subject: Family holiday ideas for 2011 [print this page] With the recession finally abating, you could find lots more opportunities to take the kids on exciting holidays around the world in 2011, rather than having to settle for a budget 'staycation.' If the financial crisis taught us anything, it's that there are plenty of incredible deals to be found when you take time to research your holiday before you set off, which can mean anything from securing cheap flights to looking for countries with a better exchange rate to help your travel money stretch further, such as countries outside of the eurozone.
Even fun-filled family holidays don't have to be expensive or stressful when you book ahead and look for destinations that offer the best value for money. If your kids are too old for Walt Disney World or you're worried about the expense of Florida, there are many cheaper alternatives a little closer to home, such as adventure holidays on the outskirts of Europe. Take teenagers white water rafting down Turkey's Coruh River or climbing at Mount Toubkal in Morocco to enjoy an incredibly different experience only a few hours away by plane.
You're spoiled for choice even when considering something typical like a beach holiday. Countries like Spain and Portugal are still firm favourites for sun-seekers, but relative newcomers on the holiday map are fast catching up, such as Egypt's 'Red Sea Riviera' of Sharm el Sheikh and the idyllic Greek islands, such as Kos and Corfu. If your kids are keen history buffs, visiting ancient cities like Athens or Cairo could also be an eye-opening experience for all the family, and even if you're not enamoured by the relics, you can look still forward to the cuisine.
One sure-fire hit if you're comfortable spending a little more on your family break is a safari holiday in African countries like Kenya or Tanzania. South Africa has also become a top destination for holidaymakers since the nation hosted the World Cup in 2010, and there's plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do when heading along its gorgeous Garden Route.
An even better way to save money on your travels is with a self-drive holiday, especially in places like the USA where petrol is much cheaper than in Europe, and getting around by car is the best way to see the country. You can find many great car rental deals wherever your flight touches down and get started straight away on an American road trip, whether you choose the time-honoured route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City or travel from coast to coast. It may be long and the kids might get restless on some of the more desolate stretches, but ultimately, the sights you see will stay with you for a lifetime.
