*Collaborative post

I really love this time of year. That time when Christmas and New year has passed by just as quickly as it arrived. Those weeks after, when everyone seems to slow down, enjoy the slower pace and the simple things after the busy run up to the festive period. We recently returned from a few days in the City of London, where we walked, talked and explored the sights with the family. Our eldest is really becoming interested in travel, experiences, history and culture – it is wonderful to observe and I love that she is beginning to share our passion for travelling and exploring the world. Pre-kids we had some wonderful travel experiences… scuba diving in Thailand, glamping in South Africa, shopping in Singapore, water-skiing in Mauritius and Ice skating in Central Park in New York. So when Activites Abroad asked me to think of our top Bucket list destinations for 2018… It got me thinking – where would we love to visit with the children?

Here are our 8 bucket list destinations for 2018….

Malta – Gozo Island

Malta first caught my eye when I read a post by Suitcases and Sandcastles. What an absolutely beautiful destination. The island of Gozo is around half an hour from Malta by ferry. With its turquoise waters, sheer limestone cliffs, laid back feel and picturesque harbours, Gozo Island is definitely one to add to your travel bucket list.

Plan – Take a boat trip around the coast and try out snorkelling or scuba diving.

Photo Credit: Clare – Suitcases and Sandcastles

Tuscany

Tuscany has been on my list for years. It offers picturesque villages, beautiful countryside, olive groves, fine art, and not forgetting the wine and cuisine. There is so much that Tuscany has to offer. Florence is the capital of the region and a place that I would love to visit. Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena are also high on my must-see places to visit. We are heading to Tuscany this year and I am so excited to finally be able to tick it off my bucket list.

Plan – Rock Climbing, pizza making, wine tasting or a trip to Florence or Pisa.

Croatia

Croatia has been on our list for a while now and I am not sure why we are yet to visit. Croatia offers sapphire blue waters, spectacular beaches, ancient walled towns, soaring mountains and not to mention the Game of Thrones appeal… it is somewhere we would love to visit with the kids. What’s more, it is only 2.5 hours from the UK.

Plan -Enjoy a sea kayak adventure to hidden coves and secluded beaches.

The Azores

The Azores is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic ocean. Characterized by mild climates, dramatic, lush green landscapes, picturesque villages and described by Lonely Planet as Europe’s ‘secret islands of adventure’… The Azores is now on our radar as a bucket List destination.

Plan – A whale-watching tour over the Atlantic waters or snorkelling with dolphins.

Photo credit; Futurismo Azores Adventure

Montenegro

Montenegro is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular seaside scenery. Think towns, dramatic mountains and crystal clear waters. The more I read about Montenegro, the higher up on our bucket list it becomes. It offers Unesco-listed towns, beautiful beaches and with a flight duration of around 3 hours from the UK, it is an ideal destination when travelling with kids.

Plan – Relax on the sandy beaches, wander along the cobbled streets in Kotor or try rafting through the Tara Canyon – the deepest river canyon in Europe .

Borneo

Borneo is somewhere that Mr S has wanted to visit since before our little kiddies arrived on the scene. It is the third largest island in the world. Borneo island boasts tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches and an abundance of plants and animal species. Not only is it home to the orangutan, the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Borneo pygmy elephant, but it also offers spectacular world-class scuba diving. Definitely bucket list worthy…..

Plan – Get close to proboscis monkeys, sun bears and orangutans and take a rainforest boat trip.

Photo Credit; Borneo Dream

Madeira

Madeira is an archipelago, northwest of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic ocean. When you think of bucket list destinations, I am sure Madeira does not jump into your mind, yet it is an ideal destination for a family holiday with its warm waters, mild climate and sunshine a plenty. Funchal is the charming capital of the archipelago, located on Madeira island and well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and its wonderful restaurants, cafes, and culture. Madeira first caught my eye when I read this great post by Travel Loving Family.

Plan – Explore the coves in a sea kayak, take a boat trip in search of dolphins and whales, and trek through the forests of Pico das Pedras,

Photo credit Lisa – Travel Loving Family

Lake District

We have visited the Lake District in the United Kingdom for many years. It is perhaps considered to be one of Britain’s most picturesque regions and it is not hard to see why. We have visited Lake Windermere and more recently Ullswater and we can honestly say it is a wonderful family friendly destination. A firm favourite of ours for a UK family holiday destination…there is something for everyone, with mountains, lakes, forests and historic sites.

Plan – Mountain walking, abseiling, canoeing and sailing amidst the remote landscapes.