The best family vacations, from Croatia to New York

Each week, our holiday hero, Neil Simpson, delves into a brilliant holiday topic and does all the legwork so you don’t have to. This week: the best bonding vacations for families.

A new travel trend is gaining momentum – so-called bonding holidays, which are intended to bring two family members closer together.

Just before the pandemic hit, Original Travel co-founder Tom Barber was one of the first to notice. He says: “Having helped clients book their main family holiday, we were increasingly asked about separate breaks that parents could take with one of their children. They wanted quality, one-on-one time with each other to really connect.

“Now we also see grandparents and grandchildren taking breaks, adults giving a parent a break, and all sorts of other combinations.”

Original has curated a collection of bonding vacations that spans a range of destinations suitable for different ages and interests.

Getting closer: Holiday hero Neil Simpson reveals his guide to the best holidays for families, designed to bring family members closer together (file photo)

A memorable choice for happy youngsters is an adventure, jungle and beach vacation in Thailand that includes crabbing, caving, treasure hunting, tuk-tuk rides, kayaking, swimming with sea turtles, and overnight stays on boats and in tree houses.

There’s even a dinner date where parent and child challenge each other to eat grilled grasshoppers. Bespoke 11-night itineraries including flights cost from £3,700 per person, shorter options are available (originaltravel.co.uk).

A popular summer break before teenagers head to university is Croatia Short Break with travel specialist Stubborn Mule. The vacation begins amidst filming locations in Dubrovnik, where Game of Thrones was filmed, before boarding a ferry to the Elaphiti Islands. It’s a prime spot for jumping off cliffs into the sea, while kayaks are ready for racing. There are also diving excursions to a difficult-to-see cave.

Seven night breaks cost from £1,380 per person including flights (stubbornmuletravel.com).

A mother and daughter might prefer a Florence getaway with a stay at the Hotel Continentale, where guests get access to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. It shows shoes that the legendary Italian designer designed for superstars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo. Double rooms are from £255 per night (lungarnocollection.com).

Breaks from the theater and shopping in New York are popular vacations for all ages, and a top choice is the historic Knickerbocker Hotel. It is in a prime location on the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street, just a few steps from the discount Tkts stand in Times Square.

A mother and daughter could enjoy a short break in Florence (above) with a stay at the Hotel Continentale

Three nights including flights cost from £929 per person (britishairways.com/new-york).

Sporty getaways are just as good for bonding, and a new round of mini-golf breaks in Portugal’s Algarve has just gone on sale at Jet2Holidays.

Green fees are included, as are free transfers to the courses and low luggage rates for guests who bring their own clubs.

Offers include a three night stay at the four-star Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Spa Resort in Vilamoura from £499 per person, including flights from Birmingham.

Flight options are available from nine other UK airports (jet2holidays.com/golf-holidays).