Wednesday 23 October 2013

Family holidays in the Balearic Islands

When you are planning a family holiday in Europe, it can be easy to select fail safe options like mainland Spain or Disneyland Paris. There are however, a whole pool of other possibilities. In that vein, the Balearic Islands make a fine choice. You might think these sun drenched islands are all about the clubbing scene, but that’s a far cry from the truth. There is so much potential for a happy and memorable family holiday on these beautiful islands.

Which island to choose
The Balearics are comprised of four separate islands; Menorca, Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Best known for its natural beauty, Menorca is ideal for active families who like to spend a lot of time outdoors. Ibiza on the other hand, boasts some excellent beaches with plenty of hustle and bustle. Formentera has a very simplistic charm and would likely be better suited to older families. Majorca however, offers a combination of all the elements found on the other islands. So, it comes down to the age of your family and the main motivation of your holiday. Whichever island you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Where to stay
There are a variety of different options to consider when deciding where to stay! Depending on the time of year you visit, there can be some exceptional deals. Of course, travelling outside of term time will often see a leap in prices so bear that in mind. Villas are perfect if you prefer self-catering and your own space; it also has the added benefit of free parking. For families with young children, hotels can be a great choice. If you choose to go all inclusive, this is a good way of cutting holiday costs. Plenty of activities are usually on offer too.

Fun activities to enjoy
A chain of islands floating in the Mediterranean naturally provide plenty of coastal fun. From paddling in the gentle waves to getting stuck into water sports, there’s something for all. What activities are available away from the beach however? You’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of ways your family can have fun here. Why not try a glass bottomed boat trip? You can spot marine life, enjoy a delicious lunch and go snorkelling. The variety of water parks across the islands always go down well. For evening entertainment, consider going to a pirate show. They get fantastic reviews and mainly take place on Majorca and Menorca.

Getting around the islands
How you choose to navigate your chosen island really depends on a number of elements. How comfortable are you navigating public transport? Will you have a lot of belongings with you during the day? Do you intend to stay in towns or explore further afield? Will you find timetables restrictive? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself. As a general rule, public transport is limited to buses.  They do run frequently and tickets are well priced. If you intend to use them every day though, costs can soon add up. Economy Car Hire is well worth considering if you prefer the freedom and flexibility of your own transport.

Food, drink and day to day necessities
Taking your children abroad can be a nerve wracking experience when it comes to food and drink. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a worry when in the Balearic Islands. You will be sure to find a menu choice that every member of the family will be happy with. That said, it’s also a wonderful destination to expand everyone’s tastes!  When it comes to essentials, there are plenty of shops stocking well-known brands and local equivalents. There is no need to pack an obscene amount of toiletries and snacks – you’ll likely find what you need when you arrive.

This is of course a brief introduction to family holidays in the Balearic Islands. Hopefully it is has piqued your interest to consider a break here. All of the islands are truly beautiful with plenty on offer for holidaymakers of all ages!

Bio: Kerri Ware works for Economy Car Hire, a holiday car hire broker based in the UK. They provide car hire all over the world from the Balearic Islands to New Zealand. Prices always include with a free additional driver and built in excess insurance so you can be sure of great value!

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