We would all like to have the time to sit down and plan every aspect of the family holiday in great detail. The problem is that in reality everyday tasks such as putting the washing on and feeding the kids simply get in the way.

So what is the solution? Read an overview of some of the trips available with Cosmos and choose which one best suits your brood. Then book it, knowing that having secured yourself a package holiday, everything will be taken care of.

Portugal

Portugal has long been a family favourite destination with its great combination of accessible beaches and cultural cities. It has a warm climate all year round and represents good value for money, both in terms of the cost of the holiday, but also on added extras, which means you won’t have to say no to the kids when they want treats.

Fly to Faro and stay at the Clube Praia da Oura Apartments in nearby Albufeira. This part of the Algarve is well set up for families and this also goes for the accommodation. With a beach on the doorstep and a separate pool for younger guests, the kids will have a lot of fun outdoors on their holiday.

Close by you will find the Zoomarine and Montechoro theme parks, which are great if you want to spend some time away from the resort. Taking a trip by horseback at the Albufeira Riding Centre is also bound to be a hit, as is spending the day undertaking watersports or a boat trip.

Goa

You may not have considered taking your kids on holiday to Goa for a number of reasons – the cost being one of them. But there are more deals out there than you might think and the amount the children will learn about the culture when they are out there will be priceless.

Doing such a trip as a package holiday also takes a lot of the stress associated with travelling to India out of the equation. In fact, it will offer the perfect combination of the familiar and relaxing, as well as the new and exciting.

Stay at the Palmarinha Resort in Calungute, North Goa with its extensive swimming pool and pretty beach. There is lots to keep the kids entertained, such as table tennis and a pool table, if you want some time to take advantage of the massages available within the resort.

This is a great option for older kids who like a bit of independence. Then take them out into the bustling city of Panjim to experience its amazing atmosphere. Expect to see wide tree-lined avenues and stunning colonial era buildings.

Florida

Florida is always a hit with the kids due to the wide selection of theme parks on offer. Let them have their fun, but balance these child-orientated days out with trips to other attractions in the Sunshine State.

Take a trip to the Everglades, where the whole family can learn about the unique biodiversity of the area. Alternatively, head to Mount Dora, only 25 miles from Orlando, where a 19th century vibe has been maintained in this pretty little town.

For easy access to the theme parks, stay at the Metropolitan Express, located across the road from Wet ‘n Wild and mere minutes from Universal Orlando. Its rooms are positioned around a central pool, where you can all head to cool off and relax.

Travel Photos of the Week: Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen

Melbourne dished up the most perfect weather last weekend to spend outdoors. I’ve had this local tourism award winner marked to visit for some time. So it made perfect sense to pick-up the oldies for an outing to Alowyn Gardens. The gardens are set within a layout of varying garden rooms across 7 acres. The garden is designed along strong symmetrical lines that become blurred by the softness of the space and the grace of the trees.

There are 5 clearly defined areas within the gardens, a perennial border, a silver birch forest, an edible garden, a formal parterre garden and through all of this runs a wisteria and rose covered arbour walk of about 100m. There is also a newer French garden which will be a picture during March when the sunflower bed is flowering.

You can also find Alowyn Gardens on Facebook.

It’s the summer school holidays here in Australia. Christmas and New Year celebrations are done for another year and it’s time for some R&R with friends and family before we get going for the 2014 work year! Yesterday I caught up with a friend from the other side of town (Melbourne). Studley Park Boathouse was a good half way point to meet. We scored a pleasant summer day to enjoy a gorgeous lunch and a glass of wine on the verandah of the cafe. Families were picnicing by the Yarra River and some were out boating enjoying their holiday time. As you can see from the photos you would never think this little spot is only 6km from Melbourne’s CBD!

Studley Park Boathouse Cafe and Restaurant

Boats at Studley Park Boathouse

The Yarra River at Studley Park Boathouse

Australian Bush at Studley Park Boathouse

A magpie enjoying a drink