Sorry, I’ve been a little delayed with posting this one but a few days ago I wrote a blog sharing ideas of where to take your little ones for a white Christmas. Today I’m back to help those of you who want to escape the winter blues and embark on a journey to paradise.
There is nothing better for your body than to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D by soaking up some sun. Relax on white sandy beaches and listen to the waves softly breaking before you…oh and the kids will love it too!
Escaping your usual chilly Christmas and opting for fun in the sun will be relaxing for both parents and children. Once they are older, they will have fond memories of Christmas spent with their parents on the beach building sand castles and learning about interesting sea creatures. Bliss…
Spending Christmas at the beach or at any other summer spot is a great way for the kids to get rid of all that stored up energy. Swim in the sea, run on the beach and participate in child friendly outdoor activities are a sure way to keep them busy for hours.
This summer, take off those winter coats and put on your bathing costumes. We compiled a list of the top summer Christmas destinations that is perfect for the whole family.
1. Australia
Australia, the land Down Under is a must for the ultimate summer Christmas getaway. While the winter countries are shoveling out cars from however many inches of snow, the Ausies are enjoying baking in the sun. Australia has some of the best beaches and thanks to all the laws and strict regulations; it is one of the safest countries in the world. There are plenty of theme parks and water parks to keep the little ones entertained for hours if you’re tired of getting beach sand in your bathing suits.
There is a wide variety of restaurants, otherwise, why not spend Christmas day having a barbeque on the beach. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. So instead building snowmen and spending time with the reindeer, why not dive with colourful fish along the Great Barrier Reef, while the kids build sandmen and sand castles, and be one with the kangaroos.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is all about “Ubuntu”, meaning caring for one another. Cape Town offers beautiful scenery, with Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and the iconic Table Mountain. Not to mention the long stretches of beach at Clifton or Camps Bay.
Visit Imhoff Farm, where you can enjoy great food and craft shops, while the little ones can enjoy the petting zoo and camel rides. There are also many family friendly hotels that overlook the ocean.
Spier Wine Estate is a very popular place to visit. Not only is it a great family experience, but it offers great wine tasting in a idyllic setting. You can book a Spier picnic basket filled to the brim with cold meats, farmhouse cheese, pate, homemade bread, fresh salads and other delicacies.
You have to let the kids dig for treasure at the Scratch Patch in Simons Town. This is where kids, no matter their age can scratch for their favourite gemstones, varying in colour and size. And while you’re there, why not visit Boulders Beach and spend a day with the penguins.
Step away from the beach and go inland, just a 2 hour drive from Cape Town, and you’ll find Aquila Private Game Reserve. Here you’ll be able to day safaris and experience the Big 5 up close.
The list can go on and on with things to do in Cape Town with the kids and wherever you go, you are bound to meet Santa.
3. Canary Islands, Spain
Get lost in the Canary Islands of Spain. It is said that each island is unique, which gives you a wide variety of options. Spend some time unwinding by the sea, sipping on the region’s indigenous wines. The kids can learn about nature and explore the islands’ awesome volcanoes, or simply enjoy some quality family time on one of the many beaches or even sailing.
Thailand is fully equipped to cater for families. The country boasts some of the most beautiful hotels that are ready to wait hand and foot on you and your family. It’s known as the “land of smiles” and offers a warm welcome with a very warm climate and absolutely beautiful islands, Buddhist temples and its diverse wildlife, for all to explore. There are plenty of exquisite spas, entertainment and various activities for both children and adults. One activity is teaching kids to cook Thai cuisine. As a parent, can you imagine anything better?
If finances aren’t an issue, think about hopping onboard a private yacht and head out to the Similan Islands.
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers more than just beaches and sunshine. Here you’ll fine affordable accommodation, an abundance of wildlife, ancient cities, and a very fascinating culture. You can visit the Nala National Park, where you can see the largest population of leopard on the island, along with elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of the most beautiful birds…and to top it all off, you can watch the most exquisite sunsets.
6. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands prove that for Christmas to be special, it doesn’t have to be a winter wonderland. The holiday activities, festive decorations, and fantastic Christmas spirit make up for the lack of snow. They have their very own Caribbean Santa, he wears shorts and flip-flops. You can take the kids to visit Santa on the little island off Camana Bay, and dance to Jingle Bells, but with a reggae beat. There is a Christmas Bus Tour of Lights that will take you to visit a historic Mission House, and includes a feast of traditional Christmas beef and Cassava Cake.
Before you know it, your kids will be all grown up and leaving the nest. Make sure they experience a summer Christmas that will stay with them forever.
