The Best of Houston, Texas

January 27th, 2012


With over 2 million people living here making it the largest city in Texas, Houston is very diverse and this is clearly reflected in the myriad of interesting things to see and do. There’s so much to do in fact that if you are coming to Houston for your holiday, you might find that you quickly run out of time. Here’s our top pick of attractions, restaurants, shopping and nightlife to ensure you get the best from your holiday in Houston.

Attractions

The Johnson Space Centre is the best of the rest and a truly unique attraction. This mammoth centre spans 1,620 acres and is the home of the NASA astronaut corps. Visitors to the centre can touch real moon rocks, see behind the scenes on the NASA Tram Tour, experience a zero gravity environment in the Living in Space exhibit and even experience a virtual rocket launch in the theatre plus much more. Everyone has a secret fascination with space and astronauts and what better way to uncover it than with a visit to the space centre; it will be sure to make your visit memorable.

Get an insight into the history of Texas with a visit to the George Ranch Historical Park. This 480 acre living-history park offers hands on experiences and costumed historical interpreters. Book up for an authentic meal to really complete the experience!

When it comes to museums, Houston doesn’t disappoint with two of the best including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the John P McGoven Museum of Health & Medical Science. Both offer fascinating, fun and education exhibits and displays with hands on attractions too. The Science Museum even has an in-house IMAX theatre.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Bayou Place is widely regarded as the best place for both eateries and evening entertainment. Contained within one large complex in the heart of downtown’s Theatre District, Bayou Place offers a huge selection of restaurants such as the excellent Sambra Grille and the obligatory Hard Rock Café, not to mention the Blue Fish which is rated as one of the best sushi bars. Verizon Wireless Theatre has music of all styles covered whereas Sundance Cinemas delivers the very best in film.

Kemah Boardwalk is a similar type of establishment located on the waterfront, however it combines restaurants with a larger array of entertainment including fairground rides. Kemah Boardwalk is therefore a great choice for families.

Shopping

When it comes to retail therapy, the best regarded areas include the Galleria, Houston Heights and Westheimer and Dunlavy. Westheimer offers a range of big name brands whereas Galleria and Houston Heights offer a more sophisticated and upmarket approach.

Old Town Spring shopping village offers a different retail experience and boasts a huge selection of 1900’s Victorian style shops combined with restaurants, museums and art galleries. It certainly makes for an alternative approach to shopping but no less enjoyable by any means.

The Montrose Neighbourhood one the other hand is a vintage shoppers dream with its antique mall and live music venues. The tree lined boulevards make this area particularly pedestrian friendly and is highly enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

What do you think are the best things to see and do in Houston? Share your thoughts!

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Get Off the Beaten Track in Los Angeles

January 26th, 2012

One of the most travelled to cities in the world and the home of both A-list celebrities and wannabe actors and actresses, Los Angeles holds certain connotations. With the likes of the Walk of Fame, Venice Beach and window shopping on Rodeo Drive featuring highly on most tourist’s itineraries, you might think you have LA all figured out. There is a surprising side to LA however so read on and get taken off the beaten tourist track in Los Angeles…

The Hollywood sign is an iconic symbol of LA so it seems odd to begin this post with mention of it; you’d think it would be swamped with visitors and hardly regarded as off the beaten track. The thing is though, most people only ever get a snapshot of themselves in front of the sign; very few ever actually reach it. Don’t believe us? Don your climbing gear, get started on the strenuous hike up the hill and you’ll see why few make it! If you have an active side to you, this climb is highly recommended.The panoramic views over the sprawling urban patchwork beneath you are second to none and the memories will be so much better than any photo with the sign in the background.

A huge appeal of Los Angeles is of course its connections with the film and television industry. Most never venture beyond Universal Studios however. Why not make your visit a bit more individual and head to Burbank instead? Here you will find five major production studios including the likes of NBC Television, Sony and Warner Brothers.Come to one of these and you’ll have a much higher chance of seeing some live filming than if you follow the masses and stick to Universal. In terms of watching movies, a unique experience would consist of a visit to the Silent Movie Theatre. There aren’t many around so relish the opportunity whilst you can.

Steer clear of the multitude of fancy shopping malls and instead take a trip to the original Los Angeles Farmers Market. Often overlooked by visitors, the idea of a farmers market in this fast paced city seems almost out of place but it will make for an individual twist to your visit. Head to the Miracle Mile area at the intersection of 3rd Street and Fairfax and you will find the market brimming with the colours of fresh fruit and veg, meat, nuts and sweet and gifts. There are also some great little restaurants to be found.

Spend some time visiting the selection of quirky museums around the city too. Rather than going straight to the Getty Museum or the Hollywood History Museum why not spend a few hours perusing some of the different options. For starters, try the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Venice Beach, regarded as the most unusual of the lot and providing a hands-on experience of life in the Jurassic. The Museum of Tolerance on the other hand is a very different type of museum focusing on the problems in society with regards to racism around the world. Another completely different option to consider is a walking tour of the many fantastic murals painted around the city. There are more than 1,000 so you won’t get to see them all but it’s certainly worth some of your time.

Like every big city, Los Angeles is known for particular things however there is a lot more to be discovered. Get off the beaten tourist track, open your eyes during your visit and you might just enjoy a whole different side to Los Angeles.

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5 Tips for Surviving Las Vegas

January 25th, 2012

Las Vegas is unanimously known as the entertainment capital of the world. With an endless supply of gambling, shopping, and fine dining there is no chance of boredom during a trip here. Sights and sounds engulf your senses and the whole experience can be quite overwhelming, in a good way of course! It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in the excitement, so here are five tips for surviving Las Vegas!

• Give serious gambling a wide berth unless you really know what you’re doing. We hate to sound like a killjoy, but you can easily blow your whole trip’s budget in just a few hours and that would really kill the joy! Stick to the slot machines and watch everyone else lose their cash at the blackjack and roulette tables. If you do want to give it a go, make sure you know your limits!

• Everyone knows that tipping is customary in the USA, but Vegas is pretty much tipping Kingdom so be ready to tip like you have never tipped before. Nearly all bartenders, casino dealers, slot machine attendants, hotel maids and waiters rely heavily on tips. If you don’t, you certainly won’t be in anyone’s good books and you should only expect poor service!

• Avoid the cheapest buffet in town – if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is, particularly when it comes to the quality of the food. Some excellent restaurants can be found in Las Vegas so make sure you choose right and don’t get sucked into the “Full Las Vegas Buffet for $10!” lines!

• Watch out for extra fees! Simple services such as ATM’s can be really expensive in Vegas. Avoid using the ATMs machines in the casinos at all costs. They can charge between $2 and $6 for the pleasure of getting your money, plus your bank back home is likely to add on additional fees. Be smart and head to a machine off of the Strip before you get started on the days entertainment. Equally however, be smart and ensure you don’t have a pocket full of money. Another cash saving tip to take note of is to avoid logging on to the internet in your hotel room. The cost of your hotel room may fool you into thinking it’s provided for free but in actual fact you can be charged as much as $12 for just a short period!

• Don’t expect to travel anywhere quickly along the Strip. Although it’s just one road, it can get clogged very easily at rush hour with both human traffic and vehicular. A normal bus is known to take almost two hours to travel from one end of the Strip to the other! Also, if you have arranged Las Vegas car rental, drive east or west of the Strip to buy fuel; it will save you a fortune!

Any visit to Las Vegas will be a whirlwind of lights and excitement but you might find these tips come in handy! Have you been to Las Vegas and have any tips of your own?

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8 Reasons to Visit San Francisco

January 24th, 2012

If you’ve ever considered a holiday to the USA, the first places that sprung to mind were probably New York, Los Angeles, Orlando and maybe even San Diego, but perhaps not San Francisco and that’s a shame.

By no means is San Francisco a bad place to go; in fact very much the opposite but a lot of people don’t really know anything about it. It’s most definitely a city worth considering, so here are 8 reasons to visit San Francisco.

1. It wouldn’t be right to start this list without stating the obvious. It’s a beautiful city and many who visit here quite simply fall in love with San Francisco. Located at the tip of a peninsular between the Bay and the Pacific Ocean and built on 43 hills, the views here are simply stunning.

2. The Golden Gate Bridge aptly follows as the second reason to visit. Perhaps the best known icon of the city with its huge towers and sweeping cables, it is acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. Consider hiring a bicycle to travel the length of it and when you’re cycling along with the wind in your hair, surrounded by stunning views, you won’t regret it! It’s the best way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge. For the best views of the bridge, head to Cavallo Point.

3. San Francisco is a culture and art lover’s dream and is renowned for its artsy feel. There is a huge selection of museums and art galleries to choose from, each of which will deliver an enjoyable afternoon. The nightlife doesn’t disappoint either with indie rock, latin music, jazz, blues or swing found all over the city, ensuring each and every taste is catered for.

4. With over 30 different neighbourhoods, San Francisco is nothing if not diverse. Spend hours exploring the perfectly unique neighbourhoods from ‘The Mission’ with its Mexican Taquerias to the gay district ‘Castro’. Each has a different feel and during your explorations you will see the biggest China Town in the world along with ‘Pacific Heights’ which is filled with luxurious mansions. Each district adds a different flavour to San Francisco yet each exist wonderfully together.


5. The mention of Mexican Taqueiras brings us nicely on the subject of food and food lovers will simply be in heaven here. In fact, there are at least 4,500 restaurants in a 7 square mile area. Whatever your favourite food, you will be aptly catered for, with countless options so you can try something new! What are you waiting for?

6. There are plenty of other attractions to visit and the infamous Alcatraz tops the list. Hop on the ferry to Alcatraz Island and take the tour. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the 104 year long history is certainly controversial but a visit here is nothing short of fascinating. Aside from the prison, the island is now home to rare flora and fauna.

7. Ride one of the iconic city cable cars. They’re great and provide a relatively cheap way to get about the city and quite frankly they are a mandatory part of the San Francisco experience. There are three different lines with the most popular being between Powell and Hyde Street. The cable cars are the oldest and longest running of its kind and make San Francisco all the more special.

8. Another allure to San Francisco is its proximity to natural beauty spots. The stunning Yosemite National Park is one of the best that America has to offer and it’s less than 3 hours away. Escape the city for a while and drink in the sights of the Yosemite Waterfall, Redwood forests and beautiful flora and fauna.

Have you ever holidayed in San Francisco or plan to go? What were your reasons for visiting?

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7 Different Things to Do in and Around Orlando

January 23rd, 2012

Orlando and Walt Disney go hand in hand and we’re led to believe that a holiday here must solely focus around the vast selection of theme parks. There’s no denying that plenty of fun can be had at each and every one, but don’t forget that there are hoards of other equally enjoyable things on offer to keep you occupied. Check out of some of our suggestions to get out of Disney!

Tipped as the only attraction where humans are kept caged and the animals run free, Monkey Jungle does pretty much what it says on the tin. Over 400 primates from 30 different species take charge of the park which spans over 30 acres. This is one of few protected habitats for endangered primates in the country and allows the monkeys to live as they would in the wild. They’re also fed at various times through the day which makes for a great sight! You’re free to explore the park as you please and it’s highly enjoyable, whether you have your own little monkeys or not!

Anyone remotely interested in the story of the Titanic should spend a day at the Titanic Experience. This mammoth interactive museum spans over 20,000sq ft. and is a lifelike replica of the real thing. Embark on a unique guided tour with actors dressed in period costumes to really complete this unmissable experience.

Take over the cockpit controls at Kissimmee Air Museum. Located on the outskirts of Orlando, it’s an air museum like no other. The aircrafts here are left un-roped, allowing you get up close and interact with aviation. View the educational exhibits, aircraft restoration and even partake in exciting training flights in WWII fighter-trainers! Not simulators, the real thing! Where else can you experience that?

For a bit of peace and serenity amongst all the hustle and bustle, Bok Tower Gardens is perfect. Voted the best gardens in Florida, these stunning landscaped gardens provide a wonderful setting for a walk. You can also see the 205ft high Singing Tower which is housed within the gardens as well as the historic Pinewood Estate. Enter the Mediterranean style mansion which dates to the 1930s for a guided tour.

Enjoy both a hands on and educational trip at the Orlando Science Centre. Covering four floors, the centre inspires the curious cats among us and is jam packed with things to see and do. Exhibits, movies displayed on giant screens and engaging live programming are just some of the things you can expect from a visit here. 2012 will even see a temporary Star Wars exhibition to complete the exciting range of permanent displays!

The Ancient Spanish Monastery is a rather unexpected treat, but worth visiting, regardless of your religious beliefs. Built in Spain in the 10th century, the monastery was dismantled and shipped to the US in 1925 thanks to a hefty sum paid by a newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst. He suffered money problems however and the stones were sold at auction and were left in Brooklyn warehouse for 26 years. They were then bought for use as a tourist attraction and $1.5 million dollars later, this impressive building was reconstructed! Enjoy a guided tour, explore the onsite museum and relish your temporary escape from the fast paced world outside the gates.

The Everglades swallow a large proportion of the state of Florida and hundreds of alligators have made it their home. So, what better way to get up close and personal than with a thrilling Air Boat Ride through the swampy pastures? Get an insight into the non-commercialised, natural areas of Florida that are so easily forgotten and see some fascinating creatures in their natural habitats. Soak up the fantastic scenery and enjoy this unforgettable experience!

Have you been to any of these attractions? What are your suggestions for things to do in Florida without going to Disney?

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5 Family Friendly Attractions in Malaga

January 20th, 2012

Malaga is one of the most popular Spanish destinations for holiday makers and with good reason; there is something to satisfy everyone. From museums to fantastic beaches and everything in between, there is plenty on offer to be enjoyed. It caters perfectly for family holidays too. Here are some fun family friendly attractions to see in and around Malaga.

Crocodile Park

For an unmatchable experience, spend a day at the Crocodile Park! The whole family will enjoy their unique and unforgettable visit here. Located in Torremolinos, just a short distance away from Malaga, embark on a guided tour of the park and come face to face with these fascinating prehistoric creatures. There are over 300 crocodiles residing in the park with multiple feedings taking place daily. The largest crocodile in Europe can also be found here! If you are feeling brave enough, visit the Croco’s Nursery to hold a baby crocodile and the whole family can have their photo taken as a long lasting souvenir.

Tivoli World

For theme park fun, your one stop shop is undoubtedly Tivoli World. Filled with a variety of rides to cater for all ages plus an exciting array of shows all found within in a beautiful setting, everyone will find something fun to do. Accessible by car in around 30 minutes from Malaga and with the added benefit of reasonable admission prices, Tivoli World is another popular day trip for families in this area. Photo by: Terry Wha

Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary or El Refugio del Burrito as it is named locally can be found approximately 40 minutes from Malaga and makes for a tamer but nonetheless enjoyable day trip. Children and adults alike will love meeting the donkeys which have been rescued from either mistreatment or abandonment! The donkeys have since flourished under the love and care of the sanctuary owners and a visit here is very rewarding for all ages. Be sure to visit Flamingo Lake nearby too!

Benalmadena Cable Car

Travel high into the sky on the Benalmadena Cable Car! All ages will love this exciting trip up the mountainside offering fantastic views of the coastline below. Once you reach the summit, you can take a donkey ride through the countryside plus see a dancing horse exhibition and watch a Birds of Prey show. This attraction covers excitement and education in one! Photo by: steeedm

Maritime Museum

Museo-Acuario-Aula del Mar Malaga is often a favourite for families. Since it first opened in 1990, the museum has continued to improve in terms of improvement to the facilities and exhibits offered. Some of the newest additions include displays on sailing and flora and fauna not to mention of course the centre for wounded sea creatures where you can see a variety of fish and sea turtles nursed back to health! A fascinating day for both children and adults to get an understanding of the sea creatures from the Costa del Sol!

Which other attractions do you plan to visit during your family holiday to Malaga? What have we missed and what would you recommend?

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4 Family Friendly Attractions in Larnaca

January 19th, 2012

Cyprus is a stunning year round destination offering fabulous beaches, a myriad of interesting attractions and of course beautiful weather. If you have you families’ flights already booked or you are considering spending your family holiday in Larnaca this year, check out these attractions to keep each and every one of you entertained.

Quad Bike Safari

Pick up the pace and embark on one these excellent quad bike safari tours! Lasting for around two hours, these tours are suitable for all ages as those not old enough to drive a quad are welcomed as passengers. Taking you away from the beach, you will experience some of the beautiful interior of the island that you otherwise may not see, in an exciting but safe way. You will cover approximately 40km of varied terrain taking you up into the hills around Larnaca, affording fantastic views of the bay beneath you. A combination of the landscape and adrenaline of this exciting activity will take your breath away.

Camel Park

Located just 15 minutes from Larnaca in Mazotos, the Camel Park is a unique and enjoyable day out for the whole family. Feed the camels and enjoy a ride around the grounds of the park or escape the confines and embark on a camel safari, providing views of Mazotos from a height! There is a large selection of other animals to see within the park too from kangaroos to ostriches as well as other attractions to enjoy including swimming pools, a bouncy castle, go-carts, a flight simulator and more. Photo by: sweenpole2001

Wet ‘n’ Wild

There are many water parks to be found across Cyprus, perfect for cooling you down in the searing heat! Wet ‘n’ Wild, although located in Limassol, is regarded as one of the best and will deliver splashing fun and therefore well worth travelling to! It’s set back from the beach front and offers everything you could imagine including raft rides, inner-tube rides, body flumes and speed slides as well as kiddies, activity and wave pools! There’ll be so much to keep you entertained the kids won’t want to leave, or the young at heart for that matter!

Ocean Aquarium

Embark on a journey of underwater discovery during your visit to the Ocean Aquarium in Protaras. It is the largest in Cyprus and offers the opportunity to come face to face with all manners of sea life from octopus to penguins plus there’s even an outdoor crocodile swamp which will keep everyone on their toes! Watch your kids eyes widen as they take in the colours of over 400 species of fish as you wander through and then explore the gardens outside. Photo by: borisov_gleb

Have you been on a family holiday to Larnaca before? What were your favourite attractions to keep everyone occupied?

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5 Family Friendly Attractions in Mallorca

January 18th, 2012

Families flock to the stunning Balearic Island of Mallorca year on year for their dose of sun filled, summer holiday fun. With miles of sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and plenty of activities to enjoy, it’s a big hit with visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best attractions to make some time for during your family holiday here.

The House of Katmandu

The House of Katmandu is a unique and exciting attraction to truly capture your imagination. A visit here will take you on a trail of exploration, adventure and mystery with the aid of mythical creatures and characters such as Princess Rojalisa, Kilgore and Boro the Great! Journey through the upside down adventure House of Katmandu full of interactive games, special effects, fantastic robotics and more. This self-guided interactive attraction is suitable for all ages and a whole new level of fun. You can also enjoy the 4D cinema, mini golf and munch on some great food. This is perfect for families looking for a fun and individual day out.

Golf Fantasia

Located within Palma Nova, one of the most popular areas of Mallorca, Golf Fantasia is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. Set amidst tropical gardens, complete with waterfalls and caves, this miniature golf course proves popular time and time again. There are three very different 18 hole courses and you can choose to do 18, or the entire 54! During busy times, the order you play the courses in will be allocated to you to minimise waiting times making sure you get the most from your time.

Aqualand Magaluf

Plan a day out to Aqualand for some splashtastic fun away from the beach! This giant water park delivers a huge selection of thrilling rides for the older but young at heart visitors such as Kamikaze and the Black Hole. There are plenty of tamer slides to keep toddlers aptly happy too including Dragoland, The Grand Canyon and many more. Western Water Park, a short distance away, is another fun attraction that combines both a water park and a wild-west theme park with the added extras of a small animal farm and gardens for something a little different.

Marine Land

A visit to Marine Land in Calvia will delight visitors of all ages and makes for a great break away from the beach. Relish in the fantastic shows highlighting a variety of animals including sea lions, penguins, and parrots and of course the stars of the show; dolphins, plus many more. Visit the aquarium and marvel at the magnificent sharks, meet the sting rays in the touch pool and admire the swirls of brightly coloured tropical fish. Stop by at the Aviary to see exotic birds from Africa, America and Australasia and spend some time in the tropical house where you can meet everything from boa constrictors to piranhas. There’s also a small water park where the toddlers of the group can explore the shipwrecked pirate galleon and delight on the range of small water slides.

Pirates Adventure Show

Ahoy me maties! When it comes to evening entertainment there are a huge variety of shows to choose from. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular for kids and adults alike is the Pirates Adventure Show located in Magalluf; some even go as far as to call it the highlight of their holiday! Set sail for a swashbuckling night with the on board buccaneers, filled with fantastic displays of aerobatics, dancing and gymnastics! With the family show, you can also enjoy an evening feast and pirate punch included within the price.

Have you been to Mallorca before? What were your favourite family friendly attractions?

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5 Family Friendly Attractions in Alicante

January 17th, 2012

If you are in the midst of planning your summer escape for the whole family, why not consider the wonderful city of Alicante and the surrounding areas. Sun, sea and sand deliver the perfect base and there are plenty of family friendly activities to keep you aptly occupied. Check out some of these sun and fun filled suggestions….

Aqualandia

If you tire of the sandy shores and want to add a little bit of water based excitement to your days in Alicante, there is no better remedy than Aqualandia. Renowned as Europe’s largest water park, the choice of pools, man-made beaches and waves, slides and rides is second to none. Scare yourself silly on some of the high adrenaline rides such as Kamikaze and Big Band; the tallest chute ride in Europe. Bomb down the slides on inflatable rubber rings or if you have little ones in your family, head over to Adventureland which has been specially designed for the smallest members of your group.

Terra Mitica Theme Park

Although located closer to Benidorm than Alicante, Terra Mitica Theme Park is easily reached and well worth travelling for a fun filled day out. Explore the five different zones and visit Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Mediterranean Islands all in one day. There are a huge variety of exciting thrill rides and some smaller, less adrenaline-inducing rides so every age is catered for. There is also a huge selection of daily shows to keep you entertained. Photo by: Mike’s…Seat related tales

Canelobre Caves

Canelobre Caves can be found approximately 24km from Alicante near to the village of Busot. This is a natural attraction that is likely to be more appreciated for older children, but nonetheless provides an enjoyable day out. Awe the impressive underground chamber, the largest and deepest of its kind in Spain, and enjoy the spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites, the largest of which resembles candelabra. This is where the caves got their name. Another enjoyable natural attraction that will appeal to the whole family is Algar Falls. These stunning natural waterfalls create a supreme lagoon at the base, perfect for a dip on a sunny afternoon, followed by a picnic or a barbeque.

Aitana Safari Park

Travel inland in search of the Aitana Mountains and, near to the village of Sella, you will find the Aitana Safari Park. It delivers a great day out for all the family and allows you to see a large range of exciting animals in their natural habitats, free from the restrictions of any enclosures. Follow the set trail and keep your eyes peeled for the likes of lions, tigers, elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and many more. The children’s zoo will be a big hit with the little ones and make sure you don’t miss Daktari Park where the youngest animals are welcomed into the world. Photo by: mitko_denev

Pola Park

Pola Park could be regarded as just another theme park, but it comes with a twist. Whilst there are some fun rides for all ages on offer there is also plenty more up Pola Park’s sleeve. For starters, try inflatable castles, trampolines, a laser maze, mini golf, quad bikes, a boating lake and plenty more. It’s a much more hands on attraction, with most of the activities requiring some visitor participation that will be sure to hold everyone’s attention during your time here. Enjoy the buzz and colour and leave having enjoyed a truly fun and laughter filled day.

What are your favourite family attractions in the Alicante region?

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5 Family Friendly Attractions in the Algarve

January 16th, 2012

With Christmas and New Year already starting to feel like a distant memory, we are all yearning for something else to look forward to. If you’re already starting to plan your family summer holiday in Portugal, check out some of these family friendly attractions that will keep everyone entertained during your time in the sun blessed Algarve.

Zoomarine Theme Park

Zoomarine is one the best known attractions in Portugal and that’s because it makes a great day out for all ages. There are various different shows and presentations including the dolphin show, the Wonderful World presentation which highlights the sea lions and seals along with the Enchanted Forest presentation featuring a myriad of tropical birds. There’s even the opportunity to swim with dolphins in the dolphin interactive area! Enjoy the 4D cinema, as well as a selection of theme park rides, and an aquarium. Pack a towel and swimming gear so you can enjoy the swimming pools and water rides; a great way to cool off on a blistering day. Located in Guia, just a few kilometres from the ever popular town of Albufeira, it is open from March through to October. Photo by: lloydi

Algarve Buggy Tour

If you want an exhilarating and action packed way to spend a few hours then check out The Algarve Buggy Tour. You’ll be shown the ropes before you set off with an experienced guide. Take in the incredible scenery and wildlife as you zip over challenging terrain and enjoy the ride. Many regard it as an unforgettable experience allowing you to get off the beaten track and explore the natural, rugged side of the Algarve. The company is based in Lagos and provide 400cc automatic buggies and all safety equipment such as goggles. Passengers must be aged 7 or over and drivers must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driving licence. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dusty and prepare for the ride of your life!

Dream Wave

Dream Wave offer a range of boating tours with a twist and depart daily during the busy seasons from Albufeira Marina. Take the little ones on an adventure for buried treasure and travel on an authentic looking pirate ship, or choose a caving and dolphin spotting for those who love wildlife. For slightly older families, why not choose the BBQ tour which allows you plenty of time for swimming, followed by a delicious barbeque on the beach. There are several other options to choose from, it just depends on what you fancy but each option will be sure to deliver some great memories that will last with you long after you get home!


Aquashow Park

Family holidays are often best when they combine a little bit of sun, sea and sand! Sometimes though, it can be a case of “once you’ve seen one beach, you’ve seen them all”. This is where the Aquashow Park will add a different spark of water based excitement to your holiday. Located near Quarteira, Aquashow is the ultimate day out. Plummet down the 23.5 metre high water rollercoaster, splash about ‘til your heart’s content in the many swimming pools, slip down the water slides and splash about in the waves. Once you’ve had your fun getting wet, dry off on some of the exciting rides and other attractions such as the museum and reptile or birds of prey shows. Photo by: julesjoseph

Parque Aventura

Parque Aventura is the ultimate tree top activity that will get you active. Zip lines, rope bridges and trails lead you from tree to tree and there are different courses of varying difficulty to choose from. It’s completely different from anything else on offer in the Algarve and will ensure everyone has lots of fun without compromising on safety. The great news is that it really is suitable for the whole family; children as young as 4 can participate, as long as they are at least 1 metre tall. Choose from either the park in Alubfeira or the park in Figueira da Foz.

The attractions on offer for families of all ages are near on limitless in the Algarve; this is just a pick to whet your appetite! Have you been on a family holiday to the Algarve before? What would you recommend to other readers?

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