With Spring approaching, it's time to plan that Easter break. Each of these seven destinations make the ideal family holiday.
1. ARGENTINA
Get up close to Iguassu Falls and spot rainforest wildlife.
You can't fail to be captivated by these dramatic waterfalls, as the Iguazu River cascades down from the Parana Plateau on the border between Argentina and Brazil. For added drama, take a speedboat trip up to the base of the falls, then explore the network of nature trails that wind through the surrounding rainforest. Misiones rainforest is within Iguazu National Park, and with its abundance of mammal and bird species is the ideal habitat for nature walks to spot the resident wildlife. April coincides with the beginning of the dry season too, making way for blue skies.
A Bigger Trip: Extend your stay to include the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires and the outdoor adventure playground of the Lake District.
2. BALI
Experience the culture and countryside of Ubud.
Considered the cultural heart of Bali, the terraced rice paddies and lush jungle of Ubud is the idyllic setting for temples that come to life with regular dance performances. Watch stories unfold to the rhythm of traditional Balinese music as the costumed dancers perform. While you're there, participate in your own cultural classes, venture into the countryside on a cycling tour and visit the monkeys of Ubud Monkey Forest. April is a good time to visit Bali, as dry season begins, after the hottest months of February and March and before the cooler months of May, June and July.
A Bigger Trip: Explore Indonesia further by visiting the beaches and volcanoes of Bali's neighbouring islands, Lombok and Java.
3. BORNEO
Become acquainted with Borneo's extraordinary wildlife.
Visit Sabah when Borneo's weather is at its best, with less rainfall than the rest of the year. The main attraction here is the island's extraordinary wildlife, the most famous of which is the endearing orangutan. Watch these primates swing through the trees at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Then, right next door you'll find the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which gives visitors the rare chance to see these creatures up close. Take a boat ride down the rainforest's waterways to spot the indigenous proboscis monkeys, and stay at a riverside jungle lodge that's sometimes visited by the rainforest's pygmy elephants.
A Bigger Trip: Discover the underwater world too by including a trip to the islands of Lankayan and Gayana.
4. COSTA RICA
Set out on an active adventure trip in Arenal.
April is one of the driest month in the Costa Rican calendar, so it's a great time to visit Arenal, which has a wealth of activities for adventure-seeking families. Set out on across canopy walkways, fly through the jungle by zipline, and explore the region of rainforest, coffee plantations and old lava fields on guided hikes, as well as on horseback. For even more exhilaration, raft down Arenal's white-water rapids.
A Bigger Trip: Combine Arenal with Pacuare Reserve and the Nicoya Peninsula for an even greater family adventure.
5. PERU
Hike through the Andes and explore the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
Head to the Peruvian Andes after the rainy season has come to an end, leaving brighter, sunnier days. Hike the many trails around Cusco and the Sacred Valley to visit ancient archaeological sites left behind by the Incas, experience the spectacular scenery of the Peruvian Andes and gain an insight into local indigenous life. For an especially scenic ride to Machu Picchu catch a luxury train. On a tour of Peru, the whole family can experience the culture of today as well as the nation's ancient heritage.
A Bigger Trip: Combine a tour of Peru with The Galapagos, on a Galapagos and Machu Picchu adventure.
6. SOUTH AFRICA
Image by Etienne Oosthuizen.
See elephants, lions and leopards on a family-friendly safari.
Bordering both the Kalahari Desert and Botswana in the northwest of South Africa, the 75,000-acre game reserve of Madikwe can be visited all year round, and it's malaria-free, which makes it ideal for family safaris. Go out on game drives to spot some of the reserve's huge population of elephants, as well as leopards, rhino and lions, among many other exciting species. The reserve is also home to luxury family-friendly lodges with tree-houses and tented suites to stay in, as well as rooms that are designed especially for kids.
A Bigger Trip: Combine a safari in Madikwe with The Kalahari, Cape Town and The Whale Coast for an unforgettable South Africa experience.
7. VIETNAM
Explore the emerald islands and limestone karsts of Halong Bay by boat.
Cruise across the turquoise waters and between the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, stopping off to visit caves and coves, or to jump into a kayak for further exploration. At the beginning of Vietnam's warmer months, April is a good time for swimming in the water and sitting out on deck in the evenings. Bhaya Legend II has just two cabins, making it ideal for families, plus the boat has exciting activities on offer, such as rowing and squid fishing, in addition to kayaking and visits to the bay's caves. For a birds-eye view of the bay, arrive from Hanoi by seaplane, or take a scenic flight over the emerald islands' to see their hidden craters, lagoons and valleys.
A Bigger Trip: Extend your trip to include the highlights of Vietnam, with the UNESCO World Heritage city of Hoi An and the sublime coastline of Nha Trang among them.
Travel Tip: As Easter is an international holiday, popular family destinations tend to get booked up sooner than usual, so it's best to plan ahead.