I’ve got to admit, I’ve been pretty lucky with the holidays so far this year. After an eventful 2017, we really have been making the most of every holiday we can. In February we went to Mauritius, for a much needed dose of sunshine, and we’ve just returned from a brilliant week’s skiing in Val Thorens. We also managed to fit a few days at our lovely cottage in Norfolk. But now time for summer plans!

As the days are longer, the temperatures are rising and my thoughts immediately turn to those long, lazy summer days on beaches. In recent years, we’ve been to Menorca, Greece and last year, the wonderful Dubrovnik, Croatia. But where to this year?

family trip to dubrovnik,

Firstly, before we know it will be May half term. My husband can’t take any holiday, so it’s just me and the kids. Previously, we’ve been to Wychwood festival, but this year we’ve decided not to go, and we are contemplating a mini break to Paris. Just a couple of days to see the sights. Emily, over at Kids and Compass has written a great post on how to see Paris with kids.

Alternatively, by that point we might just want some warmth and to feel the sand between our toes. A few days in Southern Spain is totally doable, and places like Malaga, as Julia at Rainbeaubelle shows us and Gilbraltar, as Helena at Underfoote blogged about, are perfect for travelling families. Alternatively, a quick flight to Almeria, and then explore the Mojacar area, which looks stunning on Truly Madly Cuckoo’s blog.

Onto the summer holidays, and thinking where we would like to go on a longer break. Recently, I’ve seen quite a few families venture into Slovenia for both skiing and summer breaks. No one can deny the beauty of Instagram-perfect Lake Bled, but there is so much more to it, including cosmopolitan cities, waterfalls and mountains. Jemma, at Have Kids Will Travel has written a great itinerary for travel in Slovenia.

I’d also love to go back to Croatia, as Victoria at Lylia Rose explains, it’s just such a great country. I’d really like to explore the island of Hvar. It looks so scenic with plenty of historical culture, but ideal for a bit of rest and relaxation too.

summer plans

Lastly, Ibiza is very much on our list. Although, the main island is beautiful and has stunning beaches as Eva at Captain Bobcat shows, I am really keen to go to Formentera, a small island just off the coast. A little more laid back than its neighbour, it is blessed with exceptionally clear seas and white-sand beaches. Added to this, there are many almost desolate beaches. A perfect getaway from busy London life.

formentera, summer plans,

At the moment, I am very much in the planning stages, and if you have any tips and recommendations for the places I have mentioned, I would love to hear them! I’ve been using a few travel sites to help me with my search and I have found here a very helpful resource.

Where are you going this year? I’m always keen to hear!

This post has been written in collaboration

Fifi and Hop
Tin Box Traveller