Top 10 Family Travel destinations 2015 part 2

So, apologies for being a teeny bit late with the rest of my Top 10 family travel destinations for 2015 – I was slightly waylaid by watching back to back episodes of Breaking Bad (more on that story later). Here then, in no particular order, are nos 6 to 10 of the best family travel destinations for 2015.

6. Cuba. Cuba is definitely on our wish list for 2015. Thanks to the thawing in relations with the US it’s opening up, and there are lots of brilliant deals around, including of course all-inclusive packages (although I think it would be a shame not to experience the local cuisine in traditional restaurants). Now’s the time to visit, before things really start to change. While kids may not be so enthralled by the crumbling architecture of Havana they’ll be properly wowed by the glorious powdery white sandy beaches, some of the best in the Caribbean.

7. Ireland. If you have older kids they’ll probably be into Game of Thrones, in which case they’ll be delighted with the filming locations along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast, while everyone will enjoy visiting the spectacular Giant’s Causeway. The Titanic Belfast is an absolute must-visit – an incredibly moving but also very informative and interactive museum, one of the best museums in the world. There are also lots of reasons to travel to Eire in 2015, too; we’ll be heading out to Cobh, about half an hour outside Cork, to commemorate those who lost their lives on the Lusitania in 1915, including my great great uncle. And I can definitely recommend Dublin for a family break.

8. Italy. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve visited Italy as a family (clue: a lot), it never disappoints. There is something very seductive about the Italian way of life, particularly in summer, when everything feels so easy, particularly if you’re travelling with kids, and of course the food is just heaven. Whether you choose a city break to Rome or Naples or Venice, or a resort-based holiday (in which case Sardinia would definitely be top of my list), a family holiday to Italy will be always be one to remember. And trust me, the pizza slices you get just outside Pompeii is officially the best pizza we’ve ever tasted anywhere else in the world.

9. Dorset. If you’re one of the zillions of Broadchurch fans then you’ll already be dreaming of summering on those glorious Dorset beaches. But Dorset is of course fantastic for families. I’d recommend staying in Lyme Regis, using that as a base for exploring – the walk along the Jurassic Coast to Charmouth, where you’re guaranteed to see lots of actual fossils, is definitely not to be missed and ideal for dinosaur-obsessed children (and their parents). 185 million years of geology, showcased in breathtaking setting.

10. New York. If you want to give your kids a taste of the US that’s a bit different from the Florida experience, then New York is the place to do it. In summer it’s fantastic because there are so many free things to look at and do in Central Park, but of course the museums (and FAO Schwarz, No 1 Son’s all-time favourite toy shop) offer endless hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. This year the viewing deck at One World Trade Center opens, offering crazily high views of Manhattan (from 1250ft) – guaranteed to delight kids, and spare their parents. I’m off to New York next week so will be sharing some top tips for visiting the city with kids or childfree on my return.

Hope you’ve enjoyed my Top 10 Family Travel Destinations for 2015 – do feel free to share your own family travel tips below.