March 10th, 2007
A Cape Town Family Holiday – Magic in the Making!
Families the world over are beginning to recognise Cape Town as a wonderful family vacation destination. We’re not in the least surprised! As a Cape Town family we are constantly discovering new delights in and around our own city.
Of course the perfect holiday varies from one family to the next. Given that every family is unique, it’s no surprise that one family’s ‘fabulous’ may be another’s ‘foul’.
What are the key ingredients for a great family vacation?
Firstly, easy access. Holiday relaxation is shattered if Mum, Dad and sundry offspring are sentenced to return flights via (say) outer Mongolia. Fortunately Cape Town combines the services of an international airport with many direct flights both locally and internationally.
Secondly, appropriate accommodation. You don’t want to stay on the top floor of a high-rise city hotel with your toddlers. Similarly, your teens may be ticked if your only option is an idyll far from the madding crowd. In Cape Town accommodation comes in all shapes, sizes and locations with something to fit every budget.
Finally, things to do. And that’s what lifts Cape Town head and shoulders above other destinations. As long as you’re not adverse to enjoying great weather, fabulous scenery and outdoor activity, there are an infinite number of enjoyable possibilities from which to choose!
I advise families to consider all the possible activities BEFORE booking their accommodation. That way, they can make informed choices about where they stay. Cape Town is small as cities go, but why waste your vacation criss-crossing the Peninsula?
For instance, will you spend a lot of your time on the beaches? If so, the Atlantic seaboard offers your most accessible accommodation.
Perhaps you’re all more into culture and history than sand and sun? Then the City Bowl places you right in the heart of Cape Town’s heritage.
The Cape Winelands certainly beckon most visitors young or old, so why not soak up the atmosphere of oak casks and Cape Dutch gables by booking a few nights at a local hostelry?
Simonstown is prime Cape Town attraction, a quaint village built around the historic Naval Base. It’s a 50 minute drive from the city centre, but the perfect base for whale watching (in season) and for exploring south to Cape Point.
In all, Cape Town’s many facets offer infinite possibilities for family enjoyment. World-class facilities combine perfectly with spectacular sights and riveting history. A holiday in this African city with its European face is an experience not quickly forgotten.