10 great DIY indie family adventure ideas for 2012

Our top 10 DIY indie family adventure ideas for 2012
Image Credits: See individual pictures below

10 Great DIY indie family adventure ideas for 2012

It’s that time of year when the cold starts to kick in, the daylight hours become more precious, and thoughts turn to bagging your place in the sun for next year. And if you like to get ahead of the post-Christmas holiday ads, then you may be interested in our list of what we think is hot for 2012.

We've pulled together ten top ideas for independent family adventures, gathered over four days at London's World Travel Market. These are adventures you can sort out for yourself. You don't need a guide to do them and you don't necessarily need a tour operator to book them. And whether you’re into nature, family attractions or active family adventure there is something for you and your family in our list.

If you want to cut straight to the 10 ideas list click here, but otherwise, let me first take you on a journey around the amazing World Travel Market London 2011 and tell you how I found them....

Around the world in four days...

London was grey; a thin layer of drizzle glazed the pavements. TV sets blared out news of collapsing economies, sacked politicians and roller-coaster currencies. But in a far corner of the capital, thousands of people were escaping into a dream world of midnight sun and midwinter snow. They basked in the sunshine smiles of the Caribbean, while the Northern Lights illuminated their thoughts.

World Travel Market was a colourful experience

For four days, World Travel Market 2011 transformed the sprawling Excel Exhibition Hall into a pocket sized globe. For these four days the cramped Docklands Light Railway shuttled passengers to a fantasy island with no barriers, borders or budgets. You could go where you liked. You could get there on foot. You could travel alone and not worry about safety. There was no need to measure footprints or make carbon amends. From Iceland to New Zealand, the world unfurled in a riotous tangle of sounds and sight, colour and light. Even Greece and Italy looked cheerful while back home their economies burnt.

I wandered this man-made version of our globe, seeking out the new and the enticing. As an active mum who steers clear of journeys involving luxury cruise liners and all-inclusive hotels, I avoided the honeymoons, cruises and spa holidays. My mission was to seek out the latest options for family friendly outdoor activity. But on the way I made a little time for a drink with a man-sized green dragon from Slovenia, accepted leaflets from feathered, stilted creatures, and kept my eyes peeled for Dannii Minogue, scheduled to bring a little X Factor to the Etihad Airways stand.

Can you feel the love in Slovenia?

Many destinations caught my eye during these four days. And I'm certain as I browse the many leaflets and brochures that I've collected, many more will steal my heart in the coming weeks.

So here's the ten destinations for indie style family adventure that won my vote at London's World Travel Market 2011. I'd be interested to hear whether they capture your imagination too.


10 DIY indie family adventure ideas for 2012


1. Biking the Balkans: Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro
Great for active family adventure

“If Croatia was a person it would be wild, romantic, elegant, emotional, warm and generous.”

Croatia Tourism

With some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean, 65 award winning wines, and shades of blue and green like you've never seen before, Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe's 'not to be missed' destinations. Active families have the option of bobbing around 'the land of a thousand islands,' visiting 8 national parks or taking in some of the 10 UNESCO heritage sites. Accommodation wise, there are 140 small and family run hotels spread across the country as well as a good few luxury hotels. We're planning to bike around Croatia for a few weeks next year, and if there's time, to hit neighbouring Serbia too. The recently launched 'Soul food Serbia' gastronomy tours sound delicious, and we can burn off the calories on the Danube's endless miles of flat riding. We also hope to take a look at the relatively undiscovered gem of Montenegro. We hear dramatic cliffs, extensive coasts and great mountain biking trails are just some of its charms.

Croatia. Image Credit: eGuideTravel under Creative Commons License

2. Wild about water: Florida
Great for family oriented fun and attractions

Our kids have reached the age where the water park is king. Last summer we cycled 1800 km’s across Europe from Munich to Krakow taking in pined forests, cloud swept mountains, world class museums, and historic cities. And what do they still go on about? Tatralandia; a banana-yellow water park with a spaghetti junction of slides and spas. So, I'm thinking, why not really go H20 and visit some of the best Waterparks in the world?

Discovery Cove. Photo: Discovery Cove

In spring 2012, Florida's Seaworld has some new attractions that will appeal to all the family. Visitors are being offered a chance to get close to the lives of one of the worlds’ beloved reptiles – the sea turtle. A visual conservation experience allows guests to learn more about its plight and incredible life journey. Meanwhile, Discovery Cove provides the opportunity to swim and wade through water filled trails hosting otters and marmosets. For a more high adrenalin experience Orlando's new Coco Key Water Resort has the latest in watery rides 'n' slides. And for cycling enthusiasts like us, Miami's Everglades National Park has the potential for some biking and croc watching. Now that's a natural attraction with built in thrills!


3. The year of the Mayans: Mexico
Great for nature, wildlife and ancient history

Tulum is an ancient city and gateway to the Mayan world. It combines beautiful beaches with the legacy of an ancient civilisation. A visit to the Riviera Maya also provides the chance to swim in safe bays only a few hundred metres from nesting turtles. 2012 is a big year in the Mayan calendar, and if you believe some of the wilder predictions, this is your last chance to get yourself out there. This destination gives you the chance to grab some education and relaxation in equal measures.

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Image Credit: Diorama Sky under Creative Commons Licence

4. Safari in the city: Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi
Great for nature and wildlife

The Lilonwge wildlife rescue, conservation and education centre provides sanctuary for orphaned or injured animals and works with the locals to conserve the country's animal population.

Bella, the one eyed lion, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

It recently won an international Responsible Tourism Award but it's not just a worthy cause. Set in 180 acres of woodland within the city, the centre offers opportunities for walking, biking and picnic safaris on wilderness trails that provide a home to monkeys, hyena and bushpigs. And beyond Lilongwe, Malawi looks like an incredible country to explore.

Liwonde, Malawi. Image Credt: Travis Lupick under Creative Commons Licence

5. Open doors and wild spaces: Iceland
Great for nature, wildlife and cultural encounters

Iceland is currently running an inspiring campaign inviting visitors to meet its people in their own homes and places of work. Locals from all walks of life are opening their doors to show others how they live and taking visitors on some of their favourite activities. Some family favourites have included knitting lessons, ice cream tours, dog walking and swimming pool outings. A quick visit to the 'Inspired by Iceland' website reveals an opportunity to join a local couple for dinner this New Year's Eve. But Iceland isn't just about people. It's also about wild, untapped beauty and if your family likes geysers, glaciers, deserts and hot springs, this could be the destination for you next year.

Iceland. Image Credit: Poptech under Creative Commons License

6. An eco escape: Guyana
Great for eco-tourism, nature and wildlife

If eco tourism appeals to you then you might want to consider Guyana. North Rupununi's landscape is a stunning mix of rain forests, savannahs, and rivers, all largely untouched by the mainstream tourist industry. In Rupununi a variety of community based initiatives bring much needed money to locals and let you get up close to monkeys, jaguars and otters, while staying in eco-lodges in the centre of the communities.

Rainforest, Guyana. Image Credit: Sean McCann under Creative Commons License

7. Celebrating a momentous year: London
Great for family fun and attractions

It's no secret that in 2012 Britain will be a great place to visit and especially London. But while much of the global attention is focussed on the Olympic Games, there are many other reasons to visit London this spring and summer. Discover the world of Charles Dickens during the writer's 200th birthday year. Or get inside the world of JK Rowling in The Making of Harry Potter studio tour, near Watford.

The Royal Palaces are gearing up to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and are a great day out for families with a historic interest. If Windsor castle is on your must see list, while you are there you might also want to check out the new 150 room themed resort hotel opening in spring at Legoland Windsor. We've been to the one at Legoland Billund and it's awesome.

Tower Bridge, London. Image Credit: Anirudh Koul under Creative Commons License

It's a busy year for celebrations in London. The inimitable Mr Punch is 350 years old in 2012 and he's still trying to hold on to his sausages and his Judy. The Barbican Theatre meanwhile, is celebrating its 30 year anniversary, and there will be a big moment in Greenwich when the much loved Cutty Sark reopens. Sporting fans have a last chance to check out the Twickenham World Rugby Museum and studio tour. Oh, and did I mention that small gathering in the East End called the Olympic Games?



8. Bike the bridges: New York, San Francisco, Monterey
Great for active family urban adventure

When the games begin, London's Boris Bikes are sure to be out in full force. If you are into urban cycling but don't fancy biking in London, how about Manhattan? You can circle the island on 90 per cent traffic free trails, biking over Brooklyn Bridge and enjoying the iconic New York skyline from across the river. Over on the other coast you can bag the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or take a bike friendly route around Monterey Bay, past the world famous Lone Cypress Tree. Blazing Saddles, a family run company, has all manner of bikes for hire, with trailers and tag alongs for the kids or an engine for granny.

Bike the bridges: San Francisco. Image Credit: David Barrett under Creative Commons License

9. Mad about history: Siene-et-Marne, Paris
Great for history, discovery and active family fun

The charms of Paris are endless, but if you want to have double the fun, make a detour to the region of Siene-et-Marne, a region that is packed not only with woodlands, rivers and hiking trails but medieval sites, châteaux and charming villages that would make for a great discovery tour. If Fontainebleau the chateau is not your thing then why not try treetop adventures or rock climbing nearby. In Meaux there's a new interactive exhibition; The Museum of the Great War. In Nestles the biggest feline park in Europe is purring with life, and in the medieval town of Provins you can all rent costumes and join in the regular town shows.

Fontainebleau. Image Credit: Traveling in Europe under Creative Commons License

10. Fall in love with Slovenia
Great for nature and active family adventure

Slovenia has love written into its name. Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards is one of its champions. It's people are warm and hospitable. It is putting active green adventure at the centre of its tourism initiatives this year. Who needs any more reasons to go?

Slovenia. Image Credit: Alexander Shchukin under Creative Commons Licence

11. Got any suggestions?
We'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions for great indie travel options for families.

Click comments below and tell us where you'd love to go in 2012.

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