Once in a Lifetime Trips You Can Take the Family On

Does the thought of a family holiday send you into a cold sweat? It can seem overwhelming - packing, organising, spending and of course, keeping everyone happy at all times. No wonder it can sometimes feel like it’s not worth the hassle.

Maybe you have memories of an annual week of stressful travel with your own parents and siblings? Endless treks to windy, Irish seaside towns or a strictly English-speaking French campsite on the outskirts of some tiny, yet (hopefully) sunny region. The memory of that mixed scent of sizzling chip fat and sugary candy floss undeniably produces a strong feeling of nostalgia, but it’s one of those things that doesn’t necessarily need to be revisited in the flesh.

Holidays have changed. The world has become smaller and much more accessible, so why not show your family somewhere new and give them a memory they’ll never forget?

Sardinia, Italy

Anyone who’s been to Italy would be quick to describe it as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It feels as though around every corner there’s another ancient ruin to be found, another plate of delectable pasta to be eaten, or another picture-perfect landscape to stare at. Most will make a beeline for Rome, the ‘Eternal City’, and although you can’t go wrong with this, there are other places ideal for checking out with the kids in tow. Paradise-like island Sardinia, surrounded by sparkly blue Mediterranean waters, is filled to the brim with Roman ruins, endless stretches of beach and food, food, food. Between the mountain bike trails, water park villages, sand dunes and caves to explore, it’ll be a task dragging the kids onto the plane home.

Maldives

We’re in full on dream territory now. Becoming known over the last few years as a honeymoon destination for loved-up couples looking for peace and beachside cocktails, the Maldives is actually great for kids too. And how could it not be? A glorious archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, any existing water activity you’ve thought of (and not thought of) is available to try here. For the most memorable outdoor adventures of their lives, bring the kids dolphin watching, snorkelling or crab racing, before taking a glass-bottomed boat trip across the crystal-clear blue waters to marvel at creatures living just below. What better way to expand their minds?

Long Beach, California

Located just a few miles from Downtown Los Angeles, a family trip to Long Beach, California offers it all – sun, sand, sea, shopping, celeb spotting and the magnificent Aquarium of the Pacific. This magnificent aquarium displays over 11,000 animals that represent the entire span of diversity within the Pacific Ocean – to the delight of budding animal lovers everywhere. Soak up the golden Californian rays on pretty beaches before heading to the renowned Hollywood Boulevard for a gander or broaden the kids’ minds even further with a trip to the impressive California Science Center. You might end up going home with a family of knowledgeable little scholars. Worth the trip!

Fancy Booking an Unforgettable, Once in a Lifetime Trip with the Family?

An AIB travel loan can help. AIB offer loans from €1,000 with a loan decision in just three hours*. You can apply online through AIB Internet Banking and the AIB Mobile App. You can also book a branch appointment or or phone 0818 724 725 if you’d like to speak to someone in person.

Use our handy loan calculator to find out how much you can borrow today. AIB’s Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurancewill provide perfect peace of mind for your trip.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is an agent of AIB Insurance Services Limited in relation to provision of general insurance products. AIB Travel Insurance is exclusively underwritten by Chubb European Group Limited. AIB Insurance Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Copyright Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. 1995.*3 hour loan decision applies to fully completed new personal loan applications processed within 3 hours 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri excl. bank holidays. Loans from €1,000-€30,000. Excludes applications: to restructure or clear existing AIB credit facilities; received through Branch and referred to a lender for review, from customers in financial difficulty; for Student and First loans; applications through Business Centres; or where total borrowings exceed €100,000 (excluding Home Loan debt up to €600,000).

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.”Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.”