| The process of choosing and booking a family | | | | of new and "not so new". |
| summer holiday can be complicated. When | | | | |
| children are small they are more likely to be | | | | Sailing tuition: The operators offer a range |
| delighted just to be going on holiday but as | | | | of tuition for people wanting to take up new |
| the teenage years approach children expect to | | | | activities (particularly sailing). People can |
| have their views taken into account: and this | | | | learn sailing skills in a superb, safe, "warm |
| is where the trouble can start! | | | | water" environment. "Informal" group training |
| | | | or "clinics" are usually provided free of |
| Everybody wants something different: | | | | charge at different times during a weeks |
| | | | holiday but for more formal RYA training |
| For teenage children one of the key things | | | | specific places need to be booked at the time |
| they often want on holiday is to be | | | | of booking the holiday. |
| surrounded by children of roughly their own | | | | |
| age who they get on with and make friends. | | | | Kids clubs: Using the term "kids clubs" does |
| | | | not really do justice to what is on offer. |
| For other people in the family its "does the | | | | The operators typically split the age groups |
| holiday have potential for some serious | | | | down into three or four age groups and |
| relaxation"? For others who might get a bit | | | | importantly, teenagers are "grouped together" |
| bored lying by the pool other things that | | | | and provided with just enough guidance and |
| will keep them busy are required (sports and | | | | support to make sure they have a great time |
| other activities in particular). | | | | and mix well but are not treated as |
| | | | "children". Also, with so many things to do |
| So, how do you find a holiday that can | | | | at the clubs that teenagers can participate |
| possibly satisfy such a diverse range of | | | | in as a group, means all the ingredients are |
| requirements? One category of holiday that | | | | there for a fantastic holiday. For the |
| has the potential to do this extremely | | | | younger age groups there is always a level of |
| effectively but which is in some ways is not | | | | appropriate support and supervision to make |
| particularly well known, is the Beach Club | | | | sure they have a great time as well. For |
| holiday. There are a number of suppliers of | | | | children under two there is usually a charge |
| these types of holiday but they all offer | | | | whereas clubs the other age groups are |
| such a variety of things to do, all based at | | | | usually free. |
| one hotel-style beach location, that | | | | |
| everybody's needs are catered for. | | | | Relaxing: Beach Clubs by definition are based |
| | | | right beside a beach which will have plenty |
| Things the main providers make sure they | | | | of sun loungers for those that want to watch |
| include are: | | | | the world go by and they nearly all have one |
| | | | or two swimming pools with plenty of space |
| Pleasant accommodation: Usually not | | | | and for those that prefer freshwater |
| "five-star" but certainly of a good standard. | | | | swimming. |
| Normal hotel standards apply in terms of | | | | |
| daily cleaning but things like a mini bars | | | | Other activities: Most Beach Clubs also have |
| and cable TV tend to be a rarity. | | | | a range of mountain bikes and a guide for |
| | | | (early morning!) rides on local trails plus |
| A good standard of food and plenty of it: The | | | | waterskiing, tennis, beauty spas and |
| Beach club operators often have quite a | | | | gymnasiums. The mountain bikes are usually |
| confusing board basis but its normally the | | | | "hard tails" from brands like Specialized, |
| equivalent of a hotel's "half board" with the | | | | Trek and Orange although some clubs do have |
| difference being that is that the main meal | | | | the full suspension bikes as well. |
| of the day is sometimes at lunchtime and | | | | |
| sometimes an evening meal. There are almost | | | | In summary, a Beach Club activity holiday |
| always snacks available. | | | | offers the choice and variety that makes them |
| | | | one of the best options for keeping any |
| A good range of water-sports equipment: This | | | | family or small group with a diverse range of |
| includes canoes, windsurfers and sailing | | | | holiday requirements happy. |
| dinghies. The quality of water-sports | | | | |
| equipment is usually excellent but as the | | | | Sam Turnbull is a Director of Just Active, |
| holiday operators cannot afford to renew | | | | which brings activity holidays to everyone. |
| their boats every year they are usually a mix | | | | |