By Fiona James
MSN NZ Travel writer
Your family holiday doesn't have to be another Griswold family fiasco. Careful planning and choosing the right destination is key. Here are a few ideas for stress-free family fun this holiday season.
Rotorua
The thermal springs, mud pools and geyser should be enough to get the troops excited, but there's plenty more to see and do in Rotorua. To unwind, relax by one of Rotorua's lakes, or visit one of the many spas in the area.
For a cultural experience, immerse yourself in the local Maori culture, visit a buried village then end your day with a traditional "hangi" banquet.
And for thrillseekers, there's whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, jet boating, horseriding and even a luge.
No chance for boredom here!
Boating adventures
A family boating holiday can be a real adventure. It's such a novelty to wake up at sea each morning, and a boat gives you the flexibility to visit several destinations.
At sea, get involved in activities like fishing, snorkelling or maybe try scuba diving. Or you can simply relax and see where the wind takes you.
There are plenty of yacht-charter companies operating out of New Zealand. Try visiting Yacht Charter Guide where you can search for companies by destination.
Bon voyage!
Club Med Lindeman Island, Australia
Club Med Lindeman Island is a perfect family option, and the Great Barrier Reef is at your doorstep.
Experiencing the reef's underwater world is a captivating experience. There's nothing like coming face to face with moray eels and watching real-live Nemos dive in and out of their coral hideaways.
Back on land, the resort is family-friendly and offers kids' clubs to suit different ages. These are an ideal way to keep the offspring entertained while you grab some rest and relaxation.
Club Med is an all-inclusive resort, which takes the stress out of budgeting. It also provides older kids with a means of getting around and you won't have to worry about their pocket money.
You must try out the trapeze at the island's circus school. Big kids will love this too — though, it's not as easy as it looks.
Disneyland — Anaheim, California
Disneyland claims to be the "happiest place on earth" and it's definitely up there.
Visit a haunted mansion, battle with pirates and take a trip to outer space all in one day. There's so much to do that you'll almost certainly need a several-day pass.
On the unlikely chance you tire of it, there are many other attractions nearby. If you're staying in Anaheim, you're not far from Los Angeles so you can easily go to Universal Studios or take a star tour in Hollywood.
The kids will just love it!
The Mexican Riviera
Long family trips abroad are less daunting when you know you're going to a family-friendly destination. The Mexican Riviera is full of family-aimed resorts. Try towns like Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
If you're not the resort type, rent a private villa. There are many organisations such as Rivieramayaweb, which can tailor your holiday to suit your needs — whether you require a nanny or private chef.
Activities in the area are endless. Take a trip to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, laze around on Tulum's pristine beaches or explore the eerie cenotés — a system of underground sinkholes that are scattered across the region.
Andalé!
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