The Family Traveller Awards are back!
The Family Traveller Awards 2016 are set to be the benchmark for the family travel industry when the winners are announced in October. These are the only awards to celebrate exceptional family holiday experiences.
This year, the awards are even bigger and better, with a further six categories, bringing the total number of awards up to 24.
Despite it being their inaugural year, the 2015 Family Traveller Awards received more than 2,300 nominations and 27,000 votes across 18 categories.
At a glittering awards ceremony at London's The View from the Shard, at the top of Western Europe's tallest building, the crème de la crème of family travel companies were presented with their awards. The winners included some prestigious names, all working hard to help families love their holiday time together. Among them were Warwick Castle, Camp Bestival, Trunki, Martinhal Resort in the Algarve, The Family Adventure Company, Virgin Atlantic, The Isles of Scilly, New York, Ibiza and Mauritius.
Nominations for this year's awards are open to both the public and the travel industry from today until 10 July after which date, the esteemed judging panel and the public will be called on to vote. As last year, judges include Editor of Family Traveller, Jane Anderson, TV and radio presenter and writer Mariella Frostrup, BBC's go-to travel documentary maker Simon Reeve; travel editor at The Times Jane Knight, and travel & lifestyle director of Elle, Sue Ward Davies. And, of course, the Family Traveller readers.
The shortlist will be announced on 25 July 2016, and the full list will appear in the September/October 2016 issue of Family Traveller. The ceremony will take place in early October.
Categories
BEST FAMILY FERRY OPERATOR
Family Traveller is searching for the ferry operator that makes that voyage part of the holiday itself, looking after parents and kids (and even the family dog) in an inventive way.
BEST FAMILY CRUISE LINE
Cruising is attracting more and more families, and Family Traveller wants to find the cruise line making the most effort to attract families to the market, including multi-generational getaways.
BEST FAMILY AIRLINE
A flight, especially long-haul, can be a trial with kids in tow. So, Family Traveller is looking for the airline that goes the extra mile in terms of family service.
BEST FAMILY TRAVEL ACCESSORY
Whether it’s a fabulous kids’ suitcase, the perfect travel game or a scooter to pack up and take on your holidays, Family Traveller wants to hear about it.
BEST KIDS’ FASHION FOR HOLIDAYS
Keeping your kids comfortable and feeling good in their clothes on holiday is important, whether it’s a stylish yet UV-proof swimsuit or a great pair of shorts. Family Traveller is looking for the best fashion brand for kids’ holiday-wear.
BEST FAMILY FESTIVAL
Festivals have soared in popularity over the past few years, and there’s an impressive choice out there for families. Family Traveller is looking for the most entertaining and educational for kids.
BEST FAMILY THEME PARK
Family Traveller is on the lookout for the best theme parks in the world. We want to find places that combine hedonistic thrills for families with creativity and education, and a keen eye on healthy eating and good family facilities, too.
BEST SHARING ECONOMY HOLIDAY FOR FAMILIES
With the huge boom in homestays, home swaps and couch-surfing, Family Traveller invites these innovative companies to tell us why they are the best for families.
BEST CONSERVATION CHARITY FOR FAMILIES
Whether you’re an animal charity, represent a historic building and gardens, are looking after woodlands or trying to save the planet, Family Traveller wants to hear what you are doing to attract families to your cause.
BEST FAMILY TRAVEL BLOGGER
We all know blogging is a great way to tell the world about your family travels, and we want to find the family travel blog that offers the best advice in an entertaining way.
BEST UK ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES
There’s a wealth of choice in the UK family travel accommodation market, with everything from inventive glamping to glorious five-star seaside resorts on offer. Family Traveller is on the lookout for the best of the best.
BEST OVERSEAS ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES
Competition is fierce for overseas family accommodation. We’re looking for the place that offers the best family experience in all areas, including family rooms, food, activities and childcare.
BEST KIDS’ CLUB
The very best kids’ clubs are the ones that children want to go back to again and again. We’re on the lookout for the ones that kids flock to.
BEST ADVENTURE HOLIDAY FOR FAMILIES
Adventure is a huge growth area in family travel and Family Traveller is looking for the company that offers the best experiences in a safe but thrilling environment.
BEST ECO/SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY FOR FAMILIES
Today’s kids are far more eco aware than their parents ever were and staying green on holiday is a big priority. Family Traveller wants to find those travel operators that go the extra eco mile.
BEST MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY HOLIDAY
Multi-generational getaways are the buzzword in family travel right now, and Family Traveller is on the hunt to find the very best way to take three (or more!) generations away in harmony.
BEST FAMILY SKI OPERATOR
Family Traveller wants to know which ski tour operator pushes the boat out for families, whether they are first-timers or seasoned skiers.
BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY FOR FAMILIESAll-inclusive resorts have proved their worth when it comes to family holidays, and Family Traveller wants to find the company with the highest standards and variety of what’s included for parents and adults, while maintaining a keen sense of style and individuality.
BEST LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR FOR FAMILIES
Finding a top tour operator who really understands the needs of a family on holiday can be a crucial factor in a successful trip. Family Traveller is looking for the tour operator that really goes the extra mile in this sector.
BEST UK DAY OUT/ATTRACTION FOR FAMILIES
We know Family Traveller readers love a great day out in the UK, and we’re searching for the best attraction or destination for families to enjoy.
BEST UK REGION FOR FAMILIES
Staycations are a huge part of family holidays, and Family Traveller wants to find the best place for parents to take their kids in the UK. This could be by county, a stretch of coast, area of outstanding natural beauty or any region that pushes the boat out for families.
BEST UK CITY BREAK FOR FAMILIES
The UK has some awesome cities for families, and Family Traveller is searching for the one with the most excitement, stimulation and learning for parents and children, plus innovative accommodation.
BEST EUROPEAN CITY BREAK FOR FAMILIES
Europe is a hot topic at present, and what family doesn’t enjoy a European city break? Family Traveller is looking for the best of the best cities in terms of entertainment, learning, and great food and accommodation for families.
BEST OVERSEAS DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES
Where in the world is the best place to go on a family holiday? Family Traveller is on the hunt for the destination that exceeds expectations for families looking for epic experiences and relaxation all rolled into one.