The mumsnet travel calendar - where to go when
By Helen Truszkowski

JANUARY
Cape Town
Why? Some of the world's most breathtaking scenery, a dependable climate, plus it's excellent value for money. The area is very straightforward to explore, generally hassle-free and no innoculations are required. Getting here's not a problem either. There are plenty of night flights making it much easier on you and the kids. The city itself boasts good, affordable hotels, high food standards and plenty of excellent beaches including one just for families. Table Mountain towers over the city and you can take trips to the top by cable car. The Cape of Good Hope is a great day-trip, Green Market Square sells every conceivable knick-knack, whilst the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront provides an entire day's diversions including boat trips, seal watching, museums, a shopping mall, bistros and cinema. Health standards are consistently high.
Will suit: Families of all ages from infants to teenagers, including those on a budget. Travelling to countries where the currency is weak increases your spending power.
Flying Time: about 12 hours
Time Difference: None. GMT applies, so you can depend on zero jet-lag.
Average Temperature: 26 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: Mount Nelson, The Table Bay, Cape Grace, Breakwater Lodge, The Bay Hotel, The Peninsula, Sunset Beach Guest House
Tour Operator Recommendations: South African Airways Holidays (Tel: 0870 6071364) Abercrombie & Kent (Tel: 020 7559 8788, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk ), TCA Holidays (Tel: 01242 224482, www.africanodyssey.co.uk ), Rainbow Tours (Tel: 020 7226 1004, www.rainbowtours.co.uk) For More Information: South African Tourist Office (Tel: 0906 364 0600, www.south-african-tourism.org )

Budget Option
Novotel Glasgow
This brand spanking new hotel is set right at the heart of the vibrant city. The spacious, comfortable rooms can easily accommodate a family of four. The hotel's weekend and short breaks offer excellent value at just £32.50 per adult, per night, with up to two children under the age of 16 staying for free. The break includes breakfast for all the family and use of the roof top gym, steam room, sauna and training equipment. A Delfi Club children's play area in reception offers diversions for the kids too. All rooms feature satellite TV, movies and Playstaion. Plus there's a free welcome pack for kids.

FEBRUARY
Southwest Florida
Why? Avoiding much of this region's more superficial facade you'll discover wilderness, wildlife and wide open beaches on Florida's lesser-known Gulf coastline. Sanibel Island has outlawed highrises whilst neighbouring Captiva is regarded as the shell-collecting capital. The virgin sands are strewn with sand dollars, conch shells, even turtles laying their eggs. Dolphins regularly cruise the shoreline. You can get closer still by hiring out a boat, kayak or canoe to explore the outlying islands and mangroves. Taking a fly-drive via Fort Myers offers you the freedom, flexibility and variety to explore both islands at leisure. Petrol is unbelievably cheap here as are clothes, books, videos and especially eating out. Restaurants are entirely geared up for children with special menus, crayons, toys and highchairs. For kids its a chance to get close to nature without compromising any of the home comforts.
Will suit: All ages catered for, including those on a budget.
Flying Time: About 9 hours
Time Difference: Minus 5 hours. Expect some jet lag for the first couple of days. At least dawn calls here give you the chance to catch a spectacular sunrise on the beach.
Average Temperature: 23 degrees centigrade Hotel Recommendations: Captiva Island Inn, South Seas Plantation (Captiva), Sanibel Inn, Sundial Registry Resort (Sanibel), Ritz Carlton  (Sanibel) If you fly into Southeast Florida consider a twin-centre break and head for the Boca Raton Resort for your first few days.
Tour Operator Recommendations: British Airways Holidays (Tel: 0870 242 4245), Key to America (Tel: 020 8890 8454), North America Travel Service (Tel: 0113 246 1466) For More Information: Visit Florida (Tel: 020 7630 6602, www.flausa.com ), The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel (www.fortmyers-sanibel.com )

Budget Option:
Net a Cheap Flight
It pays to shop around. Although travel agents assure you they offer the best deals , as often as not they're privy to incentive options that offer them added perks and maximise their own commission. Because keeping an aircraft grounded costs a good deal more than flying it, airlines need to guarantee bums on seats. Consolidators buy discounted blocks of tickets from the airline, then sell them on at a reduced price. Though you're guaranteed a cheaper ticket there's nothing to stop these companies charging whatever price they like. The best protection you have is to keep looking until you find a price you like. Try www.flightline.co.uk , www.flights4less.co.uk , www.lastminute.com  and www.farebase.net , plus for Europe the low cost, no-thrills airlines such as www.buzzaway.com , www.easyjet.com , www.go-fly.co.uk   and www.ryanair.com .

MARCH
Algarve, Portugal
Why? A balmy, year-round climate with easy, inexpensive and frequent flights from all the UK airports making this holiday spot accessible to all. Superb family facilities and especially renowned for its excellent sports amenities, golf courses and health clubs. A surprising number of hotels and resorts now offer flexible children's programmes and more are adding them every season. Most are free of charge and offer a variety of entertaining and educational activities allowing kids to drop in and out depending on their interests and your own family's day to day plans. Villa rentals are equally good for families here. Spotlessly clean, tastefully furnished and consistently built to high standards mostly with pools, you can book ahead with confidence.
Will suit: All ages, temperatures at this time of the year are especially mild, not sweltering, which is ideal for little ones.
Flying Time: 2-3 hours
Time Difference: None. GMT applies, so you can depend on zero jetlag.
Average Temperature: 19 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: Pine Cliffs Resort, Vila Vita Parc, Meridien Penina, Meridien Dona Felipa, Sheraton Algarve, Balaia Village, Hotel Quinta do Lago
Tour Operator Recommendations: EHS Travel (Tel: 01993 700600, www.ehstravel.co.uk ), Prestige Holidays (Tel: 01425 480400), The Travel Club of Upminster (Tel: 01708 225000, www.travelclub.org.uk ), The Villa Agency (Tel: 01273 747811, www.thevillaagency.co.uk ) For More Information: Portuguese National Tourist Office (Tel: 020 7494 1441, www.portugal-insite.pt )

Budget Option
On Your Bike (Tel: 0117 929 0888, www.sustrans.org.uk)
Since the launch of the National Cycle Network cycling with your family has never been more safe or more fun. When it's complete the network will include 8,000 miles of cycling routes throughout the UK. Spearheaded by the charity Suntrans, there are already thousands of miles to explore - the latest stretch being the 97 mile Thames Valley Cycle Route between London and Oxford. What's more, it's completely free !

APRIL
Cyprus
Why? Combining beautiful beaches, transparent seas, picturesque villages and ancient sites. Spring temperatures are just right for families. Over half the island's visitors are British so you can depend on English-speaking companions for the kids, not to mention familiar menus and newspapers when you want them. The quality of its accommodation and hospitality of its people are pretty much guaranteed and with a strong family tradition themselves you know your brood will be welcome just about everywhere. Healthcare is good overall and crime rates are low. All the major tour operators offer affordable packages to the well-serviced, main coastal resorts. If you want to explore, several others offer flexible self-drive tours and fly-drive packages. Mini-cruises to nearby Israel and Egypt are easy to arrange.
Will suit: All ages
Flying Time: 4-5 hours
Time Difference: Plus 2 hours. You shouldn't encounter much difficulty with jet lag.
Average Temperature: 22 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: Paphos Beach Hotel, Hawaii Grand, Hotel Anassa, The Annabelle Hotel, Four Seasons Limassol. Contact the Tourism Organisation for details of their agrotourism programme that restores traditional rural lodgings and villas.
Tour Operator Recommendations: The Mediterranean Experience (Tel: 020 8445 6000, www.themed.net ), Libra Holidays (Tel: 020 8275 5500, www.pricerightholidays.com ), Cyplon Holidays (Tel: 020 8348 8866) Powder Byrne (Tel: 020 8246 5300, www.powderbyrne.com)  For More Information: Cyprus Tourism Organisation (Tel: 020 7569 8800, www.ctolon.org.uk )

Budget Option
Villadeals (Tel: 020 8541 2261, www.villadeals.com)
Even the most popular holiday villa has a few weeks each season with no bookings. Rather than leave these properties empty Villadeals have teamed up with a number of specialist operators and villa owners to offer almost cost price accommodation. Their limited overheads - such as no holiday reps or brochures - mean they can offer a wide range of high quality villas and apartments across Europe at the lowest possible prices. Focusing on departures within eight weeks, this user-friendly site offers accommodation from as little as £42 per person, per week.

MAY
Caribbean
Why? With Britain's unreliable climate seeking out guaranteed sunshine is not always a luxury, it can seem like a lifesaver. But you don't have to be rich to savour the Caribbean's sun, surf and sand - you just have to be savvy. The midst of a bone-chilling winter may seem the obvious time to travel to their tropical shores. Not necessarily so. Between mid April and mid December throngs of tourists disappear and prices at prestigious island resorts dip as much as 40%. What's more, despite the lower rates the top family destinations don't skimp on either their service or facilities. To top it all, the temperatures hover in the mid 80's and what beaches ! - long stretches of white sugar sand and hideaway coves warmed by a balmy tropical sun and cooled by gentle trade winds - the perfect retreat where children can run, swim, splash and scream without restraint. The further south you go the marginally better weather you can expect. No immunisations are required.
Will suit: Pale and flagging parents. All ages are catered for.
Flying Time: Between 7-9 hours
Time Difference: Minus 5 hours. Expect some jet lag for the first couple of days as east to west travel is always the most disruptive. Once you land try to get out into the sunlight as soon as you can and stay awake until a reasonable hour.
Average Temperature: 29 degrees centigrade Hotel Recommendations: Four Seasons Resort (Nevis), Our Lucaya (Bahamas), Cap Juluca (Anguilla), Little Dix Bay (Virgin Gorda), Beaches (Turks & Caicos), Windjammer Landing (St Lucia), Club Colonna (Antigua), Glitter Bay (Barbados), Malliouhana Hotel (Anguilla), Franklin D Resort (Jamaica).
Tour Operator Recommendations: Sunsail (Tel: 02392 222222, www.sunsail.com ), Sovereign (Tel: 08705 768373, www.sovereign.com ), Caribbean Connection (Tel: 0870 751 9300), Exsus (Tel: 020 7292 5050, www.exsus.com ), Thomas Cook (Tel: 0870 443 4441, www.tcholidays.com ) For More Information: Caribbean Tourism Organisation (Tel: 0207 222 4335, www.caribtourism.com )

Budget Option
Keycamp Holidays (Tel: 0870 7000 123, www.keycamp.com)
Aimed specifically at families with babies and toddlers in tow, Keycamp offers 'Harry's Garden' play areas and free all-terrain buggy hire on 15 campsites in France. Cots, high chairs and night-lights are provided free and all accommodation is designed with built in safety features. In addition most campsites provide baby baths, nappy changing facilities, washing machines and paddling pools. Prices start at £272 per family inclusive of 12 nights' tent accommodation in Normandy.

JUNE
Majorca
Why? A chic and strikingly scenic alternative to the overdeveloped costas. New construction has been restricted here and much of the island has been given over to national parks. As the largest of Spain's islands it still offers some of the safe and cleanest beach life on the Med with a resort to suit every taste and pocket. The capital Palma is sophisticated and self-assured and well worth a visit. Limestone caves at Cuevas de Arta and Cueveas de Campanet introduce kids to a fantastic grotto underworld. The Spanish tourist infastructure is fully established, of course, so you can depend on cheap car hire, good healthcare, plenty of English speaking staff, plus varied menus to suit kids' notoriously unimaginative palates. Will suit: All ages, including those on a budget.
Flying Time: Just over 2 hours
Time Difference: Plus one hour. You shouldn't encounter any difficulties with jetlag.
Average Temperature: 25 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: Illa d'Or, Hotel Delfin Verde Marina, Pinos Playa, Hotel Cala Sant Vincenc, Miramar Hotel, Habitat Apartments
Tour Operator Recommendations: Unijet Summersun (Tel: 08705 336 336), JMC (Tel: 0870 7580194, www.jmc.com), Archers Direct (Tel: 0870 751 0111), Magic of Spain (Tel: 08700 270400), For More Information: Spanish Tourist Board (Tel: 020 7486 8077, www.uk.tourspain.es )

Budget Option
Skytours (Tel: 08705 133500, www.thomson-holidays.com)
Offering classic Mediterranean packages, Skytours offer a free kid's place for the first child sharing a room with two full fare paying adults. If you're a single parent you can claim the same free place for your first child. If you are a larger family you can save an extra £50 off the adult price for your 3rd and 4th children staying in one of 28 spacious apartments. In addition there are free, supervised kids' clubs offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for 4-7 year olds and for 8-12 year olds for 2 daytime hours six times a week, plus 2 evening hours three times a week.

JULY
The Alps
Why? Well, it sure makes a change from cleaning sand (and come to that, snow) out of every nook and cranny. Adrenaline junkies will appreciate the awesome splendour of the mountains, gorges and lakes. There's plenty of open space to spread yourselves about and, what's more, it's rare for children to be excluded from anywhere or anything. Most peaceful are the Queyras region and the Vercors; to escape even further try the national parks of Vanoise or Ecrins. The most spectacular day trip of all has to be the cable-car ride from Chamonix for stunning views of the peaks.
Will suit: Daring families looking for a holiday buzz, from abseiling to grass skiing, canyoning to camping.
Flying Time: 2-3 hours
Time Difference: Plus one hour. You shouldn't encounter any difficulties with jetlag.
Average Temperature: expect it to reach about 5 degrees higher than in the UK
Hotel Recommendations: Hotel Marie-Blanche (Meribel), Alp Hotel (La Clusaz), Hotel les Airelles (Morzine) Tour Operator Recommendations: Eurocamp (Tel: 01565 626262, VFB (Tel: 01242 240310, www.vfbholidays.co.uk), Sun Esprit (Tel: 01252 618300, www.sun-esprit.co.uk),  Breton Bikes (Tel: 01579 350379), Alp Active (Tel: 01223 568220), French Life (Tel: 0113 239 0077) For More Information: France Information Service (Tel: 0891 244123, calls charged 50 p per min,  www.franceguide.com )

Budget Option
Cosmos Football Camp (Tel: 0870 908 4299, www.cosmos-holidays.co.uk )
Boys and girls aged 7-16 years staying at the Hotel Jupiter/Saturno or the Bellevue Apartments in Majorca can attend one of 6 weekly Football Master Classes. Run by 12 specially selected ex-professional footballers with the full backing and support of the Professional Footballers Association, your kids are guaranteed top-flight tutelage. 4 separate 2 hour sessions include everything from free kick and shooting practice to dribbling, attacking and defensive exercises - all under the eagle eye of specially trained coaches. The course costs £99 per child and includes a T-shirt, cap, signed football, souvenir photograph and a certificate of attendance.

AUGUST Pembrokeshire, Wales
Why? An idyllic country retreat overlooking a picturesque coastline serves as the ultimate family getaway, but with far less of the 'getting there' factor. Traditional country pubs and village inns serve up fresh seafood and home reared meats. What's more, there are more clean 'Blue Flag' award winning beaches along the 180 miles of coastline than in any other county, meaning you can pack your kids' buckets and spades with confidence. Warmed by the Gulf Stream some of the UK's warmest temperatures are recorded here creating a largely rainless microclimate. Try your hand at waterskiing, diving, parascending, abseiling, golf, horseriding and quad biking. Inland parks, gardens and castles add variety to the choice of days out. August is the month for Pembrokeshire's County Show, whilst the costal town of Newport holds its annual regatta.
Will suit: All ages, especially larger families or groups and those with infants.
Driving Time: 3 hours from the Midlands, 4 hours from London via the M4
Average Temperature: 21 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: The Druidstone (Broad Haven), Warpool Court Hotel (St. David's) Tour Operator Recommendations: Coastal Cottages (Tel: 01437 765765, www.coastalcottages.co.uk , Quality Cottages (Tel: 01348 837 874)
For More Information: (Tel: 0990 103 103, www.pembokeshire.gov.uk )

Budget Option
Day Out in London (Tel: 0207 932 2000)
You can spend a full day tube-stopping around the capital visiting child-friendly venues for practically nothing! Many have free entry and free hands-on activities, events and workshops just for kids. Head for the Wallace Collection, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Somerset House, the Horniman Museums & Gardens, Bruce Castle and the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood. To eat for next to nothing head for one of London's charismatic markets - among them Camden, Greenwich, Covent Garden, Spitalfields and Portobello Road offer the most to see, often with quirky street entertainers wandering by and with plenty of pocket-money bargains to root through.

SEPTEMBER
Island Hopping around Greece
Why? Unfailingly warm and relatively crowd-free at this time of the year. As well as individual island specialists, all the mass market operators go to Greece which helps keep the price down. Whilst between November and March transfer services remain skeletal, the vast network of ferries operating during September makes it a breeze wandering from one island to the other, floating azure seas and taking in the scenery, food and life of each. With inexpensive taxis, campsites and hotels to hand you can allow yourself plenty of freedom and flexibility. Haggling is still the norm - so in low season you can bet on even better rates. If you fancy taking a bite-size chunk of several islands in one go you're best off heading for the better-connected islands such as the Dodecanese or the Cyclades. The Sporades and Peloponnese also have reliable and regular services. Internal flights with Olympic Airways cover 30 island and mainland airports.
Will suit: All ages. With infants and toddlers try to pick islands that are small enough to stroll and bear in mind the safety, hygiene and general standards are lower than in many places. Flying Time: 3-4 hours
Time Difference: Plus one hour. You shouldn't encounter any difficulties with jetlag.
Average Temperature: 27 degrees centigrade Hotel Recommendations: Club Barbati (Corfu), Elounda Bay (Crete), Hotel Nobelos (Zakynthos), Kivotos Clubhotel (Mykonos), Lemnos Village (Lemnos)
Tour Operator Recommendations: Greek Islands Club (Tel: 020 8758 4740, www.greekislandsclub.com ), Sunvil Holidays (Tel: 020 8758 4747, www.sunvil.co.uk ), First Choice Family Plus (Tel: 0870 750 0001) Mark Warner (Tel: 08708 480480 www.markwarner.co.uk  ), Cosmos (Tel: 0870 727 0463) Laskarina Holidays (Tel: 01629 824881, www.laskarina.co.uk ), For More Information: National Tourist Organisation of Greece (Tel: 020 7734 5997)

Budget Option
Haven Europe (Tel: 0870 242 7777) Haven Europe offers a huge choice of parks throughout France, Spain and Italy selected for their local attractions and family suitability. There are free pools at all the parks, a huge range of leisure activities, a free travel pack full of maps and guides, as well as free age specific kiddy clubs for 1-14 year olds and a free play pack. Choose from tented accommodation, luxury mobile homes, chalets or wooden Prestige lodges to suit your family's needs. After 1st September you pay half price when you holiday at one of Haven's 8 Owned Parks and you can even take an extra week for free on top of your fortnight break. Early booking discounts also apply.

OCTOBER
Canada
Why? A wholesome, all-round destination you can really throw yourself into. British Columbia alone has over 16,000 miles of coastline. Consider dramatic architecture teamed with a stunning Autumn foliage season and the spectacle that is Niagara Falls. Whale-watching in Nova Scotia is an unforgettable experience. Whatever your bag, you'll find you can do it here, both easily and affordably. Tour operators offer a choice of eastern or western seaboard holidays, with a few whistlestop trans-Canadian tours by rail or air for families who want to sample all the highlights of Canada. Self-drive tours by motorhome let you set your own pace, but much will depend on your childrens' ages and levels of endurance. Healthcare is excellent, but be sure you have sufficient comprehensive insurance.
Will suit: All ages, especially thrill-seeking families hooked on nature, water sports and the outdoor life. Bear in mind it does get cold here. Thermal clothing is recommended.
Flying Time: Between 7-10 hours
Time Difference: Minus 5 to minus 8 hours depending on where you land. Expect some jet lag for the first couple of days. Lessen the effects by drinking lots of water and restricting caffeine both beforehand and on board.
Average Temperature: 14 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: Fairmont Hotels, Four Seasons, Novotel, Westin Hotels
Tour Operator Recommendations: First Choice (0161 745 7000), All Canada Travel & Holidays (Tel: 01502 585825, www.all-canada.com ) Bridge the World (Tel: 020 7485 6512 , www.bridgetheworld.com ), Lakes & Mountains Holidays (Tel: 01329 844 405, www.lakes-mountains.co.uk ) For More Information: Ontario Canada Tourism (Tel: 020 8771 7004)

Budget Option
Diggerland Adventure Park (Tel: 01634 291290, www.diggerland.com )
Hot on the trail of Bob the Builder, children as young as 5 can hitch a ride on a real digger or even have a go at driving one of the machines themselves. Under the strict supervision of fully trained staff, your kids can get behind the wheel of mini diggers, JCBs and dumper trucks for the ride of their little lives. Diggerland is open at the weekends and all week during the half-term holiday. Admission costs £2.50 (under 2s go free) for use of all the facilities, including a bouncy castle, computer games and toys, plus from £1.50 per digger ride or £18 for an all-day wristband.

NOVEMBER
Canary Islands
Why? Virtually guaranteed wintersun and safe beaches the shortest possible flight from home. Even in the depths of the winter months you can expect better weather than during a typical English summer (bearing in mind January and February see the most rain here) The Canaries are resolutely hassle-free, small enough to explore and no innoculations are required. Whilst most tour operators offer classically affordable stay-put, sun-and-sea packages, collectively the islands offer an astonishing range of natural scenery - from lava deserts and cactus canyons to mountains and primeval forests. Whether you choose to be in the thick of things or to escape to a more secluded family resort you can still make the most of effortless days out because each of the seven islands are so easy to navigate by car.
Will suit: Families of all ages seeking an easy ride, including those on a budget.
Flying Time: 2-3 hours
Time Difference: Plus one hour. You can bet on very little jetlag.
Average Temperature: 23 degrees centigrade
Hotel Recommendations: Jardin Tecina (La Gomera), Palm Beach (Gran Canaria) Los Jameos Playa (Lanzarote), Club La Santa (Lanzarote), Hotel Botanico (Tenerife), Hotel San Roque (Tenerife), Hotel Orquidea (Gran Canaria)
Tour Operator Recommendations: Vintage Travel (Tel: 01954 261431, www.vintagetravel.co.uk ) Thomson Superfamily (Tel: 0845 200 6795, www.thomson-holidays.com ), Prestige Holidays (Tel: 01425 480400), Airtours (Tel: 0800 028 8808, www.airtours.co.uk ), For More Information: Spanish Tourist Office (Tel: 020 7486 8077)

Budget Option
Holiday Share
Holidaying with another family can cut costs considerably. It can even bring that dream, luxury 6 bedroom villa plus pool and all the extras well within your reach. What's more it provides both instant companions for your brood and more adults to divide up the chores and the babysitting. Sharing items also means you'll have less to pack. For the best possible combination choose another family that has children around the same ages as your own. A gang of children playing happily together is incredibly low maintenance.

DECEMBER
Mauritius
Why? A natural paradise enhanced by sophisticated services is a dream come true with kids in tow, though you can expect a costly price tag. The deluxe beach hotels are modern with high quality food and a dedicated child-friendly approach. Aside the spectacular beaches, sightseeing ranges from nature reserves and waterfalls to Hindu temples. Getting out and seeing the island is a breeze. You can take the bus into Quatre Bornes for the vibrant market, visit the shops at Grand Baie, the botanical gardens at Pampelmousses and the on-site factory at the Mendine sugar plantation. Local restaurants serve traditional Creole cuisine at fair prices. No compulsory innoculations are required and hygiene and safety standards are high across the island. Coming here in December means you will avoid the rainy season (from January to April) Plentiful night flight options make this longer haul flight much easier to contemplate.
Will suit: all ages, but be sure to take special sun precautions, especially with infants.
Flying Time: 12 hours
Time Difference: Plus 4 hours. Any trip causing more than a 2 hour adjustment can cause difficulties but as you are flying north to south you should encounter virtually no jet-lag. Average Temperature: 29 degrees centigrade Hotel Recommendations: Sugar Beach Resort, Le Touessrok, Le Coco Beach, Paradise Cove, Shandrani, Royal Palm Hotel, Le Saint Geran Hotel, Hilton Mauritius Tour Operator Recommendations: Distant Dreams (Tel: 0870 241 2400, www.distantdreams.co.uk ), Somak (Tel: 020 8423 3000, www.somak.co.uk ), Classic Connection (Tel: 0870 751 9320), Carrier (Tel: 01625 547030, www.carrier.co.uk ) For More Information: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (Tel: 020 7584 3666, www.mauritius.net )

Budget Option
North Lakes Hotel (Tel: 01768 868111)
One of a group of eight properties in the Shires Inn group that really go out of their way to welcome families. On arrival every child receives an activity pack with games and puzzles. All the hotels in the group have cots, high chairs and kids' menus. An Action Pack is on offer most weekends, which includes Saturday night at the movies, swimming pool mega splash with a giant inflatable, a video games challenge and treasure hunts. Kids under 7 sharing a room with two adults are offered free bed & breakfast. There is a nominal charge of £5 for children aged between 7-16 years. Children can have their own room for as little as £16. The Hotel itself offers health and beauty breaks, pre and post natal treatments, and has plenty more for active types.