David Atkinson

Family Traveller contributor David Atkinson has two girls, Maya, 8, and Olivia, 4. They spend half the week with him and he regularly travels with them as a single dad.

WHAT’S YOU FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION AS A FAMILY?

We’re always looking for new ideas and I love sharing my own wanderlust with the girls’ endless curiosity to discover the world. This year we’ve been cycling in Holland and to a family resort on the Flanders coast. Overall, however, the simplest things are often the best, so we always go back to Wales for beach days, escapes into nature and homegrown hospitality.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION AS A COUPLE?

I travel a lot for workbut it’s always work. If I could get away just by myself and for myself, I would choose a city break with a cultural theme, or a detox break with some yoga and time away from email.

YOU FIRST FAMILY HOLIDAY MEMORY?

My childhood holidays were often simple seaside affairs, primarily in North Wales. My parents took me often to the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno and I often go back now with the girls. The stuff of those childhood attractions is still there. I find something quite comforting about that.

WHAT’S YOUR KIDS FAVOURITE HOLIDAY?

I think it’s hard to beat the Barbie cruise. It was our first ever cruise and we joined a Royal Caribbean ship in the Med with Barbie club activities each afternoon. Maya loved the fashion show while Olivia was a star at the mermaid dance class. Dad spent a week afloat on a sea of pink.

WHAT WOULD YOU TAKE ON A DESERT ISLAND?

Some practical travel essentials, such as lip balm, moisturiser and wet wipes. For Maya, a supply of Jacqueline Wilson books and for Olivia a supply of ice lollies. I’d like a decent bottle of single-malt whisky.

WHAT’S ON YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY WISHLIST?

With both girls in school from this autumn, I’m slyly slipping in some educational trips dressed up as holidays. So, Cleopatra’s Egypt is on the wishlist for Maya’s history assignment while a learn-French week next spring would be great for both Maya and Olivia to brush up their language skills as they both already speak Spanish. For sheer fun, we fancy a week visiting Japanese theme parks.

Visit more from atkinsondavid.com for more from David…