Family friendly holidays

There are many wonderful experiences to be had in this little jewel of a country. For further inspiration take a look at the trip ideas put together by our trusted local experts, but in the meantime here are our top things to do in Costa Rica.

Walk amongst volcanoes...

Costa Rica’s verdant interior is studded with volcanoes, and while the majority lie dormant, a few can get a little feisty at times. The mighty Poás Volcano in the Central Valley is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world at over 2,700m. To the north, the imposing Arenal Volcano lords it over bucolic pastures and national parkland. Despite its current sleeping state, Arenal’s fiery heart is still close enough to the surface to create some of Costa Rica’s most blissful thermal hot springs  - don’t miss a dip!

Wake up to Costa Rican coffee

If sipping a cup of freshly brewed Arabica is a daily ritual for you, then exploring the process from plant to cup is a fascinating experience. Amidst cloud forests and sleepy villages, you’ll find small-scale coffee ‘fincas’, many of them organic, offering insightful guided tours. These coffee farms often cultivate tropical fruits too, such as pineapple, passion fruit and papaya… that’s breakfast sorted.

Go birdwatching

Quetzals, macaws, toucans, heron, hawk and hummingbird – these are just a few of our feathered friends that you might encounter while birdwatching in Costa Rica. The country welcomes a staggering 10% of the entire world’s bird species to its forests and fields, so it’s fair to say this is a birder’s paradise. Add to that a cornucopia of other flora and fauna, from butterflies and tree frogs to bromeliads and sloth.

Take to the treetops

Seeing things from a different perspective is an illuminating experience, and all around the forests of Arenal, Monteverde and Guanacaste, networks of hanging bridges and treetop walkways allow you to do just that. With the forest canopy spread out before you, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with wildlife such as monkeys, sloth and a myriad of birdlife. For more of an adrenalin charge, you might choose the fast track and go ziplining too.

We all know about the blissful beaches and the crystalline waters, but what about the lesser known highlights?

Take a walk on the wild side in Khao Sok National Park

If you feel like you need a blast of untouched nature, Khao Sok National Park fits the bill. Located in southern Thailand, this is a beautiful area of ancient rainforest dotted with karst formations, lakes and waterfalls, home to an impressive array of wildlife. Getting to this beautiful slice of wilderness takes a little effort, but because of that you will be rewarded with an off the beaten track experience without the crowds. Hiking trails weave through the park, and it is possible to kayak, raft or tube your way along some of the rivers. Don’t miss the beautiful scenery of Cheow Lan Lake, the photogenic heart of the park.

Cultures collide in Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is a province with a real sense of distinct character, partly due to the influence of nearby Myanmar and the minority Shan people who make up a significant proportion of the population. Enjoy the cool climate and the emerald green of the surrounding tea plantations as you soak up the laid back charms of the area. Hiking in the hills is a popular pastime, with a standout trail leading up a fairly steep hillside to the awesome temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu which is perched on a bluff enjoying spectacular views.

Doi Inthanon National Park: A birder’s mecca

Nearly 400 species of birds have been recorded in Doi Inthanon National Park, about 90 minutes drive from central Chiang Mai and the most interesting destination for birdwatching in Thailand. It also contains the highest point in the country - Doi Inthanon which stands at 2,565 metres and has an awesome view. Take your pick from hiking trails, waterfalls, royal pagodas, viewpoints and some easy nature trails with info boards to help you make sense of what you can see, not least pointing out some of the 1,500 plus species of butterflies present in the park.

Indonesia is a fascinating country. But did you know any of our top three facts about it?

1. Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with more than 18,000 islands.
2. Indonesian people are required to adhere to one of six official religions. These are Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Atheism is not illegal but is not socially acceptable or recognised by the state.
3. Located on the border of two tectonic plates, Indonesia has over 400 volcanoes, of which 150 are active.