Tips for smooth-running boat holidays with children

Tuesday, 20 September 2011 5:06 PM

If you're an active family looking to take your children on a different kind of break, why not consider travelling through Europe on boat holidays?

Exploring by boat is an ideal way to embrace the freedom of waterways and do away with traditional holiday-related irks such as check-in or out times. You can relax aboard your boat and choose exactly where to visit during the day, having a quiet spot to return to in the evenings when it's time to turn in for the night.

You might be wondering how youngsters would react to being onboard a vessel but generally they're sure to love the novelty of the experience. Whether it's gazing into the water to see the fish swimming below or helping you steer the vessel, a break on a boat is likely to be something your little ones remember for years to come.

It's worth making a checklist of things you'll need to take on a boating trip with children, as this could help your holiday run more smoothly. Non-slip deck shoes and protective gloves are useful for keeping everyone steady and avoiding straining your hands when working locks.

Food is an important consideration but you're unlikely to need more than a couple of days' worth as you'll be able to stop and stock up along your route.

You might want to decide on a specific cruise before setting off on family holidays in Europe, as this will allow you to plan an itinerary in advance so you'll know what you're doing each day. A good guidebook is also a great idea for finding your way around and pointing out nearby attractions, as nobody would enjoy being aboard with a restless little one who wants to stretch their legs.

Safety is an important consideration when boating with children and it's wise to make sure youngsters wear a lifejacket at all times when onboard. You might also want to think about the type of boat you choose - those with front sundecks that are accessible from the saloon are ideal if you're travelling with little ones, while options with larger sundecks and flat roofs are particulalry useful for sun-seekers and family get-togethers.

Once you've covered all the bases, you'll need to give some thought to where you'd like to go.

Deciding where to visit on holidays with children can be difficult, as Europe boasts a range of destinations suitable for both older and younger boaters. You might decide to stay close to home and pick a getaway in Ireland, or choose somewhere a little further away like France or Germany.

If you and your offspring are keen anglers, Ireland is the ideal location for a break on the water. If you cruise along the rivers Shannon and Erne you'll discover the waterways are full of salmon, perch, pike, tench and bream.

There are excellent fishing facilities at Drumshanbo on the shores of Lough Allen, which is known as something of a coarse fisherman's paradise, while Portumna also boasts some scenic lakes ideal for casting a line. The latter is home to a forest park where you'll discover a mile-long signposted trail to keep walkers happy.

If you'd rather get into the water, the perfect option for you might be a break in Germany. In particular you could make your way over the waterways of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg on a cruise that calls in at Marina Wolfsbruch.

Here you'll find a harbour popular among sailors, as well as numerous water sports facilities if you enjoy exhilarating activities. Alternatively you might prefer to wander through the surrounding meadows or go for a leisurely swim in some of the lakes in nearby Jabel.

Close by in Waren you can visit the aquarium and the zoo gardens, or journey on to the city of Mirow on the lakeland plain to view the Baroque palace, castle island and 14th century church complete with a tower and crypt.

There are plenty of things to do in Europe, whether you enjoy taking part in adventurous sports, visiting local landmarks or experiencing some of the culture of your destinations, and these are all things you can look forward to if you book a break in France.

Journey to Brittany to take in medieval towns, visit exquisite chateaux, call in at the landscaped Thabor gardens for a stroll, or spend some time hiking through the forest near the Nantes-Brest Canal.

Meanwhile, if you choose Camargue for your destination you can enjoy the most days of sunshine in the whole of France as you explore this wildlife haven and visit the fantastic beach resorts at Palavas les Flots, Carnon, La Grand Motte and Le Grau du Roi.