From Bali to Europe.
Planning a family vacation can be hard so we are going to make it a little easier for you by sharing the top four countries that GCC holidaymakers are visiting this summer.
A survey conducted by leading travel search site and app Skyscanner revealed that of the 75% of GCC residents who are travelling in the next few weeks, 37.7% are choosing Asia. The other 28% are heading to Europe, while 11.7% are vacationing within the Middle East.
Around 29% of those surveyed specified that they are looking for ‘family friendly’ resorts, with relaxation being a factor for the 26%, with cultural experiences being the third most requested feature.
So click that ‘out-of-office- button and make this summer truly unforgettable with one of these popular hotspots.
Paris, France
Paris has absolutely tons of things for kids to do, from ogling giant whale skeletons at the Museum of Natural History’s Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy Gallery (2 Rue Buffon, open daily 10am to 6pm, entry €7*) to exploring the wonderfully quirky Magic Museum (11 Rue Saint-Paul, open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 7pm, entry €10 for adults and €8 for children), which boasts a collection of more than 100 bizarre mechanical figurines as well as all sorts of curious magic knick knacks. Meanwhile, Parc de la Villette is home to the mother of all playgrounds in the form of the Jardin des Dunes et des Vents, which features giant hamster wheels, a zip line and all sorts of things for kids to clamber over. And then there’s always Disneyland Paris on the outskirts of the city.
Lisbon, Portugal
Simply getting around in Lisbon can be a fun family activity: the distinctive red trams shunt their way past all of the major historical sights, and a day ticket will let guests hop on and off anywhere they like for 24 hours. But even more fun is a ride on one of the amphibious vehicles operated by Hippotrip. The aquatic bus tours the city’s landmarks before taking a dramatic plunge into the waters of the River Tagus. Up on the hill above Lisbon, the eleventh-century Castelo de São Jorge (open daily 9am to 9pm, entrance €8.50) provides some excellent views over the city. Kids will love trying out the 360-degree camera obscura in the Ulysses Tower (10am to 5pm), and there are several galleries showcasing relics from the castle’s past – including traces of Moorish occupation from 1,000 years ago.
Get acquainted with some of the island’s most endearing residents at Monkey Forest, or go on a wildlife adventure to see animals from Africa and all over the world at the Bali Safari and Marine Park – don’t miss the nocturnal magic of the Night Safari. Or make some feathered friends at the Bali Bird Park, home to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species. For perhaps the most iconic Balinese experience, catch the sunset over the ocean at Pura Tanah Lot, one of the most sacred temples in Bali.
Madrid is characterised by intense cultural and artistic activity and boasts museums, galleries and beautiful architecture to feast the eyes on. With numerous parks and food markets, this city is the perfect destination to explore with the whole family.
A local favourite to explore is Mercado de San Miguel, an old traditional market converted into a modern gastronomic experience. The mercado’s greatest asset is the food samples that can be tasted from as little as €1, sometimes even for free, before deciding whether to buy.
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