Family Summer Destinations and What to Pack

The Maldives is a dream destination for so many families and, contrary to popular belief, there is also plenty for kids to see and do as well — after all, Dhigurah (one of Noonu Atoll’s 71 idyllic islands) boasts one of the world's biggest floating waterparks! And then there are the islands’ natural wonders. Getting up close to the incredible range of tropical fish, including shimmering blue surgeonfish, bluestripe snappers and parrotfish, is something they'll never forget, made easier with our colourful range of goggles. For older kids, there is the option of coral planting to help renew and protect the islands’ precious reefs. Or how about visiting a glow-in-the-dark beach? Baa Atoll, Vaadhoo, Mudhdhoo or Rangali Island all have magical bioluminescent sands! Pack lots of swimwear for endless warm-water frolics; the brighter, the better for gorgeous tropical photos you'll love to look back on.

Don't forget to pack: 
Noise-cancelling headphones for seaplanes and speed boats; UV400 sunglasses; a sun hat; flippers and a snorkel.

For a small island, there is so much for families to see and do in Mallorca! Stunning beaches, historic villages with cobbled streets and exciting food markets are all on the itinerary, and we've got our compass pointed towards the next must-visit destination on our list: Pollença. This picturesque town in Mallorca's north coast has plenty of sights to see, history to soak up and places to kick back and relax. Both kids and parents will enjoy exploring the local beaches, a beautiful port, open-air restaurants and ancient buildings. The weekly markets are also packed with delicious food and souvenirs, and there's the fabulous Alcudia Waterpark a short drive away, so be sure to pack their swimwear, towel ponchos and flip-flops. For anyone feeling adventurous, the Calvari Steps — all 365 of them! — leading off the main square, is perfect for kids and teens who need to burn off some energy! The panoramic view at the top is worth the climb, just make sure they are wearing their comfiest pair of summer shoes for adventures on foot.

Don't forget to pack: 
A sturdy pair of sandals or trainers; soft towelling ponchos for the beach; smart outfits for dinner in the town square; a bag for souvenirs.

If their idea of a vacation is less sand and siestas and more action and adventure, then our next stop is one to add to your shortlist. Yosemite National Park is nestled amongst California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and boasts crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and awe-inspiring rock formations. This is the perfect place to immerse kids in nature and they'll be able to get up close to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Dressed in their comfiest outfits and with a bag packed full of essentials — camera, tick! Water bottle, tick! Binoculars, tick! — they’ll make lots of memories visiting the park’s giant redwood trees, El Capitan mountain and plentiful beauty spots. And after a day of exploring, you can choose to stay in a charming lodge for a bit of home-from-home luxury or pitch up under the stars in one of Yosemite’s many camping locations. Either way, the kids will love sitting around the campfire in their pyjamas, toasting s’mores and telling tales of the amazing things they’ve seen and done before heading off to bed.

Don't forget to pack:
A cap to keep the sun off; comfy walking shoes or sandals; sunscreen and insect repellent; a backpack for all their essentials.

Hopping back over the pond, the final stop on our tour takes us to Italy’s Tuscan capital for a vacation that ticks all the boxes for a family getaway — history, architecture, food, shopping, and activities galore — and this spectacular city is just the right size for exploring with kids in tow. Head to the stunning Piazza del Duomo, which never fails to amaze with its dramatic black and white marble cathedral, visit the famous art galleries, stroke the snout of the city's lucky boar, Il Porcellino (don't worry, kids, he's made of bronze) and sample every flavour of ice cream from a gelateria — La Strega Nocciola is our recommendation for more unusual flavours! And if you want a change of scene, the beach is a short train ride away. In their beach bag, be sure to pack easy-breezy layers in cotton and linen, sun-protective swimwear and a pair of UV400 sunglasses. Perfetto!

Don't forget to pack:
Comfortable sandals for exploring; UV400 sunglasses; refillable water bottles; a sun hat to beat the heat!