Portugal is one of the most highly developed countries with an incredibly peaceful nation making it one the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, where you can relax in the sun and immerse yourself in their relaxed culture. For the perfect family holiday you should undoubtedly choose Portugal with its diverse countryside, white sandy beaches in the Algarve to tropical landscapes in the Madeira Islands.

Portugal has recorded temperatures as high as 47C (117F) degrees in Alentejo in the summer months so make sure you bring plenty of high factored suncream preferably factors 30 or 50. Apply this constantly to not only your children but yourselves as to avoid problems burning and subsequently skin cancer later on in life to give you the perfect and pain free holiday. However if you choose to go in the Winter season make sure you bring several umbrellas and some light clothing due to the humid atmosphere and high levels of rainfall.

For a perfect family holiday ensure the resort you choose has all the necessary features for children such as a pool and a kids club. Most Portuguese resorts will have these facilities but it’s best to double check as to make sure you can relax in the sun whilst knowing your children will be loving life with other children under professional supervision. This means that the whole family can enjoy themselves stress-free, as parents chill by the pool and the children run around in good hands.

Having the perfect holiday doesn’t necessarily mean fine dining each night. Why not get the children involved in cooking a Spaghetti Bolognese or perhaps a colourful salad. Make sure you buy plenty of ice cream or lollies too from the supermarket as they’re perfect puddings and will put guaranteed smiles on your child’s face. In European countries there are nearly quadruple the amount of ice cream flavours so why not try something new whilst you’re abroad. You never know, you could find a new favourite flavour! Eating in saves each family around 90% opposed to eating out and you should therefore feel that when on holiday you should be able to treat yourselves a little. Eat out a couple of nights but make sure you go to a tourist information centre first though as they will always recommend the best place suited to your preferences. Treat your ‘going out’ evenings as a special night out to make it more enjoyable. Choosing a good hotel also helps as most good hotels provide excellent local cuisines.

There are so many things to do in Portugal, some of the best for a perfect family holiday are Slide and Splash, Zoomarine and Krazy World. Slide and Splash is full of daredevillish water slide, wild splash shows and reptile shows for the younger ones. If these don’t take your fancy then you’re welcomed into the blue water pool or bubbling jacuzzi enabling your anxieties to float away. If you’re more interested in visiting unique and wonderful animals then go to Zoomarine in Albufeira where you can encounter dolphins, sharks, seals and crocodiles. Not your everyday animals in an English zoo! Krazy World offers a similar experience with the addition more on getting involved with the animals and experiences such as high ropes and tree climbing for the older children.  To ensure a perfect holiday try to plan before you go and budget each day as to avoid stressful decision making when you arrive. Remember that you are on holiday and therefore deserve to treat yourself a little!

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All-inclusive holidays are the staple British trip abroad. They’re low-budget and hassle-free in the sense that most things are already paid for by the time you arrive. More and more resorts in far-flung destinations like the Caribbean and Central America are offering deals to beach front villas and family resorts for discount prices.

For those who feel spoilt for choice, here are some of the best spots to find affordable holidays this year:

When the party season hits the islands of Ibiza and Cyprus, you can find a quieter but no less idyllic holiday spot in nearby Portugal. Home to beautiful coastlines, relaxing resorts and characterful towns, this country’s popularity as a package destination continues to grow.

For example, there are plenty of family-oriented lodgings in the southern region of the Algarve, with its award-winning sands and water-sports opportunities. Off the coast, Madeira is popular with the retired community, offering a more peaceful island break and 4 and 5-star hotel deals all year round. Travel a bit further north and you’ll find hillside vineyards for the port-lovers and the ‘Green Coast’ which is a favourite among surfers and scuba-divers. Apartment deals in and around Porto make this a good choice for couples and groups of friends.

Mexico is popular worldwide for its stunning coastal scenery, mouthwatering food and exciting nightlife. The most visited spots are Cancun and Acapulco, and it’s in these place that you’ll find the best tourist deals and palm-lined resorts.

Isla de Cozumel just off the coast has some fantastic snorkelling waters and the chance to spot exotic marine life like sea turtles and bottle-nose dolphins. Many packages can include trips and activities such as these. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Baja California Peninsula in the west is home to the twin resorts Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos, which are popular with the younger crowd. Golf and tennis fans head to the Riveria Maya with its Caribbean coast and close proximity to renowned heritage sites like Chichen Itza.

Below the Mediterranean sea, the north coast of Africa has blistering temperatures, ancient cultural sights and crystal clear waters. Egypt can offer the most varied of trips: sunbathe on the beach one day, visit some of the wonders of the ancient world the next. Increasingly, holiday packages to Egypt include river cruises along the Nile, excursions into the desert and tours of the Great Pyramid at Giza itself.

Sharm El Sheikh offers world-class diving amongst the famous coral reefs and plentiful spa resorts, while Luxor makes a good spot for the cultured crowd, with its mix of temples, bazaars and Tutankhamun’s Tomb a short distance away. A consistently hot climate makes Egypt popular for holidays and a wise choice for a winter break to take advantage of the value for money.

As the current economic climate continues, it’s easier than ever to find an all-inclusive package deal to suit you. Whether it’s the white sands of Mexico, the wonders of Egypt or the wines of Portugal, shop around or travel off-peak and you may be surprised at how much you can get for your money.

Catriona Miller is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys the convenience of package holidays. While many like to get off the beaten track, Catriona prefers to take it easy and pay for the majority of her trips in advance. From soaking up the sun on tropical beaches to exploring hidden villages using organised day trips, she loves getting away from the UK weather!

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