TRAVELOKIDO MAGAZINE VOL.2 by travelokido

TRAVELoKID

Vol.2

JAPAN Kid-friendly itinerary & budget

ITALY Dolce Vita with a toddler onboard

SOUTH AFRICA Insider guide for explorers with children

AUSTRALIA Story by the Travelokido founder

CROATIA Surprising destination

SRI LANKA True stories

MALDIVES The best family-focused resorts

Team Elena Cheremisenova - Editorial Director @elena_chere_ Giselle Larkins - Copy Editor Alisa Vigovska - Illustrator If you are interested in working with TraveloKido, please contact us at info@travelokido.com We absolutely love collaborating with creative people, travellers, amazing brands and travel companies.

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Destinations in volume #2

CANADA cover photo

UNITED KINGDOM p.10

BARBADOS p.13

ITALY p.35

CROATIA p.15 MALDIVES p.60

SOUTH AFRICA p.56

MAURITIUS p.11

JAPAN p.28

SRI LANKA p.18

AUSTRALIA p.44

TRAVELOKIDO.COM

Contents 9 12 The edit

Volume #2

18 44 destination Sri Lanka

10 EXPLORING

19 EXPERIENCES

Be amazed by unexpected kidfriendly travel experiences around the globe

The best things to do in Sri Lanka with kids

12 FASHION Stylish beach essentials for little travellers

20 PLANNING Find out what to expect in Sri Lanka with little kids on board including food, transport, game driving and much more

24 DESTINATIONS

13 TREASURE BOX

Explore the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most authentic destinations

Explore the best beaches of Barbados and Vis Island

26 INTERESTING TO KNOW Exciting facts for kids about animals you can find in Sri Lanka

27 SAFARI IN SRI LANKA 4 TRAVELOKIDO.COM

A travel story about what it is like to go on safari in Sri Lanka with a five-year-old child

Cover photo by @darelistfamily http://darelist.family/

itinerary & travel journal Insider budget guide 28 JAPAN ITINERARY See this simple, yet action-packed 9-day itinerary for Japan. It includes must-haves and off the beaten path suggestions.

33 BUDGET Discover how much a vacation in Japan will cost for a family of four.

36 ITALY This itinerary includes it all; spectacular Amalfi Coast, timeless Rome and surprising Cinque Terre.

44 AUSTRALIA A tested family-friendly itinerary to Far North Queensland for true explorers.

56 SOUTH AFRICA A seriously helpful insider guide to Cape Town and its surrounding areas.

Familyfriendly stays 60 MALDIVES The best resorts in the Maldives for families with children for the most relaxing vacation you could imagine.

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Join the friendly TraveloKido community on Instagram, and meet like-minded parents exploring the globe with kids

Check out our collection of useful tips, inspiring ideas and simply beautiful travel photos on Pinterest

Tulum, Photo by @thejetsettingfamily Southern Utah. Photo by @gparrish

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Gillian Harvey

Kate Jervis

@wherearewegoingtomorrowtravel

@bigdreams.littleus

Gillian, her husband Michael, and their two little girls Sophie (4) and Chloe (1), set off in April last year on a full-time adventure around the world. The couple is from Ireland but have lived in Australia for the past seven years. Gillian and Michael decided to take the leap and travel while the kids are young and before they have to start school; to show their daughters the world and to watch them grow and learn.

Kate and Tom, and their two girls, six and one, are a very well-travelled family based in the UK. Even after an around-the-world trip, Kate and Tom call Barcelona their favourite city. Raising strong-willed and independent daughters, they always look forward to the next adventure.

In this issue, Gillian generously shared the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valuable experience of travelling across Sri Lanka and gave tips on how to plan a trip there with young children. (see page 18)

For this issue of Travelokido Magazine Kate told us a story of their adventurous yet childfriendly safari in Sri Lanka. (see page 27)

Danaily Belaunzaran @travelingalmas Danaily, Jean and Izabela are a wanderlust family of three, expanding their hearts and minds everywhere they go. Both Danaily and Jean work full-time in the software field and at every opportunity they have, they are off to explore the world. Their dream is to be able to trade the cubicles for an adventure around the globe. For this issue Danaily prepared a very useful list of must see and try experiences on the west coast of Italy. (see page 36)

Aaron Petz @JoyChasers The JoyChasers are a family of five travelling the world in search of strong connections, kind hearts and adventure. You can hardly find them at home, the family would rather be climbing Machu Picchu, sailing the Red Sea, or just getting gelato in Italy. For this issue Aaron prepared an exciting insider guide to South Africa (see page 56)

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Photo by @amberfillerup

the edit Discover | Shop | Explore

Family friendly travel experiences around the world Stylish beach essentials for boys and girls Best kid-friendly beaches in Barbados, the Caribbean, and Vis Island in Croatia

Flic En Flac Beach, Mauritius Photo by Artiom Vallat @virussinside

LEARN TO FLY AT ALNWICK CASTLE Join the resident wizarding professors and take part in one of the famous Broomstick Training sessions, at the very spot where Harry had his first flying lesson in the film production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Broomstick Training sessions last approximately 25 minutes and take place at various times

ENGLAND

daily. Also, you’ll love that sessions are free with your entry ticket.

travel experiences LEGOLAND If you’re looking for family holiday destinations in southern Malaysia with kids, or visiting Singapore, LEGOLAND Malaysia is

CROATIA

a theme park certainly worth adding to the must do activity list. There is also the LEGOLAND Hotel and a full LEGOLAND waterpark which now makes it a very viable holiday activity with two or three kids. LEGOLAND Malaysia is all about the rides and the fantasy concept that everything can truly be made out of LEGO. LEGOLAND Water Park is worth saving for an entire day to explore on its own. There are 20 waterslides, a wave pool, and, most impressive, the lazy river course that runs around the park with giant pieces of floating LEGO so you can build right on the water. At least one night’s stay in the LEGOLAND Hotel really is a must if you want the complete LEGOLAND experience. Legoland Malaysia is about an hour away from Singapore and about four hours away from Kuala Lumpur (KL). Causeway Link operates daily buses that depart KL at 7am and leave from Legoland at 6.30pm. From Singapore, you can take the Singapore Flyer. It has daily departures at 9am and 10.30am and leaves LEGOLAND at 5.15 and 6.45pm.

BRIJUNI ISLANDS, FOR DINOSAUR LOVERS Scattered just off Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, the Brijuni archipelago offers sun-dappled Adriatic escapes, but also claw-marks of the past. The biggest island, Veliki Brijun, is home to Brijuni Cretaceous Park, where some 200 dinosaur footprints, stamped into the rocks, recall the giants who roamed here around 145 million years ago.

MALAYSIA

Alnwick Castle, photo courtesy of Alnwick Castle Brijuni National Park, Croatia, photo by @jennyseaves Legoland Malaysia, Malaysia, photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Malaysia

PAT A LION AT CASELA WORLD OF ADVENTURE

MAURITIUS

There's something for all ages and personalities at this park. Spend your time zooming across zip lines, getting a closer look at area wildlife on a safari, or cooling off in one of the hidden swimming spots among the many canyons. The Casela World of Adventures, which spans 14 hectares, is also a zoo and has 1,500 birds along with monkeys, hippos, zebras, and giant tortoises. A trip to the dry forest section and its beloved Black Ebony tree is a memorable, educational experience for the whole family.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

We had an absolutely fantastic day and will remember meeting the big-cats for the rest of our lives.

fashion

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For boys Get these classic kiddy beach essentials and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go to the beach! The best memories are made there!

6 1. Washed cotton boy's hat, Amazon US$10.25 2. Polarised sunglasses, Amazon US$24 3. Long sleeve rash guard, minnow, US$52 4. Boy's navy star board shorts, minnow, US$56

5. Beach racket set, Amazon, US$19 6. SurfDurt Original Eco Friendly Sunscreen, Amazon US$20 7. Ultra-soft, absorbent beach poncho, Kindhood US$42

Barbados THE MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY AND MOST EXCITING BEACHES IN BARBADOS Words by Katja @globetotting

Mullins Bay

Paradise Beach

One of the most popular beaches along the west coast, Mullins Beach, is a good option for kids as the sea is usually calm. The long stretch of golden sand is perfect for building sandcastles, and there are water sports on offer and sun loungers and umbrellas to rent. The only downside is that it can be crowded.

Lesser known than some of the other Barbados beaches is Paradise Beach, which you can access by walking south from neighbouring Batts Rock Beach. It got its name from a hotel that operated here until the 1980s, and is wonderfully peaceful today. The perfect tropical getaway.

Bathsheba Located on the east coast of the island is Bathsheba, a favourite spot for locals at the weekend. The spectacular coastline is home to some of the island’s best surfing, and attracts surfers from all over the world. The waters are too rough for swimming, particularly for kids, but it’s still worth visiting this truly beautiful beach that is perfect for collecting shells and rocks. The huge boulders washed up on the beach are, in fact, rock formations that have broken away from an ancient coral reef.

Paynes Bay Located on the west coast, Paynes Bay is considered one of the island’s best beaches, not only for the calm Caribbean waters but for the colourful neighbourhood. Most exciting is the chance to snorkel with turtles in the bay.

Crane Beach Regularly topping the scoreboard of the world’s best beaches is Crane beach, a long, wide stretch of pinkish sand backed by swaying palm trees and limestone cliffs. Although not a brilliant beach for swimming (it’s better for boogie boarding), it’s still worth visiting as it really is that pretty.

Accra Beach Lively and popular with the locals, Accra Beach is fun to visit. The water stays shallow a long way out, which is ideal for young kids. There can sometimes be a bit of surf here as well so kids can jump the waves or ride a boogie board (there are boards to rent).

For girls

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Sundaise Sophie cowgirl hat, Swimweargalore USD$19 Swimsuit, DOT DOT SWIM, USD$50 Pamela Kid sunglasses, Illesteva, US$99 Natural Turkish cotton towel, Amazon US$16 Sunnylife travel 4-in-1 set, Ebay, US$17

Croatia

Favourite beaches on Vis Island for kids Words and photo by Lauren @kidstravellibrary Every beach on Vis Island is gorgeous and the summer water is warm and crystal clear. Whilst you need a car to get around to many of the beaches on the island, it's also relatively inexpensive to hire a boat for the day to get to some of those hard-to-reach places. Here are our favourite beaches on Vis Island for kids:

1. 2. 3.

Srebrna Beach - also known as the "silver beach", Srebrena has beautiful clean water, smooth rocks, plenty of shade under lush pine trees, a small canteen and beach chairs for rent. It is one of the most popular beaches on Vis (and for a reason!) but don't let that deter you - even in the peak of summer there is plenty of space for everyone. Stoncica Beach - close to the town of Vis, Stoncica is a sandy beach that is shallow for about 30m from shore, making it a great place for kids (big and small) to swim. Amenities include a hip canteen/bar, free toilets and a small soccer pitch. There are not a lot of places to sit in the shade whilst you watch the kids in the water, so make sure that you slip, slop, slap! Lucica Beach- whilst not as picturesque and tranquil as some of the other beaches on Vis, Lucica's small beach bar and close proximity to the gorgeous town of Komiza make it a convenient and excellent option if you're staying at that end of the island. TRAVELOKIDO.COM

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SRI LANKA The material about Sri Lanka was prepared before the tragic events on April 21st, 2019. We deeply regret the tragic loss of lives. As of May 2019, we do not recommend to travel there with children. However, we hope that one day Sri Lanka will again become a safe destination and you will be able to use all the tips and advice given in the article.

Sri Lanka is a tropical and incredibly diverse island that can offer family holiday makers everything from pristine sandy beaches to world class wildlife safaris, amid ancient Buddhist temples and lush green hills dotted with tea plantations.

Destination in focus

Mirissa, Sri Lanak, photo by @WhereAreWeGoingTomorrowTravel

Things to do in Sri Lanka with kids 1. See leopards

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka has the highest population density of leopards in the world! If you want to see a leopard, there is no better place.

2. Ride the Train The trip from Ella to Badulla (an hour one way) is arguably the most picturesque, and there's a large Buddhist temple within walking distance of the train station there.

3. See wild elephants In Sri Lanka, there are many national parks where you can see wild elephants. Even better, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go into a national park. They simply pass the main road during early morning or late afternoon.

4. Explore Tea Plantations The tea plantations are a magnet for tea lovers and anyone who is interested in the colonial history of Sri Lanka, or enjoys stunning landscape views. Nearly all the tea plantations will offer guided tours, or allow you to walk through the estate. Some will even let you pick the tea leaves and roast them.

5. Get crafty Visit an arts and crafts shop hidden in Galle Fort and learn the history of traditional Kolam mask making in Sri Lanka before your host guides you through creating your own.

Interesting Fact Even though Sri Lanka is an excellent beach destination on its own, it can be combined easily with the Maldives. So you can have a week of exploring in Sri Lanka, before settling down to island pace in the Maldives.

Map of Sri Lanka by Alisa Vigovska

6. Learn to cook 7. Relax Try out your culinary skills in a traditional Sri Lankan cookery class. Learn about the spices that are among the world's most complex and flavoursome - memorable curries, great spicy condiments and desserts!!

After a good swim, enjoy some time at the spa, trying Ayuverdic treatments while the kids spend a few hours at the kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club.

TRAVELOKIDO.COM

Sri Lanka is by far one of the coolest, most diverse and enriching places to travel to and should be high up on any travel bucket list. But planning a trip there with kids raises lots of questions. Thanks to our contributor, Gillian Harvey, who explored the island with her husband Michael and two little girls Sophie (4) and Chloe (1), the majority of the questions are now answered.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka with kids? Everything you need to know

Which National Park in Sri Lanka would you recommend visiting to travellers with children? We visited two parks, Udawalawe and

The main difference is at Kaudulla you only really come across

Kaudulla. Udawalawe is four and a half hours from Colombo. Here we saw a large range of different wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys,

elephants, but there is a much larger number of them. We saw groups of up to 20 elephants and also a large group with over 150 elephants in it. Kaudulla is five hours from Colombo. You can opt

elephants, water buffalo, peacocks, snakes and much more. We glamped at Kottawatta Village

for a morning or afternoon safari or an all-day safari. We chose a half-day safari as the full day one would have been too long for our

and they organised the safari for us.

children and they would have become restless.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

We saw groups of up to 20 elephants and also a large group with over 150 elephantsâ&#x20AC;? Gillian TRAVELOKIDO.COM

Did you have any issues finding food suitable for your children? The only issue you may have is finding pouches of baby food, but there is plenty of fresh fruit available everywhere. Nappies and baby wipes are also cheap and easy to find. When ordering food for the children in restaurants we had to emphasise for it not to be spicy. They ate lots of roti, rice and noodles. Most places will also serve western food. The food is very reasonably priced with plenty of options in each place. Children’s snacks and goodies are also easy to come by. There are lots of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls in every town.

What was the most memorable experience in Sri Lanka for your little girls? Both our girls loved the safaris and being so close to the elephants in their natural environment. We even saw a wild elephant at the side of the road one day when driving from Udawalawe to Ella. Our driver pulled over and we watched him. They also loved meeting and playing with the local children

“

The Sri Lankan people have been some of the friendliest we have met on our travels.’ - Gillian

along the way. We had dinner one night with a little boy who was six. His mum worked in the restaurant we were eating in so we invited him to join us, and Sophie was amazed watching him eat his spicy curry with his hands. It’s moments like this we love as they are learning about different cultures and how they live. As a thank you, the little boy gave her a watermelon for letting him join us. It was such a sweet moment. The Sri Lankan people have been some of the friendliest we have met on our travels.

“

the Ella to Kandy train is not to be missed” - Gillian

How did you move around? We used the train when it was a viable option, and the Ella to Kandy train is not to be missed. We also hired cars through the Pick Me app which was very cheap for the shorter trips. Tuk-tuks are everywhere and we used them for short and local transportation. For some of our longer trips we hired a driver for the day. We just negotiated a price with local drivers on the day. You can also hire a driver for the length of your trip and they stay with you. Usually most hotels have driver’s accommodation. A driver is roughly $60AUD per day. TRAVELOKIDO.COM

Sri Lanka Itinerary Gillian and her family had a 3-week trip to Sri Lanka and were fortunate to see the island’s most authentic destinations. Here is a list of things they did at each of them. COLOMBO - We walked around the town and visited Galle Fort for sunset and kite flying. GALLE - We visited the light house, the clock tower and watched the sunset from the fort walls. This little town is filled with lots of boutique shops and restaurants. UNAWANTUNA - It has some of the nicest beaches in Sri Lanka, We visited the famous tree swing for some fun. We saw lots of surfers out on the huge waves. MIRISSA - Here we went on a whale watching tour to see blue whales. It was amazing but a bumpy ride so bring sea sickness tablets. We visited the beach. It’s filled with beach bars and restaurants and the waves were so strong they came all the way up to the shore. Coconut hill is great for sunset - it’s so beautiful. We had the nicest local food at Number 1 Roti shop. UDAWALAWE - We stayed in a safari tent in Kottawatta village, which was really good. It had a playground, two big swimming pools and lovely grounds. We visited Udawalawe National Park for a 6-hour safari and covered most of the park. We’ve seen many elephants, monkeys, water buffaloes, crocodiles, peacocks, snakes, lizards, turtles, and lots of types of birds. It was such an amazing experience. ELLA - we loved Ella. It is a very busy town filled with tourists but it has the most beautiful views. Here we climbed Little Adam’s Peak. There are many other hikes you can do but they were too challenging with our little ones. We visited the nine arch bridge and Ravana Falls, where we boarded the famous train. NUWARA ELIYA - we did a tour of some tea factories and tasted the most amazing teas. We also visited some water falls and saw lots of wildlife and views on the drive. We had high tea at The Grand Hotel and explored the town.

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KANDY - Here we visited the Temple of the Tooth and the museum, had a walk around the lake, town and botanic gardens. SIGIRIYA - Here we climbed Sigiriya Rock, took a cooking lesson and went on a safari to Kaudulla National Park. We ended our trip in Negombo as this is the closest town to the airport. It’s a small township with restaurants, shops and a beach. There’s not a lot to do but it’s handy for a night or two before or after a flight.

Gillian, Michael, Sophie and Chloe set off in April last year on a full-time adventure around the world to explore, grow and learn. The couple is from Ireland but have lived in Australia for the past seven years. Gillian and Michael decided to take the leap and travel while the kids are young and before they have to start school.

About the family Follow Gillian and the family on Instagram @WhereAreWeGoingTomorrowTravel

Animal spotting in Sri Lanka Interesting facts to read with kids

LEOPARD Leopards are excellent swimmers. They spend most of their time in trees and can easily climb. Leopards are super fast. They can reach a speed of 36 miles per hour (58 kilometres/hour) and can take horizontal leaps of 20 feet (6 metres). The leopard is the smallest, yet the strongest of all the big cats. Leopards may be cats, but they will usually bark if they have something to say. Their tail is almost as long as their bodies.

WATER BUFFALO

ELEPHANT Elephant ears radiate heat to help keep these large animals cool. An elephant's trunk is actually a long nose with many functions. It is used for smelling, breathing, trumpeting, drinking, and also for grabbing things especially a potential meal. The trunk alone contains about 100,000 different muscles. Elephants are fond of water and enjoy showering by sucking water into their trunks and spraying it all over themselves.

CHITAL (SPOTTED DEER) Deers can turn their ears in any direction without turning their head. Deer can hear sounds that human canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Deer also have extraordinary smelling ability. They can smell food from a large distance. They live in grassy plains and woodlands in herds of up to 200 animals. Deer can also swim, even in deep waters.

Water buffaloes are the second largest type of wild cattle that can be seen in the wild. Males have larger horns than females. Water buffaloes can run very fast when they are faced with danger. The average speed of a water buffalo is 30 miles per hour (48 kilometres/hour).

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TOQUE MACAQUES

Toque macaques are only found on the island of Sri Lanka and they are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. They eat a wide range of food, including fruit, leaves, crops and insects. They live in groups of about 20-25. The groups have a strict hierarchy, with higher ranking monkeys getting the best feeding spots. When the groups get too big, they argue a lot until some monkeys leave the group to start their own. They get their name from their funny looking hair on top of their heads which looks like a brimless hat called a toque.

“I don’t think I will ever forget the look on my daughter’s face. It was sheer happiness” - Kate

I want to see elephants!

a travel story about Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka Words by Kate Jervis | Photo by @hohhoyyt

Sitting around the dinner table one winter’s night, we asked our four-year-old daughter what she wanted out of our trip to Sri Lanka. We had been ploughing through piles of travel magazines and online articles, in hope of inspiring her. Expecting the usual comment about the beach or copious amounts of ice cream, she replied “Elephants. I want to see elephants”. After hours of research, we decided that our best chance of seeing the incredible creatures was at Udawalawe National Park, a four-hour drive from our hotel. Sri Lanka may look small, but short distances take a surprisingly long time to travel by road. Also, Udawalawe had a reputation for almost guaranteed elephant sightings. Other National Parks were certainly nearer, and in fact cheaper and easier to get to, but we had to give our five-year-old explorer the best opportunity to achieve her goal. We also read that the vegetation in Udawalawae was less dense, allowing for more uninterrupted views. We were sold. The accommodation around Udawalawe is really varied, ranging from luxury hotels with swimming pools, glamping in the wilderness, and basic guesthouses. We decided to stay as close to the park as possible, choosing a small guesthouse with supposedly amazing food (we’re food people)! We would stay for one night and visit the park once, for approximately three hours. After quite a long journey we arrived at our little guesthouse, wondering whether it was all worth it. Gayan welcomed us with one of the big friendly smiles we had become accustomed to in Sri Lanka. He said that our jeep was waiting for us, and our exhausted little traveller instantly sprung to life. It was probably no more than five minutes into our surreal journey that our driver and guide started chatting rapidly in Sinhala. They had told us we may see peacocks, water buffalo, crocodile and monitor lizards, so we waited anxiously to see what they had spotted. “Elephant! Elephant!” we heard the driver exclaim. The engine cut out and the three of us peered in the direction of the pointed hand. Stood barely 5m away was the desired elephant.

I don’t think I will ever forget the look on my daughter’s face. It was sheer happiness. She sat in silence for a couple of minutes, just taking it all in. It is no exaggeration when I say we saw another 40, over the space of a couple of hours. So many so, that to our little elephant enthusiast it was like spotting dogs on a walk to our local park. We saw the sought after ‘tuskers’ and a calf feeding from its mother, barely a few metres from the jeep. Udawalawe had excelled itself. The diversity of the park landscape is phenomenal. Lush jungle, expansive plains and a sparse, dried out reservoir, owing to March being at the end of the dry season. It meant that every stage of the trip was varied and interesting. Each time the driver turned off the engine and we took in the sounds of the wildlife a around us, we appreciated not being surrounded by other visitors. We returned to our guesthouse at sunset, absolutely sweltering, yet ecstatic. It had been better than we ever could have imagined. The following morning, we were treated to a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast of string hoppers (egg noodles), rice, sambol (coconut and chilli) and curry. Gayan asked our daughter what she wanted and she said liked eggs and cucumber (kids)! Five minutes later he returned with a plate of boiled eggs and salted cucumber. We are lucky that she isn’t a picky eater, but wherever we went in Sri Lanka, our hosts specifically asked her what she wanted to eat. She was treated like royalty wherever we went. Going on safari is always a gamble and no amount of research can predict what your own trip will be like. It was a wonderful experience for us, well worth the long drive and the heat. The beauty of Udawalawe and its elephants will stay with us all for a long time.

TRAVELOKIDO.COM

JAPAN Itinerary and budget

Tokyo, photo by Ippei Naoi

9 days / 8 nights in Japan with kids Visiting Japan with kids can be an incredible experience if you plan well. This extraordinary country is packed with theme parks, sights rich in history, anime characters and dazzling cityscapes. Japan is extremely safe, with excellent public transportation and new sights, sounds and tastes to behold around every corner.

Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Fushimi Inari-taisha Kiyomizu-dera Temple Gion district Arashiyama: Iwatayama Monkey Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Okochi-Sanso Villa, 40 m by train LEGOLAND, Nagoya, 1 h 55 m by train -

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex Tokyo Tower Ghibli Museum, 40 m by train Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum and factory, 1h 5 m by train Fuji Q Highlands, 1h 25m by train Edo Wonderland, 3 h 10 m by train

Universal Studios, Osaka, 1 h 10 m by train 2 h 20 m

Tokyo

Kyoto

TRAVELOKIDO.COM

TO DINE Ninja Akasaka Restaurant “If your kids are in any way, shape, or form interested in ninjas (for grown-up kids are as well) this is a must stop. Duck down through dark and mysterious narrow passage ways into your own private booth escorted by your personal ninja. Food is good. Magic show is a hoot” Tripadviser user

Day 1 - 4, Tokyo Tokyo is a great place to travel with children. It’s safe, clean and there are lots of kid-friendly attractions. The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation will certainly will be one of your destinations, along with the Tokyo Tower. If you don’t want to travel too far, do the sights on the west side of town, including Shibuya and the Fire Museum. For an authentic dinner experience try Ninja Akasaka Restaurant. There are also amazing destinations outside of Tokyo based on your family preference. In Tokyo’s western suburbs you’ll find the one-of-a-kind Ghibli Museum - a fantastic and whimsical museum dedicated to the legendary Studio Ghibli film studio. Katsushika City has been home to many of Japan’s toy manufactures for a long time. So perhaps it’s no surprise there’s a dedicated museum - Shibamata Toy Museum. If you don’t mind leaving Tokyo to explore the surroundings, here are a few exciting places not to missed with kids. Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum, where kids from 6 years old can make their own noodles at Chicken Ramen Factory Fuji Q Highlands - a large amusement park with Mount Fuji as a background. In addition, it features some of Japan's fastest, tallest, longest and steepest roller coasters. What is a better way to view Fuji than from a roller coaster that's dropping at 172 kilometres per hour (106 miles/hour)? Fuji Q Highlands is about an hour and a half from Tokyo by train.)

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Edo Wonderland in Nikko - a theme park dedicated to bringing visitors the culture and atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1867). The park recreates a small Edo town with actors and actresses playing roles for attractions, restaurants, and services. The park is located 3 hour ride by train from Tokyo.

Experiences

Edo Wonderland â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ninja show was fantastic and the best ever.â&#x20AC;?

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DiverCity Tokyo in Odaiba A Life-size Unicorn Gundam statue and Bandai Co shop dedicated to selling, building and painting plastic models of robots from its popular Gundam franchise.

Studio Ghibli Museum

HOT TIP Tickets to Ghibli Museum can be harder to get than tickets to the most popular live concerts and sporting events. This is partly because the tickets only become available once a month through the main ticket suppliers, Lawsons

4 5 6

Sumo Training Morning Training Sumo Stable Tour

Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum is a fun and interactive museum in that shows the history of instant ramen noodles using a combination of whimsical exhibits and hands on workshops.

Fuji Q Highlands A large amusement park with Mount Fuji as a background.

and JTB. You will have to be ready to purchase them at exactly 10am on the 10th of each month. Tickets for the entire month might often be sold out within 30 minutes to an hour. Luckily, Voyagin offers much greater flexibility than other ticket providers. They offer both a pre-order service and are the only provider to offer a last minute ticket service.

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Day 5 -9, Kyoto Take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs ¥13,080 (to save on the trip you can use a Japan Rail Pass). Best described as Japan’s cultural heart, it was the capital of Japan for more than 1000 years. It’s a wonderful spot to introduce children to temples and zen gardens. The secret for keeping children happy in Kyoto is to mix “high-culture” attractions (temples, shrines, gardens and museums) with more child-friendly attractions.

HOT TIP Okochi-Sanso Villa Be sure to hold onto the ticket they give you, because it will get you a nice cup of green tea and a sweet after the garden tour.

Jishu-jinja and Otowa-no-taki In the afternoon visit Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Around Kyoto, there are loads of kimono rental stores. It’s a popular activity for many Japanese and foreign tourists to do an outfit and walk around Kyoto. The experience involves renting a kimono and getting their hair and makeup done in traditional style. Interestingly, the service is available for boys as well, offering really cute outfits. Iwatayama Monkey Park and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove On your second full day in Kyoto, travel west to the Arashiyama district, where you can enjoy two great child-friendly attractions: Iwatayama Monkey Park and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you enter the bamboo grove, it’s like entering another world. It has an ethereal feel to it even though there’s loads of people around. At the top of the hill in the Bamboo Grove, you will see a small hut and a road leading up the hill into the forest. This is the entrance to the superb Okochi-Sanso Villa, the former home of a wealthy Japanese actor. The garden here is sure to delight adults and children will enjoy exploring the many secret paths. Enter the villa and take your time exploring the garden. Based on your interests, on your third day you can easily get to either LegoLand in Nagoya or to the Universal Studios in Osaka. Kiyomizu-dera Temple Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the most entertaining temple for children (and for many adults) in Kyoto. Once at the temple, be sure to visit the TainaiMeguri (if the kids aren’t claustrophobic or afraid of the dark). Fushimi Inari Shrine Certainly you’d love to see the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. The whole journey through the gates will take about 3-4 hours but there is a Uturn available for little, tired legs. Just keep in mind that it’s not a stroller friendly and will require steps. There are lots of yatai food stalls selling lots of yummy and cheap street food at the base of the shrine.

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HOT TIP Fushimi-inari Buy some fox masks to wear while you walk around. Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers so there are lots of fox statues around the shrine. Kids will love searching and finding as many foxes as possible.

How much will it cost? As always we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just talk about places worth visiting. We give you detailed information about prices to expect. Adult, US$

Child (6 - 12), US$

280

140

Day trip from Edo Wonderland Tokyo

Fuji Q Highlands

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Free

Okochi-Sanso Villa

Legoland

Universal Studios, one-day pass

TO MOVE AROUND Train Metro

7-day Japan Rail Pass A day pass for unlimited use of Tokyo Metro TO SEE AND DO National Museum of Emerging Science

Tokyo

and Innovation Tokyo Tower Observation Decks, Main Deck (150m) Ghibli Museum, (free admission for children three years and under) via Voyagin

Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum, entrance + factory

Kyoto

Day trip from Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Accommodation budget for a family of four

Generous

Option

Destination

Accommodation

Tokyo, 4 nights

MIMARU Tokyo Akasaka Japanese-style apartment

Kyoto, 4 nights

Price, 2 adults + 2 children

Anenishi-an, Japanese-Style Townhouse TOTAL:

Option Destination

Tokyo, 4 nights

Kyoto, 4 nights

US$1,153 US$1,476 US$2,629

Price, 2

Accommodation

adults + 2 children

Comptoir Shinjuku 410 Apartment Holiday home Kyoto Yadomachi Wakamiyagojo TOTAL:

US$636

US$593 US$1,229

Economy

3. Indulgence

Option

Destination

Accommodation

Price, 2 adults + 2 children

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, Park Suite Tokyo, 4 nights room Kyoto, 4 nights

US$6,785

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, One Bedroom Hotel Residence

US$10,841 TOTAL:

US$17,626

Indulgence

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Toddler-friendly Dolce Vita 16-day itinerary in Italy By Danaily, Jean and Izabela @travelingalmas

TRAVEL SUMMARY Travel Style

Classic-luxe dolce vita

Trip lengh

16 days/ 15 nights

Start/Finish

Rome

Recommended season

All year round, best May - June, September October

“

The coastal trip from Sorrento to Salerno will leave your mouth open and your ﬁlm exposed Danaily TRAVELOKIDO.COM

The toddler-friendly experiences Danaily, Jean and Izabela liked the most

Visiting Orto dei Pecci in Siena. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a farm with a view of the city, as well as a restaurant. Perfect for the kids to play and see the animals, while the parents can relax and enjoy a bottle of wine.

3. 4.

Kayaking in Cinque Terre. With the kayak, they take you to a spot that only kayaks

and small boats can reach and you have homemade focaccia bread and local wine with the tours.

Playing in the sunflower fields of Assisi. Going hot-springhopping in Florence. We visited Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo.

5. 6.

Riding bicycles through Florence and ending with a picnic at Giardino delle rose (The Rose Garden). Tuscan cooking class in San Gimignano.

Day 1 - 3, Rome

Villa Doria Pamphilj Aventine Keyhole Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, the Basilica Cupola Trevi Fountain Pantheon Colosseum

Day 4 -5, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Pampeii SORRENTO The coast trip from Sorrento to Salerno AMALFI COAST Views from Villa Rufolo, Ravello Palazzo Sasso Hotel for lunch or dinner  Duomo di Sant’Andrea POSITANO Head on down to the ocean! POMPEII Book the Pompeii: Skip the Line tour Visit Casa del Fauno Casa dei Vettii Villa dei Misteri NAPLES Spaccanapoli street Da Michele for pizza

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Day 6, Assissi

Day 9-10, Florence

Stroll through Via Borgo Aretino to ultimately end in the basilica.

Day 7-8, Siena Duomo di Siena

Rent a bike from one of the rental stands outside the Santa Maria Novella train station.

Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore - book online and print vouchers before you go.

Piazza del Campo Fonte Gaia

Orto dei Pecci - a farm with beautiful city view and lots of animals.

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Galleria degli Uffizi - plan this around the kid’s nap time (if they nap) so you can have some relaxing time looking at the beautiful art and sculptures.

Day 11-13, Cinque Terre Ocean dip in Monterosso al Mare Monterosso to Vernazza Trail highly recommend packing a hiking bookbag or a wrap. Most places are not stroller friendly. Hop between the 5 towns Manarola town (Via dell' Amore) Kayak Sunset Tour

Day 14-16 , San Gimignano Drive to Castello di Verrazzano in Greve (Chianti ) for wine tasting Montefioralle Explore San Gimignano Cooking class at Il Vicario Hot-spring-hopping: Bagno Vagnoni and Bagni di Filippo

About the family Danaily, Jean and Izabela, a wanderlust

family of three, expanding their hearts and minds everywhere they go. Both Danaily and Jean work full-time in the software field and at every opportunity they have, they are off to explore the world. Their dream is to be able to trade the cubicles for an adventure around the globe. Follow their travel adventures on Instagram @travelingalmas

Australia's holiday haven Tropical North Queensland is a beautiful part of the world, boasting luxurious beachfront resorts, prime opportunities to explore the Great Barrier Reef and some of the most picturesque and iconic landscapes in Australia! There are three main holiday destinations within the region and each are equally stunning and unique! These destinations include Cairns, Daintree and Port Douglas. Explore this tested, family-friendly itinerary to learn more about each of these places.

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TRAVEL SUMMARY Travel Style

11 days/10 nights

Start/Finish

Cairns

season

“

adventure

Trip lengh

Recommended

With endless picturesque places on the doorstep, we were spoilt for choice”Elena

Outdoor

May - October

Day 1-3, Daintree Rainforest Being in the heart of the most ancient rainforest in the world is a pretty special experience. Knowing that all those endless palms and ferns have been there for ages is seriously impressive. We rented a lovely house in Cow Bay overlooking bright green hills and had the chance to watch the changing colours of the sky, and listen to the tropical birds right from our patio. Staying in such a remote and quiet place is a true luxury experience.

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Daintree activities Zipline above the ancient rainforest Do one of the beautiful boardwalk treks Spot a cassowary early in the morning Try fantastic icecream at Daintree Ice Cream co.

Even though Daintree Rainforest is much more popular for its 4x4 drive opportunities, we rented a regular seven-seater and were able to get everywhere we needed with no issues at all. Daintree is all about outdoor adventures. The kids especially loved zip lining above the massive palms along with colourful butterflies. We also did lots of hiking and even saw a cassowary, which immediately tried to run away out of sight.

Day 4-8, Port Douglas Port Douglas is a bustling holiday town with heaps of activities and a beautiful coastline. That was the relaxing part of our trip, with days spent either near the pool or on the gorgeous beach. The famous Four Mile Beach is not a tropical style white sand beach, as might be expected, but it’s just perfect for young kids. It’s shallow, the water temperature is about 25°C, and the waves are very gentle. We also loved warm and breezy walks along the beach right before the sunset. Port Douglas is a convenient base to explore the Great Barrier Reef. We booked a trip on a small sailing boat by Sailaway and could not be happier with our choice. We had a professional biologist to guide us while snorkelling at the reef so the trip was not just fun, but also very educational. It was such a relief to hear from the people living and working near the reef that it’s now recovering from the bleaching effect that happened some time ago. As a mum, I was also very pleased when the captain noticed our four-year-old son was a bit reluctant to snorkel above the coral, and so took him back to the boat for a grand tour. I bet it actually became the best experience for our boy during the entire trip.

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Kid-friendly activities | Port Douglas Sail to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel and learn about the reef Paint your own boomerang while listening to tales about the Indigenous people Swim, swim, swim! Swim in the Mosman Gorge

Day 9-11, Cairns Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Queensland and it’s literally packed with kid-friendly activities. We started with a day trip to the renowned Fitzroy Island. This is the place to take photos if you want to make everyone jealous. There you will find that perfect, turquoise, blue colour of the water. Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island was ranked number 1 in Australia's best beaches awards in 2018. Our second destination was Kuranda Village. It’s probably the most touristic attraction in Cairns, but it’s amazing for children. It’s almost impossible to fit everything available there in one day. There’s a little zoo, a shopping village, Birdworld, indigenous dance performances and much more. We had to narrow our choice to the Butterfly Sanctuary and Reinforestaton Park to satisfy our daughter’s interest in wildlife and our son’s love of thrilling activities. Both attractions were very successful and educational. And a journey on the amphibious World War II Army Duck in the Rainforest became a total win for everyone.

Kid-friendly activities | Cairns Go for a day trip to Fitzroy Island, swim, snorkel and enjoy this unique place. Take a scenic train to Kuranda Village, attend either the Butterfly Sanctuary or Birdworld, get on board the amphibious boat Army Duck to explore the area by water. Enjoy a stroll at Cairnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picturesque esplanade, having occasional stops for a play at one of the playgrounds and tasting delicious ice-cream near the Marina.

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Inside the story Elena, the founder of TraveloKido; her husband Alexey and their children, Marsha (7) and Peter (5). Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your best piece of advice for planning a trip like that? Planning ahead for activities for kids and doing your research to pick the right accommodation. What were the best experiences during the holiday? We loved the sailing trip to the Great Barrier Reef on a small yacht, and snorkelling with a biologist who told us lots of interesting facts. The kids especially enjoyed exploring the rainforest on board the amphibious World War II Army Duck.

Insider guide “The weather is pleasant year round, but September/ October is particularly inviting” - Aaron

Photo by Jack Young @jackyoung

SOUTH AFRICA By Aaron Petz @joychasers Cape Town and its surrounding areas is a prime location for family travel that truly has something for everybody. The weather is pleasant year round, but September/ October is particularly inviting as you can experience the beauty of early spring along with moderate temperatures. There are three prime areas that are not to be missed: Stellenbosch, Simonstown, and Cape Town proper. If you’re traveling all the way to the southernmost tip of Africa, I’d suggest stretching the holiday to at least two weeks to get the most out of it, but one week is ample time to split between the three regions.

Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africa’s wine region, but surprisingly, it has plenty to offer the younger crowd as well. The city centre is quaint and beautiful, but with the bustle and energy of a university town. Many of the vineyards have amenities ranging from petting zoos, to grape juice tastings, to outdoor play areas, all geared to entertaining the kids while the parents enjoy the local varietals. Villiera Wines stands out from the rest both in what they offer, and the impact they make. They are committed to environmental sustainability, as well as a social responsibility to its staff members and the community. There is an onsite nursery school for the employees, as well as an onsite hospital providing top notch healthcare. The estate is situated adjacent to a 220 hectare wildlife reserve where they offer game drives suitable for the whole family. The reserve offers a chance to get up close and personal with South Africa’s national animal - the Springbok, as well as zebras, ostriches, giraffes, and countless birds and other animals. We got lucky during our spring time visit, and met both a pregnant and a very young giraffe. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, providing a wonderful experience for everyone.

“

Pro tip: call ahead to reserve the tasting room's famous Bubbly and Nougat experience - Aaron

After taking in the wildlife, the next logical step is a self-guided cellar tour followed by a relaxing wine and juice tasting. The tasting room is beautifully appointed, and has a cosy fireplace to warm up after the open air game drive. It also features a large terrace with massive oak trees, and several games for the (big and little) kids. Villiera is known for its Cap Classique, but in my experience, you can’t really go wrong with any of the varietals. Pro tip: call ahead to reserve the tasting room's famous Bubbly and Nougat experience. Be prepared to purchase an extra packet or two of nougat because the children will quickly catch on that it pairs nicely with their apple and grape juices. Visiting this or other vineyards is a great opportunity to pick a couple of favourites to bring with you for the rest of your stay in South Africa. TRAVELOKIDO.COM

From the tree-lined suburb of Stellenbosch, head to the coast and keep going south until you reach Simonstown. The peaceful, sleepy seaside town is enough of a draw on its own, but its famous residents make it a must visit. Penguins! Walking down the street to the beach alongside these guys is a bucket list memory to last a lifetime. Boulders Beach is breathtaking, and the massive boulders are an inviting playground for the kids to climb on and run around playing hide-and-seek. The public beach is just as beautiful, and the kids will enjoy swimming, climbing the rocks, and marvelling at the penguins. The parking lot above the public beach also boasts a market with local wares on display. Be sure to bring cash if you think you might like to take a memento home. There are also a few dining options, and a great ice-cream/ coffee stand to keep everyone full and happy. The Aloe Shop offers amazing products made with South African Aloe Ferox if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a bit sunburnt, or just enjoy

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premium quality skincare products.

If you can manage to pull yourselves away from the penguins, there are plenty of interesting shops and cafes to explore in town. Bertha’s is the spot for harbour watching. Grab a seat on the terrace and dream about sailboat living. Several groups come through providing live entertainment. There is a man that uses his impressive animal sound skills to roar like a lion and terrify unsuspecting tourists. His act keeps the kids entertained through the whole meal. For a lazy any-day brunch, take the kids to I Love Waffles where they can divide their time between the play structure, and the candycoated, fully kid-approved, design your own waffles. They also have very tasty paninis and salads for those missing a sweet tooth. Stop by the iconic statue of the Great Dane. The story of Just Nuisance, the first and only dog to be enlisted in the Royal Navy, is a local legend. If you get a chance to go for a taste of nostalgia, hop on the Atlantic Rail Steam Train, and enjoy a ride around the peninsula in a steam locomotive from 1949. Nature loving foodies must take a class with Veld and Sea. They offer various options that include wild foraging through nature followed by a cooking class to put a gourmet spin on your finds. They feature classes specifically for children, as well as full families. After you’ve had a chance to soak in the suburbs, head up to Cape Town proper. The city centre is a rich hub of culture and action. If your time is limited, utilise a hop on/hop off bus to ensure you get a quick overview of the landmarks you can’t miss. Get a more in-depth world schooling itinerary if you’ve got a bit more time in Cape Town. Enrich your children with a sobering piece of history at Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Stroll through and take in the art (and shopping) at the V+A Waterfront. Enjoy the view from the iconic Table Mountain. It has several hiking trails, and also boasts an aerial cableway for those less inclined to break a sweat, perfect for families with young children. Visit the streets of Bo Kaap with its vibrant, rainbow hued houses. Before you leave Cape Town, remember to grab some peri peri to take some of the flavour of South Africa home with you.

The Maldives is no longer a faraway paradise for honeymooners, but has become a top destination for families for the shallow, warm lagoons, the superior service, and amazing kids clubs. It is a safe haven with an abundance of sunshine and welcoming faces. The trickiest question is which resort is the best for your family. There are so many to choose from and they all seem so be so attractive. In this article you’ll find top 12 family resorts we’ve picked for you.

MALDIVES The best resorts in the Maldives for families with kids. Tested by parents

“

The Kids Clubs include every possible activity from marine biology lessons to Astronomy courses, via DJ booths, shark feeding and turtle petting…” @nottinghillmummy

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Soneva Fushi

Barefoot luxury at its finest

“This is one of the best hotel kids clubs I have ever come across. The Den is huge, with its own swimming pool with water slide, outdoor decking and sun loungers, Lego room, dress-up room, arts & crafts room, music room and loads of games, toys and space to run around. There are loads of fun activities scheduled throughout the week, from movie nights and spa days to surfing lessons, island scavenger hunts, cupcake decorating and pool parties.” - Mum on the Move

Kandima Maldives PLACE TO PLAY, AND HAVE A GOOD TIME We couldn't have picked a better resort for our first family trip to the Maldives as it catered perfectly for all our needs, namely those of nonstop fun for our two-year-old, and those more to do with relaxation and indulgence that his parents had in mind. Managed by the always smiling Sheila and staffed by a very friendly team, Kandiland was a child's paradise and it prides itself as the largest kids' club in the Maldives. As big as it was, the best part for me was that I felt Baby Bird actually learned things when he was there. From playdough to books to the train set to running around in the water outside, every time we left him there for a few hours we felt confident that he was in a really happy and positive place. He learned a few colours, he started singing Baa Baa Black Sheep to me, and he got to play with "grown-up" lego for the first time, making cars. There was also a room with cots for naps - Frankie Thompson from As the Bird flies blog

Lux South Ari Atoll One of the reasons I had chosen to stay at Lux was the size of the island; there were plenty of restaurants to choose from, both a la carte and buffet style; two pool areas; an ice cream shop and a café, which roasts its own coffee.

It was the little things that mattered and made our trip special and exciting though. For example, Jerome could not wait to get up in the morning, jump onto his bike and cycle all the way over the to reception area to go on the “Message in a Bottle” hunt. It took him several days before he finally found one hidden in the gardens (a few bottles with vouchers in them are hidden every day across the whole island) and he got a voucher for coconuts when what he had hoped for was a cuddly toy or a chance to go on a jet ski. One of the girls that we met and he befriended had found a bottle with a whale shark voucher and told him about it, he was jealous and desperately wanted one too…Luckily after days of searching he received some help and hints from a member of staff and finally found one! - Vanessa from Wanderlustplusone

4 Niyama Private Islands THE BEST UNDER 3S KIDS CLUB With a brand new kids club in a Manta Ray shaped club and an under 3s kids club, children of any age will be looked after professionals. Children are split into 4 age groups and have activities tailored to their specific age group. There are themed days such as Jungle Safari, Pirates and Princesses and Circus days. There is even an amphitheatre for the older thespians. For the adults, there is the first underwater music club, Subsix to keep you grooving, art events and plenty more to stay entertained.

Four Seasons, Landaa Giraavaru SNORKEL WITH TURTLES “Very family friendly, this hotel has a kids club with a shallow pool for younger children, while older kids can take advantage of the main pool, tennis courts or water sports, and activities on the beach. A delicious breakfast is served each morning with anything you could possibly think of! And with fresh seafood caught daily you are spoiled with options for lunch and dinner in their four amazing restaurants. There are lots of options for those who don’t eat seafood, and many kid-friendly meals too. The chefs are quite flexible if you want something specific. The area is well known for manta rays which are one of the main highlights. Snorkelling and diving in the area is fantastic being surrounded by the mantas along with yellow sharks, sea turtles and tropical fish. We found that young kids will really love the resort's very own Marine Discovery Centre where they look after injured turtles. You can learn about and get up close to a variety of marine life.” - Chontelle from Mum's Little Explorers

ALL INCLUSIVE PARADISE Bageecha, the Kids’ club dishes out many toys and activities for children between 3-12 years of age inside their cute tropical themed enclosure. The kids club also has a nicely cordoned off playground complete with slides and see-saws as well as a covered sand bank for those hot afternoons. Kids are fed lunch, snacks, juice and even ice cream in the premises so you don’t have to worry about shuttling back to feed junior. Activities here include nature walks, treasure hunts and beach activities as well as marine life education in conjunction with the resort’s Eco Centre. The stars of the show though are the staff at Bageecha. I have never seen a more passionate set of crew who go well and beyond their duty to make sure you and your little ones have the best family holiday ever! Kuramathi is perhaps the biggest island in Maldives and gives you access to white, soft powder sand and crystal waters. Snorkelling just off the beach is easy and on a clear day your little ones don’t even need to go snorkelling to see the colourful marine life. Nemo, Dory and the lot! -

Kuramathi Island Resort

Mandira Rai from With Mandy

Robinson Club Noonu

‘If you're looking for a place where your kids can enjoy their vacation and you can enjoy yours, then this resort delivers! ROBINSON Club Noonu has a kids zone with tons of activities, sport fields, and childcare, while the adults can head to the bar and enjoy some alone time. If the kids ever decide they want to hang out with the adults, there’s a water sport rental shop, where you can arrange a tour of the neighbouring islands, rent a jet-ski, schedule a dive, or grab your free snorkel gear to head out on a snorkelling trip right off your patio. Every night, there is live entertainment that is fun for the whole family.’ Sara from Our Kind of Crazy

Constance Halaveli UNUSUALLY LONG HOURS OF THE KIDS’ CLUB “Constance Haleveli has a kids club with a full programme of activities for children and teens. Our boys are getting a bit old for kids clubs preferring to entertain themselves. However, there was something each day that the boys engaged in, sometimes with a specific activity being organised just for them. They did tennis lessons, water polo, pizza making, sushi making, pool games and cocktail making. The staff at the kids club, indeed all the staff at the resort, went out of the way to make sure the boys had fun at all times. Don’t hesitate to stay at Constance Haleveli with kids! Your kids will love it.” - Go Live Young

8 BANDOS RESORT MALDIVES A SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE MALDIVES RESORT “We were pleasantly surprised with the food on offer. The kids corner had some staples that all children would love. A favourite with our group had to be the breakfast pancakes. Children could request for pancakes to be made into any marine animal shape!” - The Wandermust Family

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