Holiday & Travel

With the news that more children are turning into David Attenborough's Planet Earth II than the X-Factor* (frankly, you'd have had to be hiding like a baby iguana under the hot Galapagos sand to have missed it), family travel operator, Stubborn Mule has compiled what their top global wildlife experiences are, according to passenger feedback (parents and children). 

Visitor arrivals from the UK to Tenerife are set to exceed 2 million in 2016 for the very first time following a bumper year with unprecedented growth. Over 1.55 million visitors from the UK travelled to Tenerife between January to September 2016, representing a remarkable 19.9% increase compared to the same period last year. These figures, released by the Tenerife Tourism Corporation, demonstrate the continued strength of the UK market to Tenerife, which remains the island's largest source market, accounting for 36.9% of all its visitors.

Get out and about in NSW this Summer with a nature-inspired escape, be it relaxing in a bush cottage, a high country hiking trip or a camping and kayaking eco-escape. From the coast to the country, NSW is one of the most unique places in the world for nature experiences. NSW offers travellers almost 2,000 km of golden sand beaches, hundreds of pristine National Parks, reserves and state forests, and some of Australia's most treasured world heritage-listed sites to discover and explore.

Volunteering Journeys has introduced a collection of family friendly volunteering holidays, perfect for groups with under 18s who want to enjoy an immersive experience of local life and culture in the destinations they visit. Family trips are available in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and South Africa and are planned with durations of one to three weeks, perfect for school holidays. The itineraries are suitable for all ages, including young children and have been designed so that there is easy access to the popular tourist sites to enjoy during free time in the evenings and weekends 

Mauritians enjoy Christmas celebrations in a lively, tropical atmosphere with average temperatures of 26ºC. At this time of year, the amazing flame trees are in full bloom with their brilliant red flowers and local towns and villages of this multicultural island are lit up with Christmas decorations. The festivities will be in full swing at Veranda Pointe Aux Biches near Grand Baie, where a schedule of Christmas activities has been organised for guests.

There is nothing quite like experiencing a Yukon winter. For some, it's breathing in the white-clad beauty. Others hear the absolute silence. Some demand the physical challenges. Others exalt in the Northern Lights. But everyone wants the unforgettable memories. From Autumn to Spring, when darkness comes to Yukon skies, the Northern Lights come out. You can see a thousand pictures of the aurora borealis and still not be prepared for your first sight of the real thing – or your second, or your hundredth; the show is never the same twice.

This December, escape the UK and enjoy an alternative Christmas break with a trip to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto.  The home of over 15 UNESCO world heritage sites is transformed over the holiday period into a twinkling haven for shopping and sight-seeing alike, and Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB) has rounded up the city's highlights for a December break this year.

Offering great value, the new breaks feature unique or VIP 'behind the scenes' experiences and guided sightseeing with special access to famous landmarks, accompanied by a local expert guide.   The featured hotels are centrally located with easy access to the city, and are mostly four star rated to offer premium accommodation, with a range of facilities and breakfast included.   Although many elements are included, customers have the flexibility to make their own travel arrangements to join the breaks.

Skydive into your private luxury lodge, sleep in a four-poster bed under the stars in the outback, get a graffiti lesson in Melbourne's laneways or go on a scenic flight with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw as your pilot. There are few places on earth as diverse and action-packed as New Zealand and Australia and Head of Australasia at Jacada Travel, Katie Holmes, is thrilled to take people to see a side to these countries that few have experienced before.  

The Carlyon Bay Hotel, near St Austell in Cornwall, has beaten more than 200 other contenders to win a national 'Bring the Kids' award in a black tie gala ceremony that took place in Bedfordshire on 14 November. Organised by the Best Loved Hotels group which annually inspects all the quality hotels it showcases throughout the UK and Ireland, the award recognises Carlyon Bay's exceptional family facilities. 

Get set to be inspired by HRH Prince Harry's imminent Caribbean Tour of seven countries including several 'paradise islands'. On 20 November Prince Harry sets off to Antigua & Barbuda to represent his grandmother, HM The Queen, and the tour coincides with three of the Caribbean countries celebrating milestone independence anniversaries.

With winter quickly approaching, are you dreaming of a bright Christmas with sunshine, mild weather and postcard-worthy scenery? Leave the snow shovels at home and escape with your family this holiday season to Monterey County. From traditional tree lightings to yuletide carols to a twinkling boat parade, the destination boasts celebrations and festivities for residents and visitors alike, creating unforgettable holiday moments.

There is just over 1 week to go until the new immersive Christmas Light Trail opens at Blenheim Palace. On Friday 25 November, the hour-long family friendly experience will open to visitors. The first trail takes place at 5pm with the last walk leaving at 8pm. Visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance, as some nights are already sold out!

Situated between a long, scenic beach and a freshwater lagoon, bordering the historic Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological site, the resort introduces a new level of luxury and refinement to the region, allowing discerning guests to discover the unique charms of southern Oman. Conveniently located just 15 km from Salalah International Airport, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara sits within easy reach of an abundance of cultural treasures and thrilling escapades.