As a family, we tend to book our big family holidays abroad as all-inclusive packages. Whilst we always have a great time and find this option great for the kids – those endless drinks in the hot sun every 5 mins; I can’t help but wonder what we are potentially missing out on by not venturing too far from our hotel.

As the kids get older, we may have to look at different holiday options when venturing to our holiday destinations not only to keep things fun but also to introduce them to more of the destinations we visit. It was once said to us that when staying at an all-inclusive resort, that honestly, you could be anywhere in the world if you never leave the complex. And personally, I feel that is so true. If you are not exploring the local surroundings and only enjoying what your hotel has to offer, the location is irrelevant. Whilst this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it seems a shame to travel so far and not explore any part of the country.

Exploring our Destination.

Clickstay has over 70,000 properties in over 70 countries and could be a perfect base for our large group to enjoy a holiday at our own pace and to use as a base to explore more of the places we visit. But it isn’t just properties in sunnier climes, you can find accommodation for your next ski holiday, city break, or even a countryside getaway for a truly relaxing break.

We, however, are sun seekers and love to spend our holidays away as a family basking in the warm glow of the sun whilst cooling off in a pool. For this reason, you can usually find us visiting the Canary Islands. Personally, I have visited Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura whereas other family members are familiar with more of the islands.

After a quick search, I was able to find a luxurious villa in Gran Canaria, one of our favourite place to holiday, that can accommodate all 12 of us with a private pool and barbeque facilities too! This is ideal for us to be able to come and go as we please and with the all-important pool to keep the kids, young and old happy too!

Image courtesy of Clickstay

A villa such as this one would give us a great base to explore more of the island than we possibly would do staying at an all-inclusive resort. I have to admit we did get out and about a little bit in Fuerteventura, it really is a beautiful island, but our last trip to Gran Canaria didn’t see us venture too far outside our hotel grounds. We did take a day trip combining an off-road mountain drive, camel rides and dolphin watching. But again the most we saw of the island was in the mountains and motorways as we travelled to each activity.

What To Do in Gran Canaria on a Family Holiday.

By booking a villa, we would be free to hire a car to help us get around the island and discover more of Gran Canaria. A few of the things I would like to see the next time I visit the island are.

Maspalomas.

I would love to see the dunes and talk a walk on one of the trails before relaxing on the second longest beach on the island.

Pueblo Canario

An interpretation of a traditional Canarian village, Pueblo Canario is a great way to learn more about the heritage and culture of the island.

Vegueta.

It seems a shame to visit a country and not explore its culture. It can be easy to forget some places aren’t only holiday destinations.

Sioux City.

A wild west themed attraction, this sounds like a great day out for the whole family.

Moonlight Cinema.

We love movies, so taking in a film at Europes only permanent outdoor cinema is a must. I have never watched a film like this before.

Have you visited Gran Canaria before? What would you recommend we visit when we next book a family holiday there?