The best memory-making holidays to book for 2022
With (hopefully) the return of travel as we once knew it, now is the perfect time to start planning your 2022 family adventure. After the break we’ve all had from travelling, time away with family will be treasured more than ever. So if you’re looking to make up for lost time while taking your loved ones on a unique getaway, here are Original Travel’s top destinations for ‘memory-making’ holidays that will have you reminiscing for years to come.
Family Adventure in Argentina
A holiday in Argentina promises to be jam-packed with activities that appeal to the whole family. Start your adventure in the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, where you can enjoy delicious traditional food, watch a local football match and even learn the art of the Argentine tango. Next, venture to the Pampas to discover the cowboy way of life, with horse riding or a game of polo, followed by relaxation beside the ranch’s pool.
A magical addition to the itinerary is a tour of Isla Victoria, accessible by boat in half an hour from Puerto Pañuelo, which – according to legend – inspired Walt Disney’s creation of Bambi. Hike along well-established forest trails and stop at the charming tea house in the middle of the island. In San Antonio de Areco, you’ll have the chance to do more riding, as well as mountain biking, and there’s a luxurious spa on hand for parents to soothe aching muscles at the end of your action-packed holiday.
Fly-drive Fun in California
A fly-drive holiday is an easy way to see everything that the Golden State has to offer and with so many legendary landmarks, a California road trip ticks all the boxes for a memorable family holiday. Begin in the carefree city of San Francisco, with its hipster neighbourhoods, hilly topography and dizzying heights of the Golden Gate Bridge. As you make your way down the West Coast, there’s no shortage of charming towns to stop by (including Carmel, Monterrey and Santa Barbara, to name but a few), and the coastline itself is known for being one of the most scenic in the world.
Next stop is Los Angeles, where the old glamour of Hollywood can still be detected, and any young film fanatics will jump at the chance to visit the Walk of Fame and tour some iconic movie studios. Further south, you’ll find San Diego, the perfect place to unwind at the end of your excursion, as the city exudes a laidback surfer feel. With so much to do and see, you’ll be California dreaming long after you’ve returned.
Finnish Family Christmas
If you’re still in the festive spirit and already looking forward to next Christmas, a trip to Finnish Lapland is an excellent way to commence the Yuletide celebrations. Accommodation for Christmas books up fast, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re thinking about travelling in December 2022. Fill your days with suitably wintery activities, including ice fishing, snow-shoeing and husky safaris.
Travel in Father Christmas’ sleigh to Elf School, where the children can learn how to make gingerbread men and other festive treats, before meeting the big man himself. You’ll also get the opportunity to marvel at some real-life reindeer and take a ride on a reindeer-drawn sledge. Along with meeting Father Christmas, another ‘memory-making’ highlight and truly unforgettable aspect of this trip is the chance to see the elusive Northern Lights; the stunning hues of blue, violet and green which illuminate the sky are particularly visible between December and March.
Trekking in Thailand
For warmer temperatures and some well-deserved winter sun, Thailand is an excellent ‘memory-making’ destination. With wonderful beaches, eclectic markets, hilltop trekking and remarkable wildlife, Thailand holidays boast both breath-taking scenery and a wide array of activities. Stay in a surprising assortment of family friendly hotels; from a contemporary Thai hotel in Bangkok, to a tree bungalow in the idyllic Khao Sok National Park.
Here your mini wildlife-wanderers will have the chance to meet elephants, spot monkeys and catch glimpses of the many bird species that soar overhead. The food in Thailand is sure to delight travellers from every generation, with Thai dishes incorporating fresh seafood and aromatic spices. Taking a cooking class will introduce you to the four fundamentals which form the basis of the country’s cuisine; spicy, sweet, salty and sour. A visit to Thailand can include everything from beach relaxation to cultural exploration, all of which promises to be eminently memorable for both you and the children.
Magical Moroccan Getaway
For an immersion into another world, Morocco is possibly the most exotic and enchanting destination within easy reach of the UK. In the capital city of Marrakech, the magical square of Djemaa el-Fna is a whirlwind of never-ending entertainment, from snake charmers to street theatre to local storytellers. The souks of Marrakech, Fez and Essaouira are a kaleidoscope of colourful fabrics, intricately woven carpets and intriguing handicrafts, so you’ll want to leave space in your suitcase to take home some souvenirs.
Further afield, you’ll find the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of fresh air and wide open spaces to provide a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the cities. Head to the coastal town of Essaouira for golden beaches, where you’ll have the option to relax on the warm sand or try a number of water sports, including windsurfing and sea kayaking. Other once-in-a-lifetime experiences include sleeping beneath the stars in the desert, staying in a luxury riad outside of Marrakech and hiking hidden mountain paths in Imlil.
Innovative Adventure in Indonesia
Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, stretching across 3,000 miles, so it’s no wonder that the archipelago is one of the most diverse and unique locations in the world. Similarly diverse are the activities on offer during an Original Travel family holiday to this island nation, which promises to be the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. For active family members, cycling through rice fields and kayaking between islands might be top of the agenda, while there are serene white sand beaches on hand for those in search of a personal paradise.
Trade a conventional hotel for a luxury phinisi schooner (a traditional Indonesian sailing boat) in order to explore the enchanting Komodo Islands, including the island of Rinca, which is home to 2,500 Komodo dragons, along with deer, monkeys and wild pigs. If you’re also after some underwater exploration, Indonesia boasts world-class diving and snorkelling, so a holiday here is great for introducing your children to the colourful coral reefs and intriguing marine life.
Please note that as travel regulations are ever-changing at the moment, make sure to check travel restrictions before booking. Original Travel’s consultants will be able to advise you on the latest travel advice.