Top ten family adventure holidays

A beach resort with an activity-laden kids’ club may seem like an easy option for a family adventure holiday, but no matter how many windsurfing lessons, archery classes or treasure hunts are laid on, these holidays exist inside a sanitised bubble. Opt instead for small group or tailor made holidays that get you away from overcrowded holiday hotspots and into wild spaces, where you’ll stay in small hotels and guesthouses that are often family-run, and you can be sure that your money will make a difference to surrounding communities. Adventures take you outside the hotel confines and into jungles, up mountains and down rivers, where you’ll be accompanied by expert guides and instructors who are passionate about sharing their local landscapes and teaching others to protect them, too.

It may be tiny but there’s no shortage of adventurous things to do in Montenegro. Lake Skadar makes an excellent base for families, with opportunities to kayak, fish and go wild swimming in the lake, hike in the surrounding karst landscapes and visit the local wetlands, where you can spot hundreds of bird species such as rare Dalmatian pelicans.

When to go: May-June and September
Our top selling trip: Activity holiday in Montenegro
See all our trips: Family holidays in Montenegro
Read more: Montenegro family holidays guide and Montenegro travel guide

The wildlife wonders of the Galapagos Islands are well-documented. But as well as wildlife-watching you can get down to a multitude of thrilling activities, from kayaking and snorkelling with sea lions to hiking up volcanic craters, along with expert guides who can tailor talks and activities for a younger crowd.

When to go: Year round
Our top selling trip: Galapagos adventure holiday
See all our trips: Galapagos family holidays
Read more: Galapagos multi activity holidays travel guide and Galapagos travel guide

In as little as two weeks you can take the kids from top to tail of Vietnam (or vice versa) for a journey that’s both eye-opening and adventurous. Travel will feature traditional junk boats, three-wheeled cycle rickshaws (cyclos), private minibuses and overnight sleeper trains. Homestays with island communities in the Mekong Delta meanwhile offer an insight into local life.

When to go: November to April
Our top selling trip: Vietnam family holiday
See all our trips: Family holidays in Vietnam
Read more: Vietnam family travel guide and Vietnam travel guide

Forgo the overcrowded streets of Barcelona and instead base yourself in the Catalan countryside for a flexible activity break, where you and the kids can try your hand at mountain biking, kayaking, horse riding and zip lining, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

When to go: November to March
Our top selling trip: Catalonia family mountain biking & activity holiday, Spain
See all our trips: Family holidays in Catalonia
Read more: Family holidays in Catalonia and Catalonia travel guide