitchenette: To cook or prepare healthy food or snacks for the kids (especially if you are staying same area for a long period)
Upper Europe: very child & kids-friendly (longer travel distance...)
Germany-Holland-Hungary:
Perfect weather during our Summer times...
Black Forest-Germany: is recommended: It's a mountainous region in Southwest Germany-bordering France.... well known for its dense evergreen forests and picturesque villages...you can easily spend your days playing in their huge parks, hiking and picking blackberries.
In the end remember... if you go out with your positive vibes, good spirit and attitude... then you are bound to have the best family vacation ever :)
Have a great summer!! Don't forget to stay connected with US and join our FAMILY COMMUNITY...
Have a great summer!! Don't forget to stay connected with US and join our FAMILY COMMUNITY...