As the New Year kicks in planning the family holiday is on the horizon for many. You want to find that perfect place that will keep the kids amused but also provide the ideal haven for you to relax and enjoy some well deserved sea and sunshine. So the biggest question is where to go this summer for your family holiday? Your local Travel Counsellor Emma Savage provides some top tips and advice to help you decide where to spend your long awaited family break

1. When you’re taking the kids it’s important that you choose your holiday carefully - even down to the airline you’re flying with, especially if you are flying long-haul. Airlines such as British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic all have a very good in flight product which will help keep older children entertained throughout the flight. Make sure you have plenty of ways to entertain little ones in-flight such as crayons, books or their favourite toy – and small presents which are well wrapped and take a while to open can make great distractions during turbulence and take-off.
2. Check hand luggage restrictions before travelling and make sure you know the latest rules on carrying liquids, gels and creams, which will more than likely include milk and nappy cream for example. Chances are you’ll be able to carry them but they may have to be stored in a specific way as the rules change so often it’s best to double check.
3. Travel is great for broadening the mind, even if you are 5 years old! Start getting your little ones prepared for their holiday by treating it like a project. You could watch a DVD about the destination together, or tell them a little about the food and other things which may be exciting and different to home. While you’re away and when you are home, encourage them to draw pictures of things they’ve seen to keep the holiday memories going.
4. Research the destination and have a list of things to see and do should the weather let you down. This is particularly good if you are travelling in February or October Half Terms.
5. Check in on line if you can – knowing you are seated together will give you peace of mind and you can turn up at the airport a little later, leaving less time to entertain the children before boarding. If you can’t allocate your seats in advance, as is the case with many low cost airlines, consider paying a little more for ‘speedy boarding’. This way you’ll get to board the aircraft first and can ensure you are sitting together.
6. Choose a hotel which is geared up for children and if possible, one with a good kids club. These can give you a welcome break during the holiday but make sure you know what ages they take and the hours they operate as many only run for the high season.

Spotlight on The Maldives from Oundle Travel
We are now in the midst of winter and it’s time to plan your next holiday. Where could be better than the paradise of The Maldives? Scattered across the Indian Ocean, due west of India is a tiny group of coral atolls. Each resort is on its own private island surrounded by white sand beaches, swaying palms and crystal clear blue waters. The weather is at its hottest and driest from December until April, so perfect for your next winter break.

When you arrive in The Maldives the rest of the world will seem very far away; it is the perfect destination for a honeymoon or simply an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Imagine stretches of pure white sand to relax upon and shimmering lagoons to bathe in with scuba diving and snorkelling rated as some of the finest in the world as the waters around The Maldives are home to over 1000 different types of marine life and provide a spectacular sight. Watersports abound with windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing all on hand, while the surrounding seas boast some of world’s best game fishing year round.

Flying time from London is 10 hours and 30 minutes with Sri Lankan Airlines flying direct from Heathrow.

“Accommodation varies enormously on these islands”, says Paula Cockcroft from Oundle Travel. There is budget style accommodation from as little as £915.00 for 7 nights Half Board on the 3* island of Thulhagiri, with an All Inclusive option available. For an alternative 3* Plus island, Kuredu offers a fully All Inclusive option with land and non motorised watersports from £1459.00 for 7 nights.

A stunning 5* property and a firm favourite with Oundle Travel is Baros, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a simply gorgeous iconic resort offering deluxe rooms and water villas in a contemporary style from £1939.00 pp for 7 nights Bed & Breakfast. To blow the budget completely Huvafen Fushi has to be one of the best retreats in the Maldives from £2056.00 per person for 7 nights.  
• For further information and personal recommendations from the team call Tel: 01832 273600. You can subscribe to Oundle Travel’s newsletter at www.oundleytravel.co.uk

Great Family Holidays:
Short Haul
Majorca – Pollentia Club Resort. Majorca is only a short flight from the UK and ideal for a family holiday in the sun. The Pollentia Club is a 4 star property with lots of activities and a massive pool area. Children will enjoy being fully entertained at the kids club while adults can relax and soak up the sun.
Turkey – Voyage Belek Golf and Spa. A 5 star hotel which has facilities and activities which will keep the whole family entertained, including a fantastic aqua park complete with 5 waterslides. Plus there’s a range of great food and drink options and rooms are well equipped and even feature LCD TVs.
Long Haul -
Barbados – Almond Beach Village is a great family all inclusive resort spread over 32 acres with attractive, landscaped gardens. It’s very family friendly and has lots of activities in the kids’ club to keep little ones occupied plus it features ten swimming pools, a range of restaurants and evening entertainment.
Florida – for the ultimate family holiday, take the kids to meet Mickey Mouse. There’s so much to keep the whole family entertained in Florida, from enjoying the fantastic theme parks to relaxing by the pool after a long exciting day. Stay onsite in a Disney property for a really magical time or choose International Drive for a centrally located base. Plus with some excellent offers available for early booking, Disney can be the perfect, affordable family break.
• To find out more about family holidays and to book your next break, contact Emma Savage at Travel Counsellors.
Tel: 0845 058 7554 or email emma.savage@travelcounsellors.com,
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk

10 Ski Retreats for the Discerning Traveller
Hotel Beau-site, Zermatt - With its art-deco exterior the Beau-site is an imposing hotel housing a modern interior coupled with a high standard of service. Prices from £1069.00 pp inc travel.

Chalet La Ferme de Belleville, St Martin de Belleville - A “gastro-chalet” with an exciting chef at the helm. Whilst the crowds flock to Meribel the savvy skiers stay in St Martin. The Jerusalem run back to the village is one of the best in the Three Valleys. The only danger staying here is that you will come back six pounds heavier. Prices from £755.00 pp excl travel.

Hotel Sandhof, Lech - Centrally located and offering the best of convenience, style, hospitality, and cuisine. An elegant hotel in an elegant resort. Price guide £1750.00 pp inc travel.

Hotel Hochfirst, Obergurgl - A piste-side location in this upmarket mountain village. Superb spa facilities with an indoor/outdoor pool. Prices from £965.00 pp inc travel.
Chalet Bellevarde Lodge, Val d’Isere - A contemporary-rustic fusion chalet on the Santons piste. Sit by the log fire or in the outdoor hot tub with a glass of bubbly...the choice is yours. Prices from £889.00 pp inc travel.

Club Med Valmorel, Valmorel - A brand new 5 star all inclusive ski in/ski out hotel. Choose from a variety of rooms or suites and enjoy the informal but upmarket atmosphere. Prices from £1362.00 pp inc travel.

Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler - A boutique hotel in Creekside this is a perfect honeymooner’s escape. Boasting a plethora of amenities and being situated just a short distance from The Dave Murray run into the resort. Prices from £930.00 pp inc travel.

Trofana Royal, Ischgl - Maybe the best alpine ski hotel in the world. The hotel offers a 2500m2 spa facility with outdoor salt bath and hot tubs. Inside the surroundings are opulent and include a Michelin star restaurant. The connected Trofana Alm is one of the best après ski spots and the Trofana Arena is the hotel’s state of the art nightclub. Prices from £1719.00 pp inc travel.

Chalet Valpierre, Val d’Isere - A truly beautiful alpine chalet dating back to the 18th century with Jacuzzi baths in each bedroom and two separate lounges, one with open log fire.
Prices from £979.00 pp inc travel.
Ferienart Resort and Spa, Saas Fee - This family owned 5 star hotel is situated in the middle of the resort and has three restaurants plus great spa facilities. Bedrooms vary hugely and some even feature open plan bathrooms. Prices from £1200.00 pp inc travel.

• Contact: Nick Edwards, Snow Finders. www.snowfinders.co.uk,
Tel: 01858 466888