Exotic Long Haul Travel with the Family

Many of our readers are out of the United Kingdom and Europe. Although Mauritius and The Seychelles are quite far from the US, they are both easily accessible with kids from the main European hubs.

White sand beaches and gentle turquoise waters seem ever-more alluring during winters when the days are curtailed and cold. But preparing for a long-haul trip with children can sometimes feel a bit of a chore. Forget images of jet lag and nightmarish journeys because long distance traveling is easier than you think and the rewards are endless.

Many exotic, luxurious places can seem assigned to honeymooners or romantic get-a-ways but there is an abundance of family-friendly resorts just waiting to be discovered.

These are our top four family destinations to fly you from drizzly streets to sugar-soft sandy beaches:

Mauritius

Surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean this wonderful French-speaking island is blessed with swathes of beach and luxurious hotels, plus no jet lag means it’s great for tots. Admire the abundant marine life on a glass bottom boat or those with an adventurous spirit can try water-skiing.

Everyone will be on tenterhooks during morning feeding time at the La Vanile crocodile reserve and after, the entire family will delight in the chutes and slides of Belle Mare’s Water-park. The Veranda Palmar Beach Resort offers a luxurious experience complete with a kids club, wellness centre, two restaurants and a beach full of water-sport activities. Traveling as a family can be the most rewarding way to go on holiday.

The Seychelles

Barefoot island paradise awaits in this archipelago scattered across the Indian Ocean. Shallow waters are perfect for paddling toddlers and snorkeling the shores provides hours of fascination for adults and little ones. Each of the 115 islands has their own identity from granite islands and coral wonderlands to lush tropical forests.

Noted for pricey resorts, it can be a challenge to cut costs in The Seychelles, however, Clef des Iles, a mixture of two-story flats lining Mahe’s Beau Vallon Bay, is a bargain and it’s fabulous for families. Each kitchen opens out onto the beach, so you can breakfast with views of the sparkling Indian Ocean and white sand beaches.

The Cayman Islands

There are few tropical paradises better suited to families than the Cayman Islands. With a warm, sanguine atmosphere, clear cobalt seas, and velvet soft sands this is a haven for parents and children alike. There is a myriad of excursions and activities to choose from, not forgetting the luxury of swimming in the warm ocean and lying on sun-drenched beaches.

Kids will delight in swimming with dolphins, kayaking through mango-groves and visiting pirate caves. The Cotton Tree Cottages are great value or try the Sunshine Suites Resort, perfect for families.

Antigua

This Island is ideal for family vacations, with a focus on water excursions and many all-inclusive hotels. Try Antigua Paddles for snorkeling and hiking; the whole family will be amazed by the iridescent tropical fish and otherworldly reefs. This is an island for rejuvenating family holidays filled with long hazy days by the pool, laid-back excursions and raw beauty that the Caribbean is renowned for.

Check out the Verandah Resort and Spa which is set in 30 acres of beach and gardens offering free water sports and a sumptuous spa for adults.

Editorial Note: This is a sponsored post. The writer, Natalie Laurence, is a freelance journalist for Insure and Away who lives in the United Kingdom. Photos provided by Insure and Away