Five parent-friendly holiday destinations for 18-30s
Exam season is over and RPS is sure that parents of school leavers and even their older children are now worrying where they are going to chose to go on holiday.
Far worse than awaiting the results of the exams is the dreaded realisation that your teenager is planning his or her first holiday with friends.
It’s been a rite of passage among British teenagers for years but, as recent publicity about sex-and-booze parties in Magaluf show, the thought of their little darlings boarding a plane for a week in the sun without mum and dad can be a real worry for parents.
Some hotspots are more notorious than others when it comes to stories of excessive drinking, partying and generally wreaking havoc abroad, so it pays to know which regions to avoid and which to choose.
Is there a way of helping school-leavers pick their first holiday with their friends – one that mum and dad will approve of!”
Below is a list of some other alternatives where the young person will have fun and Mum and Dad will not have sleepless nights. For example, Cala d'Or makes an idyllic alternative to rowdy Magaluf.
No-go area: Magaluf
The Mallorcan resort has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late, with stories and footage of wild parties going viral. As a result, most parents would deem Magaluf one to avoid this season.
Parent-approved alternative: Cala d’Or, Majorca
Parents shouldn’t let bad publicity over Magaluf put them off the rest of Mallorca, which has plenty of secluded bays, traditional villages and fabulous food.
Cala d’Or, on the east coast, is a lively holiday resort, where youngsters can enjoy a whole range of recreational activities including golf, water sports such as boating and windsurfing, tennis, horse riding, bicycle rental and skydiving.
The all-inclusive Hotel Marina Corfu in Cala d’Or, Mallorca, is a firm favourite thanks to it's bustling nightlife and easy access to the beach.
No-go area: Las Vegas
It’s called Sin City for a reason and there’s plenty going on in this desert oasis to turn the head of the politest, should-know-better young person. Remember those naked photos of Prince Harry playing strip billiards?
Parent approved alternative: Bodrum/Gumbet, Turkey
For a stylish beach vacation, Bodrum has fun, excitement and some of the best clubs and bars in Turkey.
Very close by is Gumbet, an affordable alternative that may suit school-leavers' (or their parents') pockets more – and it still has some great hotels and superb nightlife for post-exam partying.
It’s impossible for teenagers to be bored at the Kusadasi Golf Spa, Bodrum, which has an 18-hole golf course by the sea, a water park and tennis courts.
No-go area: Amsterdam
Yes, it has culture, but while youngsters may claim to be widening their historical knowledge by visiting the Anne Frank Museum or viewing a Van Gogh close up, it’s the sleazier museums and more "interesting" cafes that parents should be wary of.
Parent-approved alternative: Berlin
A good alternative to Amsterdam would be Berlin – easily walkable, oozing history, with an easy-to-navigate underground transport system and plenty of shopping, including the prestigious Ka De We department store.
The stylish Ivbergs Messe Hotel is right in the centre of Berlin, close to many fascinating historic tourist attractions. Perfect for a short break.
No-go area: Ayia Napa
Another party destination that has hit the headlines over the years and which has become synonymous with a 24-drinking culture.
Parent-approved alternative: Paphos
A good alternative to Ayia Napa would be the quieter resort of Paphos. This is arguably the island’s most popular destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once the island’s capital, is it also the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite and has some of the finest beaches on this part of the coastline.
For energetic school-leavers, it’s also a great base to explore the Troodos mountains either on bike or foot.
The hospitable three-star Agapinor Hotel in Paphos, is located in Paphos' Old Town, just a few minutes’ walk to many of the town’s attractions, including the market, district museum and town hall.
No-go area: Faliraki
Parents of a certain age will remember this Rhodes resort from TV’s Club Reps show in the early noughties and, while the resort is much quieter now, its reputation still lingers.
Parent-approved alternative: Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a paradise Greek island with countless bays, inlets and stunning scenery, with plenty to discover, such as Venetian fortresses and Byzantine churches, as well as lots of great food and enough nightlife to keep coming-of-agers happy and entertained.
The five-star Apostolata Island Resort and Spa, is set on a stunning hillside overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
The hotel is in Skala resort, which has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
There are lots of other ideas and if you need more advice then please contact us at [email protected]
RPS does not endorse any of the hotels mentioned here. This article has been adapted from the original.
http://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/490996/Cheap-holidays-for-young-people