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.

From exploring geological mysteries to ogling gold at the Perth Mint, there are numerous attractions in Perth you can do with the family even on a tight budget. If you’ve been able to score some inexpensive airline flights to Perth, here are 10 fun, family-friendly things to do for under $50.

Aviation Heritage Museum

Aircraft on display include a Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber, DeHavilland Tiger Moth and an Avro Ansen. Apart from display aircraft, the Aviation Heritage Museum also features books, photographs and other types of memorabilia and aviation heritage artefacts. The collection is extensive, making the museum a great destination for all the family.

Cottesloe Beach

Probably the most popular beach in Perth, Cottesloe beach is easy to get to by train or car. You can choose to spend your time on the sand and in the water, perch on the grassed terrace or sitting in comfort in one of the many Cottesloe cafes and restaurants. If you want some peace and quiet, then just head a little way down either end of the beach.

The Swan River

Meandering right through central Perth, the Swan River is a great place to bring the family for a day’s fun. Whether you prefer to be on or off the water, there’s a lot to do along the Swan River. Take a boat ride or fishing trip, bike along the open, flat cycle tracks or picnic along the river bank under the trees.

Kings Park and Botanical Gardens

Only a short walk from the city centre, Kings Park is set on 400 acres of beautiful recreational and bush land. It offers views of the city and Swan River, and various restaurants and cafes to sit back and relax. If you’re feeling up to it, you can take a climb up the DNA Tower. The Botanical Gardens, with thousands of native plants and wildlife to explore, are not to be missed. A day at Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens will surely satisfy your whole family.

Western Australian Museum

With a great selection of artefacts, from dinosaurs to Aboriginal art, the Western Australian Museum easily fits in our top 10 list. The museum has regular travelling exhibitions that will keep you wanting to come back for more. Best of all, admission is free, making a day at the museum a bargain for your family.

Mettam’s Pool

If you happen to be visiting Perth in the summer, you’ll certainly be looking for somewhere to cool off. Mettam’s Pool is a great beach, located about 15 minutes from central Perth. A natural pool protected by a reef, Mettam’s Pool is a great place for young kids to swim safely. Also of interest is the abundant ocean life around the reef, making it a great place for the kids to learn to snorkel.

Fraser Avenue Lookout

Not far from the city, Fraser Avenue Lookout offers spectacular views of the Perth city centre and the meandering Swan River. This is a great place for a picnic during the day or head up in early evening to see the sunset and the city lights. If you want, you can always combine the sightseeing view with a meal at nearby Fraser’s Restaurant.

Kings Park War Memorial

Located in Kings Park, the War Memorial is an impressive structure dedicated to those who have fought and died in war. With beautiful views overlooking the Swan River, Kings Park War Memorial is a great place for a relaxing picnic or a walk through the park grounds.

Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is a stunning architectural building where you can spend an entire day with your family. With a range of exhibitions, demonstrations and activities for everyone to enjoy, the Perth Mint has guided talks, Australia’s largest natural nugget collection on display and the largest collection of gold bars to view. You can even watch gold being poured.

St George’s Cathedral

Situated in the heart of the city, St George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, and one of the few constructed using handmade bricks. With its beautiful jarrah roof trusses and arches, the use of Fremantle limestone, bluestone pillars and gorgeous stained-glass windows, this cathedral doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re here for a tour or a service, St George’s Cathedral has a very peaceful and reverent feel to it.

About the Author: Born and bred in Perth, Janet Moore works as a travel guide for one of Perth’s popular city tour companies. She often contributes articles about the best ways to experience all that Perth has to offer.

The main holiday expenses are displayed in this infographic

Whilst the infographic portrays the holiday habits of those in Northern America, it is probably fairly much the same across most western nations.

Source: FastLoanTree.com

An Infographic

With the rise of visual based social sharing sites such as Pinterest, so has come the rise of the visual infographic. I love infographics and have been collecting them on Pinterest since I joined. These have mainly been for social media statics and some general business ones I’ve come across in my interweb travels but I’m now starting to see more travel based infographics. Here’s a cool one I’ve seen recently which I thought I’d share.

By the way, you can catch me on Pinterest and check out my dream, travel board.

Find Your Way to the Perfect Family Vacation by vacation rentals site FlipKey.com