Although the economy is picking up, holiday firms can still fail, so ensure your money is safe with the following advice:- Pay by credit card – you’ll be protected for flights over £100 by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 if your supplier goes bust

With the school holidays now upon us many families will be excitedly awaiting a summer jaunt to distant shores, seeking a relaxing break from work, school and the daily grind. Alongside dreams of white sands and exotic cocktails, many parents

an Elephant Mud Wrap at the Cubs’ Spa. Children under 11 go free until December 31. The Rock Suite costs from £1,590 per night for a family of four, fully inclusive.Visit www.virginlimitededition.comOur Tips & advice section has lots of wonderfully helpful

your needs.- For expert advice: www.family-travel.co.uk A comprehensive, subscription-only site with no ads, no bias and immense detail on destinations and holidays worldwide.- Super deals: www.hotels.com Offering deals of up to 40 per cent off summer

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

Paddling in the sea and building sandcastles may have timeless appeal – and yet there comes a time when your family will be ready for a little more action. Children will then thrive on the opportunities to exert their independence and have a holiday

, 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.

Alaskan operators, with elegant ships renowned for their excellent food. Children’s clubs operate from June to September. B is for Baltic cultureCruise ships sail from Dover, Amsterdam or Copenhagen all summer long to the Baltic – a great choice

saunas, huge hot tubs, aromatic steam rooms and an ice cave. Nearby, there are train and bike rides into the mountains, an exciting summer toboggan run, forest walks and medieval villages to explore.Further afield, long-haul holidays may involve a guilt

instead.I’m thrilled that my children’s summer memories will be of eating sausages and baked potatoes cooked over a real fire. I love that they’ve slept under the stars and have heard the sound of rain on canvas while drinking mugs of warming soup