Mr

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