Family holiday mix for all to be happy

[Enkopkaffetak]

I am considering spending a large potion of some money I am due to inherit on a big family holiday.

Our children are 11 13 15 and 17 2 are really into active sports water sports and mountain boarding/ rock climbing high up on their likes. One is up for trying such things the last is not really massively keen.

I am up for trying a bit but would like to actually relax and perhaps get pampered a bit.

Dh likes golf but hasnt played in many years. He would likely try the active parts but likes relaxing a lot

We all enjoy food and are not massively fussy though dd2 is a vegetarian.

I don't want to go to Disney land.

I am considering Iceland, Japan, Australia and also America plus the Caribbean.

However I haven't really managed much when looking around it appears overwhelming and either goes to far towards active or to far towards beach holiday.

Any middle ground?

We're just back from Canada - I'm thinking part of our trip might suit you well. We flew into Vancouver, then went over to Tofino in vancouver Island where DH and DS did a bit of body boarding and we all did some kayaking.

Then we drove to Whistler which is amazing. Mountain biking - your bike goes up on the chair lift, zip wiring, nice leisurely bike rides and for those of us who are less active - a reasonable spa to go to.

If you're interested in this idea, let me know and I'll give you more details.

Japan is fantastic but getting all you want in Japan would be difficult. Australia is a long, long way to go. How long have you got? Will they be happy to travel that far?

Caribbean ticks lots of boxes - rock climbing probably not! Hiring a yacht in the Virgin Islands is just perfect and would probably keep everyone happy. A yacht with 'toys" on board is the best idea. Alternatively look at Ecuador and the Galapagos Iskands. Ecuador is superb and sailing in the Galápagos Islands is something you will never forget. You land on the islands and there are boats that have other families on board.

Lastly, I totally agree that Canada is a really good idea but I would definitely add in whale watching and bear spotting at the salmon rivers and shorelines. Iceland offers plenty of outdoor activities and you could consider Norway and Sweden. Both outdoor cultures. Companies like Family Adventures Worldwide and similar have great itineraries and ideas too. Have a great time planning.

Canada is a no go as we have a lot of family there so would turn into a come visit us thing.

I am from Scandinavia and Norway / Sweden do not really hold a lot of pull for me. It was bog standard place to go as a child. I have always wanted to go to Iceland though.

My concern with adventure places is that it becomes just so focused on outdoors stuff and to be honest that is not my idea of fun. More the kids.

I am thinking 2-3 weeks.

What is your idea of fun then? My family enjoyed the holidays I mentioned above. I left out the ones we did in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia. All of which were amazing if you like wildlife. California would be high on my list too. Also Boston and New England. Your time is too short for Australia in my opinion. Peru is also fantastic for children/teens and in Ecuador they have wonderful rainforest lodges - Peru too. Doing the Inca Trail may interest you. Costa Rica might also be a good choice. I know people who have done family holidays in Vietnam successfully. Look at a company like Audley Travel to see what is available worldwide and when is best to travel. What about China?

I am looking for somewhere it is possible to do something active but those who doesnt wish to can be in comfortable surroundings with a pool and relax. spa would be nice as would local interesting museums.

Does it have to be far flung? You could do all of those things in Corsica or parts of France/Italy and have plenty of other options for the non-active.

My friend has just gone to Slovenia for an activity holiday with their teens.
They are doing loads of activities, kayaking, canyoning, white water rafting etc.
They have their own place to stay in but im sure you could get somewhere that is more like a hotel so you can also relax.
The thread on here atm about places you love and hate mentions Slovenia a lot as somewhere people love.

Or Réunion Island?

We have spoken about italy France not so much. I think my thing is i REALLY do not want to go on a activity holiday as I dont enjoy that environment However my youngest 2 really do. So I want somewhere it is a possibility but not somewhere it is the main event.

Costa Rica comes to mind. Beaches, wildlife, cloud forest. Definitely a yacht in the Carribean. Everyone would love that and you can be pampered. I think you will find it quite difficult to find a beach resort where there are loads of suitable activities for your teens. Why can you not all explore a country like Peru, Ecuador, orThe British Virgin Islands? This is a chance to discover something new and not just stick with what you like and what you don't like. You might find something new and see something of the world rather than just another spa or beach. Who would not be amazed at Machu Pitchu or the Galápagos Islands? Do you really just want a spa?

When we were looking at getting married abroad I think I remember a place called le sport in St Lucia. Luxury hotel with lots of sport/spa options)

Bermuda? Lots of water sports type stuff (snorkling, diving, sailing, etc.), plenty of golf, a bit of culture and lots of sun and pampering for you. 3 weeks might be a bit long to spend there though, there isn't exactly a huge about to do on a group of islands that small...

I have stayed at Le Sport wolfie -Children aren't allowed. (It is fantastic though!)

I think your best bet is to book your DC's onto an Activity Holiday, and take yourself off to a relaxing spa & beach holiday separately then.

A cruise?