In the fifth edition of their excellent guide book Travel With Children, the Lonely Planet team have come up with holiday ideas from toy shopping in Tokyo to riding ostriches in South Africa. They have assembled a global team of parent

destination The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has a strict code of conduct for its members, encouraging them to protect the environment, respect local cultures, and minimise pollution. One tip they offer families is to teach your children a

. Come Christmas time and a flurry of traditional gift markets descend on European cities. Cologne in Germany offers four big markets – the best one for children is the Alter Markt in front of the Town Hall, where there’s a vintage roundabout, puppet theatre, Santa

As many well-travelled parents will no doubt be aware, journeying abroad with young children is not without its challenges. Here at junior we are always looking for new ways to make family holidays run that little bit more smoothly – which is why we

-increasing fuel supplements. Train travel isn’t cheap either, but it’s greener than flying and can actually be a lot of fun with children. Now that Eurostar departs from St Pancras, the improved connections to Europe present a real alternative to flying if your

your holiday on hold this year, think again. If you do your research, ask for those discounts and book your own travel insurance, you may just find that this is the year to take the family on that holiday of a lifetime.Look at our Tips & advice section

a hen house, where children can collect eggs; a communal oven; bicycles for hire; and a farm shop. Children are encouraged to roam free (away from the working bits of the farm), play Poohsticks and build camps in the woods. Check out Junior's guide

, live-in butler and chef. It sleeps ten and costs £8,400 (including B&B and drinks) to hire during the high season (October to March) through Ultimate Family Hideaways.Check out Junior's guide to Top holiday villas in our Tips & advice section.

Three hours away…With its old walled city, labyrinthine souks and incredible market square of Djemaa el Fna, which comes alive at night with snake charmers and whirling dervishes, Marrakech is a fascinating place to take children. Here, you’re also

children can collect eggs, bike hire and a farm shop. Children are encouraged to roam free (away from the working bits of the farm), play Pooh sticks and build camps in the woods as well as visit the sheep, pigs and cows. But pack a case of wine and a book