Family holidays - what are your favourite memories?
Whether it's escaping to a tropical paradise, a cultural city trip, or an alpine adventure, the memories made on a family trip far outlast those post-holiday blues. With this in mind, TUI asked gransnetters to share stories of their most fun family holidays. From multi-generational getaways to unforgettable outdoor experiences, here are some of your favourite memories.
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1. Making memories with grandchildren
"Our first holiday ever for the grandkids was with TUI to Menorca from Exeter. Three generations had such fun. It all went smoothly in the little villa with a pool. A dream come true for the little girls. It was their first flight and TUI made it easy. They are now desperate to go again but their parents are full time farmers so it's hard to escape. They will never forget that first, and I hope not last, holiday."
Stay in Menorca with TUI
2. An outdoor adventure
"Ask any of my daughters about their best ever holiday and they would, without hesitation, reply: 'Yellowstone'. We stayed in log cabins, tracked wolves, spotted bears, counted bison, went stargazing, ate banana pancakes (shaped like a bear), calculated Old Faithful's next eruption, marvelled at swarms of butterflies and dragonflies, and paddled in creeks. Unforgettable."
3. A snowy escape
"The most fun we've had on a family holiday has to be when we took our lot to Norway one February to celebrate our eldest son's 18th birthday. Watching our two teenagers and their daft father cavorting outside our cabin in knee high snow wearing just their swim shorts is the stuff of legend."
Explore the snow in Lapland with TUI
4. Seaside treats
"We had an especially fun family holiday in Dorset, an old fashioned British seaside week. Most of my grown-up grandchildren came and our first great-grandchild, carrying on the traditional trip with a new generation. We paddled on the beach, swam, had a fairground visit, tried go-karts and crazy golf, walked the cliffs and dunes, ate ice cream and candy floss, making wonderful memories for all of them."
5. A memorable day out
"My best memories of a family holiday were when we took our boys to Spain. We went to a water park and the boys, about 10 and 14, took their dad on the Kamikaze slide. Telling him it was great, they got him to go first. It was a vertical slide - he came down like a rocket and his trunks shot up! I was rolling about laughing and the boys never did the slide.
They then took me (gullible or what?) on another ride that was steep and I screamed all the way down. We laughed so much and had so much fun on that holiday. We still talk about it now and they are all grown up with families of their own. So many family holidays but that one stands out as the best ever."
Holiday in Spain with TUI
6. Holiday of a lifetime
"Our most memorable was our three weeks in Florida when our children were nine, 11 and 12. We could certainly only afford to do it once, so packed everything in that we possibly could, and have so many memories.
Apart from all the obvious attractions, for the children it was the thrill of just being in America, eating pancake stacks at Denny's, checking out American TV, catching The Lion King before it was out in the UK. Hulk Hogan inviting the children to join him filming his latest series on Clearwater Beach, meeting my son's heroes, the Leeds United team, at the airport, a ranger pouncing on and wrestling with a huge snake next to where we were lounging in the sun, hunkering down in our hotel room one day during a hurricane and seeing a tornado hoover up loungers on the beach. It was back to the caravan the next year, but we certainly made some memories!"
7. A road trip to remember
"We had a wonderful short holiday last year in our VW camper van - we took my grandson (age seven) to his first festival - a folk festival in Barnsley with an on-site family circus, ukulele classes, dry-stone walling, storytelling, etc. All this and great music. It was also his first holiday without his mum and dad. We all had a fabulous time, and came home with an amazing array of new skills!"
8. An unforgettable city break
"Our most memorable is our much longed-for trip to New York in July 2017 - we went for my birthday which is the day before American Independence Day, so we were there for that also. It really was worth the money, it's something my two youngest children (then 14 and 18) and I had longed to do, hoped to visit, and we really were making memories we will always treasure forever. I don't regret the expense - we got a good deal in the January sales - and the look on my boys' faces when I told them we were actually going instead of just talking about it was priceless. As they say, you only regret what you haven't done."
Visit the USA with TUI
TUI BLUE for families
Most people spend their time counting down the days until their family holiday as soon as the flights and accommodation are booked. Family holidays give us a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but most importantly allow us to let loose and have fun. Maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie who heads for the biggest slide at the waterpark or perhaps your idea of fun is basking in the sun at the poolside with a good book in hand.
At TUI, they know that your family holiday is a time to reconnect and have fun. That’s why they’ve designed hotels especially for families to make it the best week, or two, of the year. From allowing you to take your car seat or pushchair with you free of charge, to offering baby changing facilities, kids’ clubs and children’s buffets in resort, they’ve thought of every little detail to give you a hassle free and family-friendly holiday - perfect if you're taking your grandchildren away.
Find out more about TUI BLUE For Families here
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