The Culture Bank

If you have young children, you may have discounted Paris as a destination for a family break, but there is no need.  Paris is not all about couples’ romance; there is plenty for families to see and do too.

Paris is just a short flight away from the UK, or alternatively why not travel by train?  Small children often love the experience, and the train has the benefit of more space, more opportunities to stretch your legs and fewer luggage constraints.  Departing from St Pancras station in London, the Eurostar high-speed train can whisk your family away to the French capital in around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Once you are there, Paris has a plethora of family friendly small hotels or B&Bs happy to accommodate you and your offspring, or you could choose a small apartment; well-known apartment chains Citadines and Adagio both have a number of locations in Paris and there are many privately owned rentals too.

What to do?  For a start, there are parks and playgrounds all over Paris, so you will never be far from a place to play.  The Jardin Des Tuileries, next to the Louvre, is free of cars and offers a range of fountains, sculpture and meeting places including an impressive children’s carousel and a little pond for toy boats.

Taking a ride on the Batobus enables everyone to have a rest from walking whilst seeing some of Paris’s amazing sights, as well as proving an efficient way to get around with a buggy or toddler.

Just standing underneath the Eiffel Tower is an amazing experience, and there is a trail around (and up) the Tower designed just for 6 to 10 year olds.  Every evening, the Tower is lit up in a sparkling display for five minutes every hour on the hour.

As a short haul, short break destination, Paris has much to recommend it to families with children of all ages.

Copenhagen is the most well-known city in Denmark, but smaller cities such as Esbjerg also have much to offer visitors who wish to explore this small country that borders both the Baltic and North Seas. Esbjerg is located in southwest Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula.

The Men at Sea Monument

The internationally recognised symbol of Esbjerg, the Men at Sea Monument, was initially erected to celebrate 100 years of city history. A tribute to the many Danes who have made their living on the local waters of this seafaring nation, the monument is comprised of four enormous statues of seated figures staring out to sea.  

Nearby stands the Fisheries and Maritime Museum. It clearly demonstrates to visitors how the sea has been important to Esbjerg and Denmark over the course of the nation’s history. Together, these two sites make up one of the most visited places in southern Denmark.

The Esbjerg Museum

Also of interest to visitors is this museum, which displays artefacts from the age of the Vikings. One of its hallmark attractions is its amber collection; some specimens date back more than ten millennia.

The normal lifestyle of the Greek is to rise early and to finish early so as to avoid the hot sun of the day. It also adds a little variation for those visiting because long afternoon rests are simply a way of life in Greece.

After the sun sets it’s then time to head out and enjoy a great meal, often followed by a variety of nighttime entertainment. The capital city of Athens is where tourists often find the best live entertainment and superb restaurants. Not noted as being the most attractive or appealing city in the world, Athens still has much to offer those who do visit.

The city has some obvious qualities that really should not be overlooked. It is filled with charming and vibrant neighbourhoods. This impressive city has hosted numerous legendary events and continues to be a unique place of combined Middle Eastern and Western cultures. More than 40 per cent of the country’s population live in Athens.

The city underwent a much needed makeover in 2004 when it hosted the Olympics. Many new buildings were built, the airport upgraded and tropical foliage was placed along the main streets of the city, which added a finishing touch.

In the Old Town portion of Athens is an area called Plaka. This area has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. It is where you can see many Greek monuments and ancient history. Inside the city are the rolling hills of the Acropolis. The outskirts of the city are surrounded by several notable mountains that include Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos. Before leaving Greece, be sure to visit Athen’s most impressive attraction, the 2500 year old Parthenon which can be found at the top of the Acropolis.

As a city that is filled with almost everything imaginable, it is easy to see why Berlin is a natural attraction for the curious.  It is home to some of Germany’s greatest memorials, monuments and museums.

For the first time visitor to Berlin, make your way to the Brandenburg Gate.  This magnificent monument is one of the last remaining gates that, during medieval times, was used to enter the city.  Construction on the gate began in 1788 as a symbol of peace.  The gate sat in no man’s land during the years Berlin was divided into east and west.  Quadriga, the four-horse chariot on top of the gate, is a symbol of triumph.  It is by far one of Berlin’s key landmarks, and remains a distinguished symbol of the city.
 
No matter how many times you visit Berlin, a trip to the East Side Gallery is a must.  This mile long portion of the original Berlin Wall still displays more than 100 paintings, which are all found along the east side of the wall.  The wall remained completely untouched until its destruction in 1989.  Many of the paintings depict scenes of international freedom.

One of the most noted museums in Europe, the Pergamon Museum is the most impressive in all of Berlin.  Named after the ancient Greek city, it was opened in 1930 after a long construction delay due to World War I.  Joining several other museums in Berlin, the Pergamon Museum is located on Museum Island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dance music fans and dedicated festival followers have a new favourite destination and that’s Croatia.  Forget about UK events like Glastonbury, V Festival and the Big Chill, or the expense of a weekend in Ibiza, it’s the beaches of Croatia where all the best parties are happening.

Eastern Europe first came to prominence through the massive Exit Festival in Serbia.  Since then, a series of smaller, more intimate events have sprung up along the Croatian coast which offer top quality music alongside beautiful beach locations and good value food, drink and camping facilities.  Many now feature a DJ, live acts and club nights from the UK and all over Europe, while UK audiences are also making the trip out with the availability of cheap flights.

Particularly popular with UK clubbers are the Hideout Festival at Novalja on the island of Pag; Electric Elephant by the fishing village of Petrcane near Zadar; the Garden Festival, also at Petrcane and six years old; and the Enter Festival on the Bacvice beach by the famous city of Split.  Several other festivals take place at these and other locations, and work has already begun on the line-ups for 2012.

With easyJet flying to Split and Zagreb airports and Ryanair to Zadar, as well as options with other airlines and airports in Croatia, travel is fairly cheap and easy.  Summer nights and dance grooves by the Adriatic Sea look certain to increase in popularity over the coming years as these are relatively cheap holidays packed with fun for the young.

Located beside a lake of the same name, Zurich is based on the east side of Switzerland.  Renowned for being the banking capital of the world, underneath all the affluence and the finery of classy boutiques can be found a vibrant nightlife and the birthplace of unorthodox ideas such as Dadaism.  Flights can be taken worldwide from Zurich-Kloten Airport, which is located in the north-western region of the city.  Most of Zurich’s main attractions can be found conveniently located beside the River Limmat including Fraumunster Church and Grossmunster Cathedral.  There are a number of beautiful lake promenades to escape the bustle of the city or visitors can get lost exploring the art galleries and museums that line the intriguing cobblestoned streets.  For those looking to spend, Bahnhofstrasse is popular for shopaholics.  Then, for evening entertainment, visitors can indulge in an array of luxury restaurants and clubs throughout the city.

Located in the west of Europe, Switzerland is well known to those seeking a more refined form of holiday destination.  Visitors can take a skiing trip in the Swiss Alps or spoil themselves in the glamorous metropolises.  For a taste of this country’s diversity, the ideal choice for travellers is Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich.  However, the country also has much more to offer in the form of quaint villages, intriguing vineyards and the majestic Jura Mountains located in the north.  With so much on offer, it is very easy to spoil oneself on a Swiss holiday.

Whether you are looking for a glitzy, full-party holiday of a lifetime or a relaxing stay in a picturesque and secluded holiday cottage, the Greek Island of Zakynthos is yours for the taking.  More commonly known as Zante in the United Kingdom, Zakynthos is increasingly popular with British tourists due to its proximity, which makes for a short flight and attractive package rates from England.  In fact, Zante is quite easy to get to with frequent and cheap flights from most major UK airports. 

The main town of Laganas, nestled on the south of the Island, is everything the young British party seeker is looking for.  With a wide variety of beachside restaurants, bars and clubs aplenty for hosting a great party, and the opportunity to bask on glorious sun-drenched beaches, you simply cannot go wrong with Zakynthos.

The island also offers you a chance to explore and exclaim over the famous loggerhead turtles.  Towards the north of the island, you can find idyllic holiday villages, quiet secluded coves and breath-taking scenery for your quiet getaway.

Getting around the island cannot get any easier: with car and bike rentals, you get easy access to the more secluded villages in the north of the island, as well as a chance to spend some of your holiday funds in the island’s principal town, Zakynthos Town.

It is worth remembering that on a cheap package deal, the accommodation in Zakynthos can be quite basic, but this should not spoil your holiday as long as you get to make the most of the island’s favourable weather and facilities.

Lanzarote is a Spanish island, the fourth largest Canary Island, just 12 miles wide and 37miles long.

For some years Lanzarote’s image was tarnished as a holiday destination, but in fact it is a stunning island with an unusual and amazing landscape, just waiting to be explored.

The island had volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries and some of the effects of the outpourings can still be seen. To really appreciate the origins of the island, take a trip through the volcanic rock of Timanfaya National Park to view the amazing ‘lunar’ landscape. You will be amazed at how grass catches fire as it is put down the craters, demonstrating the heat that still remains underneath.

The influence of the artist Manrique is evident everywhere on the island, with unusual sculptures, paintings and his impressive house and garden. It is partly due to Manrique that the island is not covered in high-rise skyscrapers – by law, buildings may not be built any higher than a palm tree.

Visit Manrique’s house on the site of the eruption in the 18th century, and see how he used the rock to wonderful effect. You will be inspired by its beauty and simplicity.

There are several beaches on Lanzarote with both black (volcanic) sand and white sand, so some sunbathing is definitely on the agenda. This reliable climate is usually dry and pleasantly warm – if you visit the Cactus Garden you will see how this encourages some amazing cacti to grow.

France is one of the most popular places to head, if you are into skiing.  Not only do the Alps provide a huge variety of terrain but the country also offers a wide selection of resorts and chalets.  However, if you are undecided about where to go, the following outlines three of the best places located in France to go skiing in 2012.

Courchevel is ideal for beginners or parents wanting to bring along their children.  You will find fantastic beginner slopes located in the Altiport area.  The ski school is very good.  They provide specially designed waistcoats that lock onto the chair lifts, for the safety of small children just starting out.

If you are at more of an intermediate level then Serre Chevalier is preferable.  This selection of villages is made up of 250 kilometres of varied slopes served by around 62 chair lifts.  The villages of Monêtier-Les-Bains and Chantemerle are particularly attractive.

If you’re skilled at skiing then the best ski holidays 2012 would have to be Val d’Isère.  This is the most popular French resort for British tourists.  Just over 90% of visitors are actually at a beginner or intermediate level.  However, it is the more advanced skiers who can truly take advantage.  This resort is renowned for its wide selection of challenging slopes.

Despite being somewhat pricey, France is a top choice for skiing.  Whether you are donning skis for the first time or are a professional, you will be able to find the perfect resort for your needs.

Based in southern Portugal, Faro is the capital of the Algarve.  It is one of the country’s most attractive cities, with beautiful architecture and stunning fauna and flora.  The Old Town is a mass of cobblestoned streets with colourful Moorish structures.  Here, visitors can also admire the Cathedral with its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.  A short walk away is the Arco da Vila as well as a statue of the Faro’s patron saint, St.  Thomas Aquinas.  Church lovers can indulge in the Igreja do Carmo, better known for its Chapel of Bones, made up of more than a thousand bones and skulls, and the ‘golden’ church of Senhorra do Carmo.  The Episcopal Palace dates back to the 18th century and is surrounded by Roman wall remains and it is worth visiting the Museu Arqheologico, based in the Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption. 

After a day of exploring, the beautiful beaches provide a welcome respite.  In fact, these are considered one of the city’s top attractions.  Praia de Faro, for example, is viewed as the one of the best beaches in the whole of the eastern Algarve.  However, those with energy left should indulge in a cruise ride to the Ria Formosa, a natural reserve on which hundreds of birds come to rest in spring and autumn.  In the evening, the harbour front is perfect for a stroll or to sample gourmet Portuguese cuisine.  Despite its size, Faro is still able to provide a vibrant nightlife.  For an introduction to Portugal’s heritage, Faro is an ideal destination and provides this introduction in a beautiful setting.