Lonely Planet Reveals Top 10 Beach Holidays for Families
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Lonely Planet has released a book named "Travel with Children" that serves as a comprehensive guide for planning a family vacation. Since heading to the beach is a tradition of many families around the globe, the book includes a listing of top ten beach holiday destinations that cater to families of all sizes. The winner of the best family-friendly beach is Costa del Sud in Sardinia, a white sandy beach that boasts clear waters and plenty of space for sunbathing and playing in the sand. Unlike other beaches around Italy, the beaches in Sardinia are not very crowded and tend to stay clean year round.Other top destinations, according to Lonely Planet's family vacation guide, are: Cottesloe, Australia; Durban, South Africa; Karon Beach, Thailand; Kauai, Hawaii; Aitutaki, Cook Islands; Noosa, Australia; Tavira, Portugal; Sayulita, Mexico; and Sanur, Bali.
From family-friendly theme parks to water sports and aquariums, the world's best beaches offer a wealth of fun activities and experiences for all members of the family. Some of the traits and characteristics of the most family-friendly beaches include easy access to a safe beach town, friendly locals, relatively quiet, shallow waters for young children to swim in, and easy access to local attractions. Some beaches are also within walking distance or a short drive from world-renowned museums, family entertainment centers, theme parks and science centers.
While planning a beach holiday may not be at the top of the agenda for many families during these tough economic times, many can plan ahead for next summer season and explore exotic locales such as these top ten destinations around the globe. Budget-conscious travelers can find some great deals on family vacation packages when they book several months in advance, and some hotels offer free overnight accommodations for children with a paying adult, or free kid's meals for the entire length of the vacation as incentives to book early.