School’s out: family travel

May half term

There’s still availability on the junior bushcraft and lifeguard sessions at the Sands Resort, near Watergate Bay in Cornwall. Build a shelter and learn how to light a fire and cook on it, or learn first aid and rescue techniques. Four nights for a family of four start at £540. Half board is £10pp a night, bushcraft sessions £15, lifeguard sessions £5 for ages 8 and above. Details: 01637 872864, www.sandsresort.co.uk

Summer

Charter a Turkish gulet and use it as a base for windsurfing, fishing, snorkelling and water-skiing. The Seyhan Hanna comes with her own captain and crew and sails between Göcek and Kalkan on the Lycian Coast. A party of 14 pays £707pp including seven nights’ full board and flights from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester, with Exclusive Escapes (020-8605 3500, www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk).

October half term

Enjoy unlimited entry to Spain’s PortAventura theme park — which has twin wooden rollercoasters and different country themes on display around the grounds — by staying at the Hotel El Paso. The hotel has a pool with a sunken pirate galleon. Seven nights’ half board is £555 per adult and £229 per child, leaving Manchester on October 24, with First Choice (0871 2004455, www.firstchoice.co.uk).

Christmas

Climb up into jungle canopies or watch pig racing as part of Journey Latin America’s new trip to Colombia. The 11-night itinerary starts in the capital, Bogotá, and includes the coffee region of Pereira, the Spanish colonial port of Cartagena and the island of Majagua. It costs £1,964pp including local but not international flights, accommodation and some meals. Details: 020-8747 8315, www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk