Top 3 unusual family holiday destinations

If you have children, chances are they will want to go on an adventurous and exciting holiday just as much as you do. So, don't be afraid to head off the beaten track with your brood to discover some of the less-travelled corners of the world.

There are plenty of options for holidays for adventurous families, but here are three that are a little bit different and give you the opportunity to see spectacular landscapes and unusual wildlife - perfect if you and your children enjoy a spot of globetrotting.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as well as being home to volcanoes and lush forests. This is one of the ultimate places to visit on a family holiday simply because there is so much to see and do. From snorkelling over stunning coral reefs and relaxing on golden beaches to walking on the forested slopes of volcanoes and white water rafting, you won't be short of things to do with your brood.

In fact, if your children love nothing more than spotting unusual wildlife, this is a fantastic destination to choose due to its biodiversity. In the forests, keep your eyes open for monkeys, toucans, sloths and parrots, while you're likely to see turtles if you go snorkelling on the coast. Pay a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park for the opportunity to see slow-moving lava flows that look particularly spectacular once the sun has set.

Indonesia

Indonesia is comprised of hundreds of islands and there's no better way to explore them than by boat. Book a family holiday on the Indian ocean with Explore from £2041 without flights, and you can look forward to visiting isles that are home to some of the planet's most unique and fascinating animals, as well as seeing spectacular natural landscapes along the way.

You will stop at Komodo Island - home of the infamous Komodo dragons, which can grow to up to 3 m long and have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. These amazing reptiles are now protected in the Komodo National Park, which encompasses three main islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar - and many other, smaller landmasses. Following a guide, you'll go ashore to walk among these dragons, but keep an eye out for other creatures - including monkeys, wild boars and deer - that also live here.

As you'll be travelling on a boat, it would be a shame not to take advantage and take a dip in the water for a spot of snorkelling. The corals under the surface are vibrant colours and the reefs are inhabited by all manner of sea life, from large mammals such as dugongs and dolphins, to tiny creatures like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.

Arctic Circle

Another unusual option for a family holiday is a cruise in the Arctic Circle. Setting out from Spitsbergen, the largest island in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, you'll cruise past desolate landscapes characterised by vast open spaces, glaciers and mountains. The most famous residents in the area are the polar bears and you have an excellent chance of spotting one of these impressive creatures as you sail. These are certainly not the only animals you and the kids can look out for though, as walruses, seals and whales can all be spotted along the coast, while inland you may catch a glimpse of some wild reindeer or an arctic fox. Tours in the region offer a combination of wildlife watching from the safety of your boat and onshore excursions to get a closer look at the amazing scenery.