Family holidays take a walk on the wild side

Boutique and adventure travel agents are becoming overwhelmed with demand from families desperate to escape somewhere exotic this summer – before their teenagers grow too old.

Destinations such as Costa Rica, South Africa and Vietnam are in particular demand because they offer value for money and lots of activities for children.

Bushbaby Travel says bookings to Costa Rica are up 300 per cent on before the pandemic while South Africa and Thailand are up 40 per cent. Abi Shaw, of the company, said that after two years of restrictions, families are keen to experience a “once in a lifetime” trip together before it’s too late.

“This summer feels all about shared experiences,” she said. “We’ve a lot of families with older teens and there’s definitely