Traveling through China with kids in tow is not what many would have envisioned for their next family escape. You probably have heard that the place is too crowded… the pollution un-sufferable… and all that culture and history is just “too boring” for the little ones.

With a population of 1.5 billion people, give or take a few million, it is a bit more crowded than we are used to, and air quality is a real problem, but with a little planning and an open mind, China could be indeed, a great adventure destination for the entire family. And yes, it is possible to combine 5,000 years of history with a little fun…

Where to Go?

There is a lot more to traveling to China than just seeing the Great Wall. This is such a vast land, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary with map in hand and consider what the different destinations have to offer in terms of your interests and activities to keep the children involved and out of trouble.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• Beijing, the Capital Beijing is a modern, energetic and dynamic metropolis which once saw the rise and fall of many imperial dynasties. The site of the 2008 Summer Olympics is home to China’s most famous historical sites such as the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square. To make the most out of your sightseeing try to keep a relaxed pace and incorporate activities to keep the kids entertained. The children will appreciate taking a break from temples, palaces and mausoleums to fly a kite, hire a row boat and paddle in one of the many lakes, ride rickshaws in the ancient alleyways or just simply slow down to bargain at the markets and check out some exotic foods. Beijing is also the starting point for your Great Wall expedition. But don’t just climb the Great Wall… take time to explore the watchtowers, bring a picnic, then toboggan down…
• Xian The army of Terracotta Warriors discovered by farmers in 1974 is what put Xian in the China tourist map. This collection of more than 8,000 life-size statues, all with unique features, is really an archeological marvel that the children will enjoy checking out. Besides the Terracotta Army, Xian has much to offer. The Xian City Wall is probably the best preserved city wall in China, so hire some bikes and zip around the entire perimeter. Stop now and then and watch as Chinese everyday life unfolds down below.
• Shanghai Shanghai does not have the historical treasures that Beijing has to offer, or the remarkable archaeological discoveries of Xian, but it is here that the sharp contrasts of an ancient culture trying to cope with progress are more evident. As the nation’s business and financial center, its futuristic skyline blends in with a touch of the old and the traditional in the many courtyards and gardens intermingled in the Old Town. Sail along the Huangpu River, where freighters cruise along barges, junks and sampans. And kids don’t want to miss the sleepy water villages… or the fastest trains in the world…
• Guilin and Yangshuo Take a break from the glitz and dynamism of the big cities and head over to the countryside. Kids will enjoy biking through small villages and rice paddies, cruising down the rivers in small bamboo rafts winding around spectacular gumdrop mountains or going for a short trek here and there. This is some of China’s most spectacular scenery and you will feel like you have been dropped in the middle of an ancient Chinese painting.

Regardless of where you choose to go, there are many fun activities you can incorporate in your sightseeing with the children: cooking lessons, tai chi or kung fu, maybe some calligraphy or Chinese painting… the possibilities are really endless.

Plan your trip, pack the kids and have a great time in China.

Miriam Hoffmann is the founder and website developer of http://www.china-family-adventure.com Visit the website for helpful tips on planning your trip to China with the kids, videos and picture galleries.

When choosing a vacation destination, Crete is one of Europe’s best. A Crete Island vacation is a safe vacation, good value for money and there’s a lot to see and do you wouldn’t expect.

From spectacular scenery in deep mountain gorges, to a sun-drenched crazy, club crammed resorts. From the home of the beginning of Civilization itself, to a balmy, palm laden beach that inspired a famous chocolate advert. From a unique Roman settlement almost forgotten by the world, to an awe inspiring ghostly deserted village once home to Europe’s last leper colony.

Crete has something for everyone, and should be your top European destination.

Safety on Vacation

Going to a foreign country can be a little scary, especially if the culture is different to the one you are used to. Also, many top European vacation destinations attract Europe’s best pick-pockets, muggers and thieves. Security and safety can be a constant worry for travellers.

Crete, on the other hand is one of the safest places to visit for foreign tourists, with a very low crime rate. If you are looking for a safe vacation destination, then you can’t get much better than Crete.

Value for money

Compared with other top European vacation destinations, Crete prices for accommodation and dining-out are very favourable. If you like a beer whilst watching the world go by, then forget the prices you’ll pay in London, Rome or the Spanish Costas.

As for the hard stuff, here on Crete they give it away free after your meal!

Samaria Gorge

This is one of Europe’s biggest canyons and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It is a challenging hike but well worth with its spectacular scenery, rare wild animals and flowers. Well worth the aching legs after the 16K walk -but you will need to be reasonably fit!

Spinalonga

Walk through the haunted streets and passageways once the thoroughfares for the last leper colony in Europe. Spinalonga is a small island just off the north coast of eastern Crete. It is said that the Greek government turned the island into a leper colony to scare away any lingering Turks after Greece gained independence from them. Until as recently as 1957 the Island was home to a unique community of lepers and their families. Now you can visit and see the houses, shops, the hospital and the church that was once the centre of life on the Island.

Knossos

This is the world’s most important and most famous archaeological site of the ancient Minoan Civilization. Said to be one of the world’s first. Palaces, mansions and houses of worship are revealed, some uniquely (and some say controversially) restored to what they would have looked like 5000 years ago.

Aptera

One of the most important archaeological sites of its kind, an ancient Roman Settlement and huge Turkish fort overlooking spectacular views of the Bay of Souda in western Crete. An almost forgotten treasure, worth a visit if only for one of the best views in Europe.

Vai Beach

This is a spectacular palm beach with pink sand, and Europe’s largest palm tree forest, located at the far eastern end of the Island. There’s a blue lagoon too, to add to the feeling of being on a Caribbean island. A real taste of Paradise.

If you are looking for a safe destination with something for all the family, then Crete is a top choice for your vacation.

Graham Yates is a writer and traveller from the UK. He now lives with his wife Alison on the Greek Island of Crete. Both like to share their insider knowledge and experience about Greece and her islands with others, by publishing articles and websites.

To learn more visit http://www.completely-crete.com/ and http://www.simply-santorini.com/

An independent insider’s guide to Greek island life.