.Of course, the very best way for children to learn is to visit the country itself and hear the language being spoken naturally – especially by children their own age. And encouraging your child to ask for something when you’re in a shop or café is all

to get the best deal for your family holiday this year. Just a few years ago, we were all spurning the traditional package for a clever mix of cheap flights and accommodation booked online, revelling in the prospect of saving a few pounds. Now

.What’s best for children? Younger children will enjoy the Kid’s Club that offers arts, crafts and nature trails. 
The child-friendly pool is a hit with mini loungers and has a special bar offering virgin fruit cocktails. Older children can enjoy scuba diving

, and also walk discovery trails in the Sapiranga Natural Reserve, where they can cool off in the waters of the Pojuca River,  kayak through mangroves or attend an evening of storytelling with Brazilian myths and legends.Another thing to look for when booking

to impress and pamper all the family with its slick service. Children under 18 can share their parents’ room at no extra charge. There are special children’s menus, colouring books, board games and DVDs to borrow. Babysitting services are available

naturalist guides who lecture on the natural history of the archipelago and lead the visits to the islands. Book via www.scottdunn.com or www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk.Closer to homeHead to Orlando to rub shoulders – quite literally – with dolphins

: whitefaced, and sitting all alone at Big Table, looking completely lost. Nearby, his best friend clowns around and introduces himself to all the new kids. I sob all the way home, but, blow me, when I pick him up at home time he says he's had a good day

(we released it into our pond but I don’t think it has thrived). Snails get fed to our greedy hens, books are read and then sold on at school fêtes or other local fundraisers. The mountainous heap of jiffy bags was passed on to my former employer

in keeping with its architectural surroundings and prestigious neighbours. On the other side of the road is Leinster House, home of the Irish government, and a little further down the road is The Natural History Museum.Merrion Street is steeped in history

perched precariously on cliff tops are full of swashbuckling history of bandits and highwaymen, while the contemporary art and architecture of Dali, Gaudi, Picasso and Miro may just capture a child’s imagination. Best of all is the fact that Spaniards do