* Learn greetings in a local language – it’s a great sign of respect and the locals will really appreciate the effort.* Use the travel as an opportunity for you and your child to learn about the history and culture of the region together – go

How fitting in the year that exults everything British in a big way, the man who brought us Jamie’s Italian should now go all patriotic and introduce a new venture called Union Jacks.The cheery informal diner, with kitsch decor that harks back to a heyday era, is set in the new f...

are travelling with babies and toddlers who are too young to ski, you will need some kind of childcare. This may mean taking grandma; it may mean travelling with a family specialist, such as Ski Famille, who offer childcare or it may mean booking a local crèche

sightings, savage attacks and unexplained disappearances, the locals refer to the creature as their Abominable Snowman or Loch Ness Monster. But is there any truth in the rumours?It all starts amiably enough as the crew set off by helicoptor – with the lead

, alongside lots of family arts and crafts, juggling and circus skills workshops, puppet shows and hula-hooping. Not to mention the chance to dress up as an alien or spaceman. Added extras The Blisscotheque will showcase local DJ talents, or strut your stuff

of rock n’ roll bands and not a parent in sight! For many, this may send alarm bells ringing, but worry not. Underage Festival works directly with the local Police and Tower Hamlets to ensure teenagers have a great time and are completely safe. Plus

and Paranorman. More mild mayhem than morbid macabre, this is essentially a coming of age movie for little Bat girl, Mavis, daughter of Dracula (voiced charmingly by Selena Gomez) who turns 118 and yearns to see the world – or at least venture into the local

game to them, but it makes them eat anything.Where do you dine out with your children? For a local family meal, my favourite restaurant is The Castle Inn, in Chiddingstone, Kent, where you can enjoy great food in a very relaxed atmosphere

, the restaurant was busy with a very much family orientated clientele: suited grandfathers and well-heeled grandmothers were dining en famille with their children and grandchildren, all no doubt elegantly attired from the chic local boutiques like Bonpoint

Fest is a small but soulful festival in a wonderful grounds of the New Eccles Hall School, now in its second year, that promotes local talent with its mix of top acts, local artists, DJs and family activities. This year's headliners include poppy Irish