Recommended Family Destinations

WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort Orlando, Universal Orlando� Resort, SeaWorld� and Wet �n Wild� Orlando offer some of the best in family entertainment, with rides and attractions to thrill all ages. When you can tear yourself away from the parks, there�s some fantastic shopping in the malls with stores selling designer goods at huge discounts. International Drive is also home to Discovery Cove� Orlando, where you can swim with dolphins!

Make the most of your holiday in Orlando, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Discovery Cove� is an all-inclusive day out which includes unlimited access to the first-class amenities, with all of your snorkel gear, meals and drinks included. It�s a day of discovery and a lifetime of memories where guests have the rare opportunity to swim and play with beautiful bottlenose dolphins*, snorkel in a coral reef with thousands of tropical fish and rays, and hand-feed exotic birds. Make sure you pre-book your Discovery Cove� experience as admission is limited to 1,000 people per day!

* Guests must be aged 6 years and over to swim with the dolphins.

• Why not see the Cirque du Soleil� show � La Nouba � at DOWNTOWN DISNEY? Featuring over 60 acrobats, dancers, gymnasts and clowns in a mesmerising mix of circus, musical, acrobatic show and opera � it�s an awesome experience that no-one could forget!
• Ride off into the savanna on a Kilimanjaro safari! Animals to look out for include giraffe, hippo, elephant, lion and tiger � all roaming freely through acres of savanna, rivers and rocks.
• Fancy designing your own roller coaster? Or landing a space shuttle? Well, you can at WonderWorks on International Drive, the world�s only upside down, 4-storey building you can walk upright in! You can also lay on a bed of nails, fly a fighter jet and experience a 5.3 simulated earthquake.
• Titanic � the Experience is also fantastic (also on International Drive), allowing you to walk through full-scale recreations of some of her most famous rooms, including the grand staircase and a first-class suite.
• Ride out the storm at Wet �n Wild� Orlando, experience sea life first-hand at SeaWorld� Orlando or simply shop till you drop at one of the numerous malls selling designer clothes and accessories at bargain prices.
• Take some time out from world-famous theme parks to enjoy a spot of golf at one of several championship 18-hole golf courses, including Eagle Pines and Oak Trails � all located in WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort. If the little ones want to try their hand at a round or two of golf as well, that�s no problem, Pirates Cove Adventure Golf will keep them more than happy!
• Mums and teens will love the shopping at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores. Shops like Gap, Nike Factory Store, Reebok, Claire�s Accessories and Fossil sell designer goods at low prices � so bring plenty of dollars and snap up a few bargains (big brother may be handy to carry the bags, too!).

The perfect place to wind down after a week at Orlando, families can still enjoy plenty of activities in between lazing on the beach. Busch Gardens� Tampa Bay is also within driving distance.

Make the most of your holiday in Clearwater and St Pete, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• The kids will love Clearwater Marine Aquarium with its hands-on sea-life experience including dolphins and sea otters. It�s also a rescue facility, making it twice as appealing!
• Join the swashbuckling crew of Captain Nemo�s Pirate Ship for an adventure on the high seas. Get your face painted like a pirate and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. There�s a bar on board for the adults with cool reggae and steel band music to accompany you on your journey.
• Head to Pier 60 for the nightly sunset celebration � a FREE family event with local artisans, street performers and live musical entertainment. What a great way to end the day!

A great place to soak up the sun, it�s fantastic for introducing the family to a variety of water sports, including fishing and navigating the waterways by boat. Make time to visit the hands-on Museum of Discovery and Science, hailed as one of the best in America and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Also recommended is an airboat ride at the Everglades � a 20-min drive away.

Make the most of your holiday in Fort Lauderdale, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Enjoy some great family bonding on a fishing trip! Fort Lauderdale is an angler�s paradise and you can either head to the pier to catch your supper or join an organised trip into deep waters!
• Fort Lauderdale is also the yachting capital of the world. Known as the �Venice of America�, water is definitely the way to go, so hire a catamaran, appoint yourself captain of your crew and explore!
• We�re sure the kids will agree that the hands-on Museum of Discovery and Science is one of the best in Florida. Exhibits include a quite literally out-of-this-world collection of unique space memorabilia, including a cockpit window from the Buran space shuttle!

Perhaps not an obvious choice for a family holiday, but for teenagers New York is a dream! Not only can they boast to their friends that they�ve �done� the Big Apple, they�ll love the many attractions on offer!

The city that never sleeps, that�s New York, a vibrant, exciting destination with so many family-friendly attractions, you�ll be pleased it�s open 24 hours! Support the Giants at the O�Shea baseball stadium, or take a Circle Line boat ride around Manhattan Bay, or visit he water park on Long Island when temperatures soar. Central Park Zoo will please the little ones, as will a trip around it on a pony and trap. Alternatively, older kids may want to hire some blades and join the cool dudes gliding along! Museums include the Children�s Museum, the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium. As for shopping, FAO Schwartz is every kid�s dream toy shop and for mums, there�s always Macy�s and Bloomingdale�s!

Make the most of your holiday in New York City, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Why not come along to the Virgin Holidays� welcome briefing to get all the �inside� information? Join us on the 3rd floor, Planet Hollywood, Times Square at either 9.00am or 3.00pm, Mon-Sun. Collect your discount cards for Macys, Bloomingdale�s and of course Planet Hollywood!
• New York can sizzle in the summer, so cool the kids down at the Splish Splash Water Park on Long Island. This 100-acre theme park features every type of slide imaginable, a Dragon�s Den tunnel, lazy river, wave pool and interactive water play area for the little ones. Overheated mums and dads can bag one of the many loungers strategically positioned in the shade and relax!

Our customer�s say about New York:

It�s also home to Hollywood, the film-making capital of the world. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios� for some nail-biting rides, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how films are made. Anaheim is home to Disneyland Park and Disney�s California Adventure Park.

Make the most of your holiday in Los Angeles, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• A must is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of Tinseltown�s finest attractions. The Walk boasts more than 2,500 stars, inlaid in bronze, including Elvis Presley, the Lone Ranger and Mickey Mouse himself!
• For culture and history, head to the Museum of Art or the California Heritage Museum in Santa Monica. If you like magic shows, you�ll love Magicopolis � a show that serves up mystery and illusion on a grand scale.
• Hire a bike (or some blades!) from one of the many rental stores along the beach, and take the kids on a cycle along the beach front. You can cycle from Santa Monica up to Venice beach in about 1 hour, and take in the sights on the way
• Take a day trip to Long Beach to see the original Queen Mary ship � now a museum paying homage to the cruising splendours of the 1930s - new state of the art aquarium and gondola rides on the canal
• Drive out to Newport Beach (approx 50 miles) with it�s 9 miles of sandy beach. Here, you and the kids can join the locals and partake in water sports such as sailing, snorkelling and body boarding. Or, hire a bike for the day and cycle 39 miles of bike lanes, 11 of which are off road
• In Anaheim, the pirates dinner adventure is a must. Whether its Captain Jack Sparrow or Elizabeth Swann that floats your boat, here�s a chance to dine with some swashbuckling sea dogs. Enjoy the bountiful dinner before the side-splitting musical Pirate Adventure begins, where you�re hostage to the dastardly Sebastian the Black and his gang who will stop at nothing to rob, pillage and plunder.

Prices: �28 per adult | �20 per child (transport not included)

• At Knott�s Berry Farm you�ll find yourself in 160 acres of rides, family shows and one-of-a-kind attractions. Get the adrenalin pumping on ride after ride of high-energy thrills in Fiesta Village. Step back into the 1880s with a gang of �pistol-packin� hombres for a Western adventure at Ghost Town. Way too many rides to list though, so get out there and give it a try!

Prices: �23 per adult | �11 per child (3-11 years)

Catch the ferry from Fisherman�s Wharf over to Angle Island State Park and get to grips with nature. There are miles of hiking trails to enjoy or hire a bike from Ayala Cove and cycle your way round. Bay Area Discovery Museum is a hands-on, indoor/outdoor art, science and theatre attraction for the under 10s with plenty to keep them entertained for hours!

Make the most of your holiday in San Francisco, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Hire a bike and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop for a spot of lunch at the trendy town Sausalito before heading back to the bay on the ferry
• Take an evening trip to Alcatraz; the prison is certainly eerier at dusk, and will produce plenty of goose bumps, but your reward is fantastic views of the bay all lit up on the ferry ride back!
• Head to Pier 39 for family-friendly attractions including a Wax Museum, the ever-popular Ripley�s Believe It or Not!, the Aquarium of the Bay, the San Francisco Carousel, games arcades galore and dazzling street performers. It is also home to dozens of sea lions!
• Ride the famous Powell-Hyde tram line, and stop off en route at the cable car museum to learn a few facts about how this iconic transportation operates
• Take a day trip to picturesque Monterey (2 hour drive) and visit the world famous aquarium
• For a day out with a difference, head over the bridge to Sonoma and Napa in Marin County to find out how some of California�s most celebrated wines are produced. Cellar tours will fascinate older kids as well as parents and most vineyards have plenty of space for younger members of the family to run around in, whilst mum and dad are busy tasting or tucking into a casual lunch.

There are family attractions galore, with each hotel a veritable theme park. You don�t even have to spend vast amounts of cash as many attractions are FREE, including the nightly fountain show at Bellagio and the lion habitat at MGM Grand. The surrounding desert is home to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Death Valley.

Make the most of your holiday in Vegas, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Every Las Vegas hotel boasts something weird and wonderful, including an elaborate pirate ship battle at Treasure Island and an Adventuredome at Circus Circus. You can even get to grips with a mini New York at New York New York or take a gondola ride at the Venetian!
• Scare yourself, and give your kids the thrill of a lifetime atop the Stratoshpere.
• Enjoy a family trip to the IMAX� 3D cinema and Pirates 4D cinema (both at Luxor hotel)
• Visit the 1.6 million-gallon aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort
• You haven�t done Vegas until you�ve done Fremont Street! An experience like no other, a multimillion bulb canopy covers several blocks and boasts the biggest big screen in the world. This blasts out state-of-the-art light and sound shows on a regular basis every night � absolutely FREE. Take the family along and prepare to be amazed!
• Just 17 miles from �The Strip� is the breathtaking Lake Las Vegas Resort � another desert oasis with world-class hotels, spas, shops, boutiques and restaurants. There�s also a 320-acre privately owned lake on which to enjoy some amazing water sports, including fishing, sailing, kayaking and swimming. When you�re not busy getting wet, don your hiking boots and head for the hills!
• If you�re heading out of town. Scottsdale, located in the heart of Arizona near Phoenix, offers a fantastic range of family attractions to keep everyone entertained. The Fiddlesticks fun park will delight the young and young at heart as will the Challenger Space Center � a museum, planetarium and activity centre in one. Goldfield Ghost Town is also highly recommended, with its eerie underground mine, scenic horseback rides and authentic Western steakhouse serving delicious cowboy fare!
• After so many man-made wonders, get the family back to nature with a trip to the Grand Canyon. Less than a 3-hour drive away, it�s a sight to rival any you�ve seen in Las Vegas! You could also visit the hottest place on earth � Death Valley, as well as Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.

Our customer�s say about Las Vegas:

Boasting the best climate in the USA, there are plenty of land and water sports for everyone to get involved in. The San Diego Zoo, home to 4,000 animals, is one of the largest in the world and hosts some of the rarest specimens in captivity. Then there�s SeaWorld�, LEGOLAND� California and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park a short drive away.

Make the most of your holiday in San Diego, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• If you�ve a budding historian in the family, head to Old Town � a fascinating recreation of life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821-1872. Alternatively, experience the real thing south of the border in Tijuana � a vibrant, colourful Mexican town with tacos to die for!
• Birch Aquarium boasts a wealth of �touch and learn� exhibits, allowing children to get close to starfish, sea horses and other fanciful sea creatures! For more fun of an aquatic nature, SeaWorld� San Diego is also highly recommended and home to world-famous killer whale, Shamu.
• To really get to grips with your surrounds, hop on board the Old Town Trolley for a 2-hour, fun-packed, fully narrated tour that will keep the kids entertained whilst mums and dads rest their feet!
• Take an evening cruise on either the San Diego Harbor Excursion or Hornblower Cruise with a narrated one-hour tour
• Take a day trip to Coronado where you'll visit one of the nation's loveliest beaches. Named one of the top 10 in America by the Travel Channel, Coronado Beach is family-friendly and well-patrolled by lifeguards

Nelson�s Dockyard and English Harbour make great family days out, as does a trip to the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, housed in the island�s oldest building. Beachcombing, windsurfing and snorkelling are all popular pastimes, as are boat trips to neighbouring islands, notably Barbuda, home to one of the Caribbean�s most beautiful beaches.

Make the most of your holiday in Antigua, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• The kids will love sailing a catamaran around the island or let the teens hang out at Dutchmans Bay, renowned for its great windsurfing. Jabberwock Beach is the best place to learn the art of kite surfing, a thrilling and increasingly popular sport, that will have you literally reaching for the sky!
• Make like the Swiss Family Robinson and spend the day on neighbouring island, Barbuda. You can either hire a boat and sail there yourself or catch the ferry. Either way, you�ll be able to find a spot just for you and your family, pretending, for a few hours at least, to be castaways in paradise!
• Away from the beaches, get cultural at Horatio Nelson�s fully restored colonial boatyard, take in some of Antigua�s history at the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda or try a spot of shopping in St John�s.

A water sports paradise offering sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, power boat tours for an excursion you will never forget, plus the ever-popular dolphin programme where you get to learn all about these wonderful creatures and even swim with them! For those who prefer dry land there are plenty of duty-free shops in downtown Nassau.

Make the most of your holiday in the Bahamas, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Set sail from Paradise Island to the Blue Lagoon to swim, cuddle and even dance with dolphins. A magical experience, it�s one to be remembered around the dinner table for years to come! Other watery pursuits include a ride on Thriller � a state-of-the-art powerboat that lives up to its name!
• Younger members of the family (and teens, though they won�t admit it!) will appreciate a visit to Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, a 51/2-acre park that is home to hundreds of mammals, birds and reptiles, including the world-famous marching flamingos, which have to be seen to be believed!

There are plenty of water sports to tempt you, cricket at the Kensington Oval and perfectly preserved plantation houses for history buffs. Ocean Park is the island�s newest attraction and allows you to explore underwater without getting wet.

Make the most of your holiday in Barbados, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Walk underwater without getting wet at Ocean Park � a fully interactive marine aquarium packed to the rafters with freshwater and tropical marine life. It�s also home to the Pirates Adventure miniature golf course complete with sunken galleon, clubhouse and picnic tables!
• Barbados is a coral island, so snorkelling is a must with schools to cater for all levels, from the complete beginner to the more advanced. For an underwater expedition of a different kind, climb on board the Atlantis, a real-life submarine that explores beautiful coral reefs and a shipwreck!
• If there�s a budding athlete in your family, get involved with the Barbados Sports Camp due to be held between 16 Jul and 31 Aug '07. Famous West Indian international cricketers and Premier League footballers will be on hand to give kids aged 9-15 years FREE football and cricket coaching. Log on to the Barbados Tourism Authority website for more information www.visitbarbados.org
• While the kids are getting sporty, mums and dads could head to Crane Beach on the south coast to soak up the sun on powder soft white sands that glimmer pink in certain lights. If you�re feeling active, hire a boogie board and ride the waves. Overlooking the beach is the spectacular colonial-style Crane Hotel, perfect for a spot of lunch.
• If you�ve got older children, treat them to hot-to-trot show � Bajan Roots & Rhythms � held at the Plantation Theatre. A steel drum orchestra will immediately get your toes tapping as you tuck into a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet brimming with Bajan specialities, as well as more international fare. Later on, stilt walkers � standing some 10-12ft in the air � will take to the floor performing a series of tricks that will amaze you! A fantastic night out and one the whole family will love!
• If you fancy coming over all cultural, take the family to Sunbury Plantation House � a living monument to a bygone era. Barbados Museum, housed in the former British Military Prison, has a gallery dedicated to �Yesterday�s Children�, which will fascinate all ages. Bridgetown, the island�s capital, is also full of historic sites, as well as some great duty-free shopping on Broad Street!

Varadero is the island�s premier beach resort, famous for its unspoiled white sands and crystal-clear ocean. Why not take a glass-bottom boat ride to admire some colourful marine life or swim with dolphins. If you�ve got older kids, head to Havana for beautiful colonial buildings and classic American cars in abundance!

Make the most of your holiday in Cuba, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• If you�ve got older kids, take them to Havana, not only to marvel at all the classic American cars, but also because it�s packed full of historical sites and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Salsa is the dance to see and practice. Take the kids for dance classes, or dance with the locals, at the Tropicana and Varadero Mambo nightclubs.

Aside from beautiful beaches, learn about the island�s colonial past at Prospect Plantation House and Rose Hall Great House. Alternatively, enjoy the cool plunge pools at Dunn�s River Falls, swimming with dolphins in Ocho Rios and river rafting down the Martha Brae. There are also several world-class golf courses!

Make the most of your holiday in Jamaica, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Introduce your family to a family of bottle-nosed dolphins at Dolphin Cove, Jamaica�s only dolphin attraction. In an idyllic location on Jamaica�s picturesque north coast and opposite Dunn�s River Falls, this fantastic day out will produce a wealth of memories the whole family will treasure!
• Talking of Dunn�s River Falls, this is one of the island�s most renowned attractions and certainly not one to miss! The adventurous can climb the waterfall from the beach right up to the top, stopping en route to cool off in the various natural plunge pools. The falls were featured prominently in the first James Bond film � Dr No � so make like 007 and splash with the best of them!
• Martha Brae rafting - The Martha Brae River flows out of the Cockpit Country and winds its way down to the sea at Falmouth. From Rafter's Rest, your raft captain will take you on a gentle two hour ride through lush vegetation. You can stop for a swim or to buy drinks and craft items. This is a journey enjoyed by young and not so young
• Black River safari - Enjoy a ride up the Black River, seeking out the native crocodiles

Visit this ancient Mayan city as it�s an educational experience both you and the kids will love. A trip to eco-theme park, Xcaret, is also unmissable where you can swim in natural pools and underwater rivers. Horse riding is yet another great way to get close to nature.

Make the most of your holiday in Mexico, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Get cultural in Mexico with a trip to the archeological sites of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Xcaret � these dramatic lost civilisations will fascinate both young and old, kick-starting a deep interest in ancient history, perhaps?
• Visit the waterpark at Xelha for a fun packed day for all the family

Pick up a 4x4 and head into the lush countryside for the ride of a lifetime. There�s also the world�s only drive-in volcano to discover and hiking trails galore. Alternatively, explore on horse back or mountain bike � taking in some of the Caribbean�s most dramatic scenery.

Make the most of your holiday in St Lucia, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Anse La Raye offers a traditional Friday-night fish feast. Head down to this quaint village and sample a wide variety of fresh-fish cuisine cooked and prepared by the locals! The atmosphere is festive yet casual and relaxing, and offers a taste of authentic village life.
• Hiking is also popular, with plenty of trails through the Pitons that will suit the kids, and of course, their long-suffering mums and dads! If you don�t want to wear your boots out however, hire mountain bikes and see the sights, or take the entire family on a full day�s horse-riding expedition!
• For a great family day out, head to Pigeon Island National Park, situated on the northwest coast and connected to the mainland by a causeway. A real pirate hideout, it was once the sanctuary of Jambe de Bois, the much-feared peg-leg pirate who preyed on Spanish galleons! Now it features 2 lovely little beaches with calm waters for swimming and snorkelling. If you can tear the kids away from the ocean, there�s also a brilliant multimedia display explaining its colourful history, hiking trails and numerous historical sites, including an 18th-century British fort. Conveniently for mums and dads, there�s also the Captain�s Cellar Olde English Pub for a light lunch and a spot of refreshment!
• World-class diving, world-class deep-sea fishing, world-class sailing� you get the picture, St Lucia is world class when it comes to any sort of water sport! Younger kids will love splashing about in shallow waters or boat trips to spot humpback whales, but if you�ve got older ones, treat them to an experience of a lifetime with a snorkelling lesson perhaps, exploring colourful reefs and even more colourful fish!
• St Lucia is also home to several species of big game fish, so challenge dad to a fish-catching competition on board a deep-sea fishing expedition and, if you do catch a trophy white marlin, imagine how proud you�ll feel when showing the photos to all your friends!
• Visit the Castries central market on Jeremie Street for craft stalls and local spices � then visit the fruit and vegetable market next door to see how many or few!) of the exoctic produce you recognise
• Hire a 4x4 for the day and visit the Sault Falls � the tallest on the island there is a swimming pool underneath and a picnic area nearby

Just 200 miles long and 60 miles wide this is the perfect family destination boasting fabulous beaches and one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world.

Make the most of your holiday in Turks and Caicos, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Boasting the third largest coral reef system in the world � 200 miles long and 50 miles wide � diving is an essential pastime in the Turks & Caicos. Luckily, Beaches offers a fantastic �learn to dive� programme for adults and children alike (8 years and over), so don your wetsuits and get close to some of the most colourful tropical fish you�ll ever see (and perhaps a pirate ship or two)!
• Between Jan and Mar, humpback whales pass by these islands on their way to breeding grounds, so if you�re here during these months, join an excursion to spot these amazing creatures! There�s also some of the best bonefishing in the world here � these silvery fish, known as �the silent ghost�, can swim at an incredible 25 miles per hour, so you�ll need to be quick to catch them!

It offers a stunning range of attractions to excite everyone, no matter what your age, and is becoming increasingly popular as the world clicks on to what a wonderful place it is. Once tried, we�ll bet you return again and again! It�s impossible to get bored in Dubai!

There is so much to see and do, you may find every minute of your time here action packed. Top-notch hotels boast world-class kids� clubs with activities to keep the little ones entertained from dawn till dusk!

Meanwhile, mums and dads can take advantage of world-class golfing, state-of-the-art spas and some great shopping. Of course, there�s plenty of fantastic sandy beaches to chill out on, or partake in some water sports, but for family fun head to Wild Wadi water park, try real skiing in the new snow dome, or an excursion into the desert on board a 4x4 for a spot of dune-bashing!

Dubai is a great place for kids. Many hotels have state-of-the-art sporting facilities and well-organised kids� clubs. Lots of properties are on Jumeirah Beach with its calm, shallow, warm waters. Cool off at the fantastic Wild Wadi water park with its 23 adrenalin-pumping rides. And don�t forget our fantastic �99 kids� offer during Jun and Jul.

Make the most of your holiday in Dubai, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• You�ve heard about the bus tours in London so why not try the Big Bus Tour in Dubai? Daily tours give you the most enjoyable and memorable experience of your time in Dubai. From the famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel to the wonderful gold and spice souks, what better way is there to see Dubai�s breathtaking views? Tickets also offer double value because in addition to a City Tour, you can also take our Beach Tour at no extra cost.
• Imagine 12 acres of desert filled with 30 million litres of water and solely dedicated to having fun. Well, that�s Wild Wadi, an amazing theme park with 23 adrenalin-pumping rides, including Jumeirah Sceirah, a 33m-high slide with steep angles to propel riders up to 80km per hour!
• For more thrills and spills, hit the sand dunes on a 4-wheel drive adventure for a spot of �dune bashing�, journeying to a Bedouin-style camp where you�ll enjoy a traditional Arab feast with entertainment from a belly dancer!
• Enjoy the fun of �sandboarding� where you make slalom turns on adapted snowboards down the dunes. In an ironic parallel to it�s snowy counterpart, the trick here is not to fall on the scorching sand
• If sandboarding is too far fetched from the real thing. Did you know you can teach the kids how to ski or snowboard in real snow, despite it�s fantastic climate? For a day of winter sports, visit the new snow dome.
• Thursdays are for �families only� at Wonderland, an 18-hectare fun park with speed slides (yes, more of them!), surf hills, wave runners and a delightful Caribbean cruise. Combine the traditional game of bowling with state-of-the-art technology at Thunder Bowl or make like Torville and Dean at the Galleria Ice Rink. Magic Planet also has a crawling bungle jungle and pitch �n� putt for the little ones, alternatively, embark on an exciting (but safe) camel ride on Jumeriah beach!
• If shopping is high on your list of priorities, you�ve come to the right place! Dubai is packed full of glittering shopping malls, exotic old souks and colourful marketplaces. Learn how to haggle like a local and you could come away with quite a few bargains, so leave plenty of room in your suitcase!
• Take time out to discover the �real� Dubai. Head to �old town� and wander round market squares, meandering alleyways and inner courtyards, marvelling at traditional skills such as weaving and pottery that are still a part of everyday life here.
• Also recommended is a visit to the Dubai Museum; housed in the city�s oldest building, you�ll learn a lot about this fascinating Emirate state.
• Cruise the creek in a traditional wooden dhow, either in the sunshine or by moonlight

There are fantastic family facilities here, including world-class kids� clubs and safe, shallow waters to splash about in. In Sri Lanka, there�s also the opportunity to get to grips with the local wildlife! The Indian Ocean is often calm and warm, providing the perfect conditions for children to gain confidence in the water. Mauritius boasts some fantastic beaches and is the ideal place to introduce the family to water activities, including snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking.

Many of the hotels also have excellent kids� clubs with a range of exciting activities to keep everyone happy. Beautiful beaches are also a magnate in Sri Lanka, but rev yourself up for some white-water rafting or mountain biking on national trails. Children will also love feeding baby elephants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and spotting exotic birds in the rainforest of Sinharaja, and the Yala National Park has the world�s highest concentration of leopards as well as elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.

The white sands at Turtle Bay lead into beautiful clear waters housing a national park for marine life. Try a spot of snorkelling or many of the water sports on offer. The safe, shallow waters are perfect for the little ones. Virgin Holidays would like to thank Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority for the use of their photography.

Make the most of your holiday in Mauritius, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Take the kids and head to Vanille Crocodile Park on the south of the island. Marvel at huge pens of squirming crocodiles as well as hundreds of other animals, including the luminous green True Chameleon and one of the largest species of lizard in the world � the giant Phesuma � all the way from Madagascar. You may enjoy donkey rides in Blackpool, but in Mauritius, climb on board a giant tortoise at the Vanille Crocodile Park for a somewhat different trip around the grounds!
• For thrills and spills, head to the Waterpark Leisure Village on the east coast. Non-stop aquatic fun can be yours with giant chutes to tear down, a rubber-raft ride through a black hole, a lazy river, a crazy river(!) and a wave pool. There�s also a spectacular shipwreck complete with giant skull to explore! If mum and dad are looking reluctant, tell them there�s an adults-only pool there as well, so they can kick back and relax while you have the time of your life!
• How about a bit of time out for mum? All 3 of our featured hotels boast fantastic spa facilities, so whichever one you�re staying at, why not let dad have the kids for a while or enrol them for fun and games at the kids� clubs and treat yourself to a bit of pampering? As well as rejuvenating beauty treatments and massage, there are saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis in which to lie back and relax!
• If you�re in Mauritius, it�s a safe bet you love sun, sea, sand and� water sports. So, a trip to Ile aux Cerfs is not to be missed! Just off the east coast of Mauritius, ferries run regularly to this idyllic island, which boasts excellent beaches for swimming and snorkelling, plus a shallow lagoon for younger children in which to have the time of their lives.
• No longer just an island paradise, Mauritius looks set to be a shopper�s paradise too! The government has already abolished 80 percent duty on imported goods and is planning to become totally duty-free in the near future. Goods with huge savings include clothing, electronics and jewellery, so tear yourself away from the beach and head to the shops to bag a few bargains!
• If your family are avid golfers, there are plenty of courses to choose from in Mauritius, each boasting pristine grounds, stunning views and excellent clubhouse facilities. Perhaps the most impressive is the One&Only Le Touessrok golf course on Iles aux Cerfs, easily reached by a �golfing special� water taxi.

Its treasure trove of natural and man-made wonders includes ancient cities, colonial strongholds, cave temples and virgin forests. Bring history to life for your kids with a trip to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the magnificent temples and palaces of Kandy and the cave temples of Dambulla.

Make the most of your holiday in Sri Lanka, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Sri Lanka may be a tranquil holiday haven, but it also provides plenty of opportunity for the entire family to get involved in a number of exciting sports.
• On water, there�s jet-skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing and much more.
• On land, hire mountain bikes and venture along national cycle trails, admiring lush, green scenery as you whiz by.
• Deep-sea fishing should also challenge the teenagers!
• If you like a brew, you�ve come to the right place. Sri Lanka is the official home of Ceylon tea, proclaimed by some as the best tea in the world. Make mine a milky one with 2 sugars, please!

Beautiful beaches that the kids will love, stunning scenery on the Garden Route and, of course, wildlife galore. There�s also Cape Town with its fantastic waterfront and Sun City, designed for family fun! We recommend 2 fantastic tours for you and your family to get to grips with all South Africa has to offer. Kruger, Sun City and Cape Town combines safari adventure with the excitement of city life. Head off into Kruger National Park to spot the �Big Five� and stay 3 nights in your own private house.

Then it�s on to Sun City and Cape Town for great family fun and entertainment. Our Cape Town & Garden Route tour not only takes in the delights of Cape Town, but also the dramatic vistas of the Garden Route, stopping en route at Knysna to enjoy a visit to Monkey World perhaps, a lagoon cruise or a ride on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe. Then it�s more intrepid adventure at Kariega Private Game Reserve with everyone competing to spot elephants, lions and leopards first!

Make the most of your holiday in South Africa, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• Whilst in Cape Town, forget the cable car and hike up Table Mountain, passing by some beautiful pine-covered mountainside. If the kids complain, you can always take the cable car back down!
• For something combining adrenalin, peace, tranquility, and sheer beauty, try the tree-top canopy tour in Tsitsikamma (on the Garden route)
• There are quite literally thousands of hiking trails in South Africa, taking in desert, forest, mountain and coast.
• Fish Hoek in Cape Town is a great family beach with sheltered coves and safe, shallow waters.
• For water sports, Langebaan is one of the top boardsailing venues in the world or indulge your passion for diving, surfing and sea kayaking.
• Everyone will love penguin watching at Boulders Beach.
• A more accessible way to experience the sea is in a specially designed sea kayak. There are escorted trips around Cape Town
• Drive out to Cape of Good Hope for baboon spotting

The beaches are idyllic and its culture, so different to ours, provides an educational experience for your kids that no classroom can match! There�s also ample opportunity for adventure in Thailand, from trekking through the rainforest on elephant back to diving amongst colourful reefs. The kids will love a visit to a local elephant sanctuary as well as the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, where they can adopt a gibbon for a year!

Jungle treks and mountain biking are also popular activities and perhaps the best way to get to grips with your delightful surrounds. Bamboo rafting is great fun too, cruising down one of the country�s gentle rivers, admiring the spectacular views. For bargains galore, the day market on Th Ranong is fun for everyone with kids� clothes particularly well priced, so make sure you stock up!

Make the most of your holiday in Thailand, Virgin Holidays recommends:

• When in Phuket, visit an elephant sanctuary for the day. Elephants are holy to Thai people, so it�s a great experience to learn all about their lives before you ride them through the rainforest � an unforgettable experience!
• At the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre adopt a gibbon for a year, giving them some much needed support as they are reintroduced to jungle life.
• Talking of jungles, trek through the rainforest on a guided tour, getting up close and personal to exotic flora, fauna and wildlife.
• The kids can have great fun bamboo rafting down one of the country�s gentle rivers on an excursion. For teenagers, a holiday in Thailand is a real cultural learning experience.
• As one of the world�s top 10 diving destinations, it makes sense to don your wetsuit and join an expedition to explore beneath the ocean waves. Don�t worry if you�re a complete beginner, every level is catered for with spectacular reef and rock formations and exotic marine life your reward!
• If you�re in need of retail therapy, you�ve come to the right place. Day and night markets are full of bargains, including cheap T-shirts and children�s clothing, so make sure you�ve got plenty of room in your suitcase to haul your goods home!
• As well as historical sights galore, such as the Emerald Buddha temple, Bangkok is home to amusement parks, water parks, snake parks and a brand-new aquarium. Dream World is Thailand�s answer to Disneyland with roller coasters, a haunted mansion and Viking boat. At Siam Park, ride the 400m Super Spiral water slide and surf the waves in a giant man-made sea pool. There�s also a zoo and an aviary on site.
• Follow the footsteps of the stars and take a tour to Phang Nga Bay, the limestone cliff location featured in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun; or cruise to the Phi Phi islands and see the stunning lagoon where The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed.