2016-04-30

There's more than one way to choose a holiday destination. A decision like that is an important one for a family especially when young children are involved.

That is why we have done the homework for you and come up with some smashing recommendations for this years family camping holiday. I have also included a voucher for €75 off any Eurocamp holiday booked in Atlantic Travel that can be used on new bookings made up until the 10th March 2016, so now there is another reason to book your summer holiday with Atlantic Travel.

There was once a time when I thought I would never take to a holiday on a campsite. Admittedly, this was before we had children but even then I still feared they would never compare to a hotel resort based holiday. I couldn't have been more wrong. I find it difficult now to imagine booking any other kind of holiday for the foreseeable future. It is a wonderland for children, a world where there is excitement and mystery around every corner.

It goes without saying that the food and drink will not be a disappointment. With such easy access to fresh food I found that we were just as happy to use our barbecue and eat at the mobile home, although it is a nice treat to dine out too

I have selected the campsites below based on what I would recommend for young families, that is not to say that teens would not also be catered for on these sites.

Our selection of campsites in Italy reflects the amazing variety of this beautiful country.

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes and in summer its clear blue waters make for delightfully refreshing swimming. With olive and citrus groves fringing its shores, the hills of the south give way to majestic mountains in the north, creating regular breezes that make Lake Garda perfect for sailing and watersports.

Lake Garda

With flights into Verona direct from Dublin its never been so easy to travel as a family with young children. Once you arrive to Verona either take a private transfer or pick up a local taxi which will take you straight to Bella Italia on Lake Garda.

Bella Italia is so easily accessible without car hire you are only a short walk to the lake or the town of Peschiera del Garda.

Life on site in early May/June if traveling with young children can be ideal as its not too hot or cold and not too busy either, the balance is just right for a perfect setting on a family holiday.

From late May onwards Eurocamp offer children’s clubs from four years plus.

Accommodation ranges from two bedroom mobiles to three bedroom mobiles with air conditioning and decking as standard.

Prices with Eurocamp start at a cost of €263 based on a seven night duration in early May for a two bedroom one bathroom Classic Mobile with Air Con and Decking.

Alternatively travel early September staying for seven nights in a two bedroom Classic mobile with Air Con and Decking at a cost of €611.

Spain

With a short flight direct from Dublin Spain feels like a stone’s throw away and with young children in tow.

One of the most popular campsites in Europe with Irish customers is Cambrils Park which is located only five miles from Reus Airport.

Consider travelling in April, May or September as it can be a wonderful time if you have young children.

With five superb pool complexes on site to choose from along with Shops, Bar and Restaurants you may never feel the need to leave the site. If you do decide to venture out everything is within easy access, the town and beach are just a 1km stroll away.

Cambrils park offer a two bedroom bungalow option that will sleep up to six persons.

Prices with Eurocamp start in late April based on a seven night duration at a cost of €508.00. Alternatively stay for Seven night in September at a cost of €606.00.

What does a superb Spanish location and endless family- friendly activities have in common? Playa Montroig, that’s what.

The park is nestled in subtropical gardens alongside Costa Dorada’s sandy beaches. With first class facilities on site, four pools including a lagoon style heated pool and six waterslides there’s quite a lot for a family to choose to do on a daily basis.

Car hire is essential if your planning on going out and about sightseeing.

Reus airport is 30km away and the nearest town Miami Playa is 5km away.

Prices start at €363.00 in early May for a seven night duration based on a two bedroom Esprit mobile with Air Con and Deck.

Alternatively stay for Seven nights in early June and prices start at €562.00 for a two bedroom Esprit mobile with Air Con and Decking.

Holland

Fiercely popular with our Donegal clients is Duinrell Park outside Amsterdam.

Duinrell campsite isn’t just a quality park, it’s a feature-rich paradise with a theme park and Tikibad Waterpark. On site there’s an outdoor pool that’s open from end-June to mid-September, plus a fantastic beach nearby. Amsterdam is 40 minutes drive away and superb cycle paths are everywhere you look.

For the younger ones there’s a great indoor play area – look out for the park’s mascot, Rick the Frog. The amusement park (partially open 22/3 - 28/3 & 31/10 - 3/11, fully open 29/3 - 30/10) offers white knuckle thrills for older kids and gentler pursuits for little ones. Best of all, rides are free to our customers.

Prices with Eurocamp start at a cost of €374 based on a seven night duration in mid May for a three bedroom one bathroom Esprit Mobile with Air Con and Decking, alternatively travel early September at a cost of €421.

Camping is brilliant option for family holidays in Europe. Enjoy exciting activities and quality time together, relax over a barbeque or a glass of wine, and meet lots of friendly new people.

There’s a huge choice of campsites, all great value for money to make your family holiday budget go a whole lot further.

Above costings do not include flights or ferry crossings.

Happy Camping!

Emma McHugh

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