With 850 species of birds, 2000 species of orchids, 208 species of mammals, 5% of all the plant and animal species on the planet are represented in Costa Rica.!
'Itineraries can be tailor-made to visit cloud forest, rainforest, volcanoes and Caribbean and Pacific beaches with accommodation options specifically designed with families in mind'

As summer approaches it's time to start thinking about a holiday that will keep the kids amused whilst also giving parents a well deserved break. Jennifer Everest from surefish partner Responsible Travel makes some suggestions.

Countryside Cottages in Tipperary
These self catering cottages in Tipperary are situated on an organic farm in tranquil countryside just 2km from Terryglass village on Lough Derg on the river Shannon. With it's backdrop of rolling farmland, forest parks, historical artefacts and boglands, this lakeside region offers countless possibilities for an active, cultural or completely lazy holiday. With a wide range of activities available locally including tennis, pony-trekking, water-skiing and wind-surfing there's plenty to keep the little ones amused.

Price: From E180 - E400 per week depending on accommodation type and time of year. Weekends from E140.
More details…

Exmoor self catering accommodation
A lovingly refurbished traditional farm cottage set on wooded hillside overlooking the fields. Enjoy the English countryside on one of the many nature walks or bridleways on this idyllic organic farm within Exmoor National Park 3 miles from Minehead. As the winners of Organic Producer of the Year 2003/4 we have our own Farm Shop for you to take home farm organic produce. By staying with us you will be supporting an environmentally friendly way of farming, helping with the preservation of the countryside, the rural community & local economy.

Price: From £250 - £750 per week depending on time of year. Sleeps 1-6. Long weekends & short breaks also available.
More details…

Family holiday in the Atlas Mountains
Wander around Djemma El-Fna where colourful water-sellers, snake-charmers, jugglers, musicians and acrobats create an Arabian Nights atmosphere at dusk. Stay at a magnificent retreat at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. Relax and marvel at the views or enjoy the endless possibilities for walking. The really active could even make an optional attempt on the summit of Mt. Toubkal itself! This holiday explores both the bustling world of Marrakech and also the rugged Atlas mountains with an itinerary especially designed for families.

Price: From £531 (child), £599 (adult) including Flights - one week.
More details…

Kalavassos holiday apartments, Cyprus
Kalavassos is a typical Cypriot village with a close-knit community friendly, quiet and caring to its visitors. It is in an excellent location 5 minutes drive from the beach and other amenities. The house is very near the village square and has its own child-friendly secluded courtyard offering peace and privacy to its occupants. A perfect base to explore Cyprus or just relax and unwind.

Price: From CY £28 per apartment per night.
More details…

New Zealand Farmstay Holiday
A Farmstay Retreat specializing in family holidays. Our 25 acre organic farm is located on the banks of the Clutha River in the heart of Central Otago, 15 minutes drive from Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand. We offer an up scale range of accommodation packages from B&B to multi-night all inclusive stays that include delicious family style meals and farm activities. Situated in a truly magical setting with a mix of unusual and friendly farm animals we cater for children of all ages with supervised discovery programs, adventure playground, ground level trampoline and child minding.

Price: Ranges from B&B at NZ$280 per night (Double Occupancy) to multi-night all inclusive stays from NZ$1790 (Double Occupancy: 3 Nights/4 Days).
More details…

Family walking holiday in France
On this walking tour of the Loire valley you stay in small, locally owned character hotels, eat the best of the local cuisine, and travel down by Eurostar. This holiday is a relaxing and relatively gentle walk; distances are long enough to allow a satisfying exploration of the area, but short enough to leave time to visit chateaux en route, to enjoy the charming villages with their tempting cafes and restaurants, or simply to sit and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this enchanting area. This self guided tour can operate at a time to suit you.

Price: From £580 excluding Eurostar, £685 including Euro Star and local train.
More details…

Jungles and Islands of Thailand
Experience the diversity of Thailand from the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok to remote, hill-tribe villages, dense rainforests to deserted beaches and from riding elephants in national parks to snorkelling on coral reefs - there's plenty to keep the little ones occupied. Thailand in particular lends itself to family tours with its convenient, efficient transport system, friendly helpful people and high levels of food hygiene. Financial contributions are made from these holidays to the local orphanage and to Karen and Mon refugee camps housing people fleeing Burma.

Price: From £1400 - £1500 with flights from London. £850 without flights.
More details…

Family safari holiday in Botswana
Enter the waters of the enchanting Okavango Delta one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders home to a fantastic mix of animals, take safaris onshore by foot and camp out in the wilds under starry skies surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. The wildlife is impressive and seeing big game on foot is an unforgettable experience! This 10-day escape into the remote untouched African wilderness of Botswana also helps to support the Maun Counselling Centre and Children's Orphanage to combat the devastating effects of HIV on local families and prevent its spread.

Price: Adult prices from £1599 including flights from London children from £1327. Land only prices from £1059 - 10 days.
More details…

Greek Island country estate
This Greek Island holiday accommodation is a 7-acre private and gated country estate on the shores of the Ionian island of Ithaca. Perched on a hillside with spectacular sea views, this organic olive oil producing estate includes four houses, each set into its own fragrant gardened terraces, a swimming pool and outdoor amenities. The accommodation offers you a luxury, family-friendly and romantic destination where quality and hospitality are the abiding hallmarks.

Price: 2,800 - 3,800 Euros per week (sleeps 4). Includes airport transfers and car.
More details…

Luxury family holiday to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for families who are looking for adventure and an opportunity to see wildlife at close hand. With 850 species of birds, 2000 species of orchids, 208 species of mammals, 5% of all the plant and animal species on the planet are represented! Itineraries can be tailor-made to visit cloud forest, rainforest, volcanoes and Caribbean and Pacific beaches with accommodation options specifically designed with families in mind. Christmas, Easter and July & August departures available.

Price: £2585 per adult, £1065 per child under 12 (sharing a room). £2350 per person for adults and teenagers (not sharing a room with parents).
More details…

For more great suggestions with holidays from leading responsible operators log on to www.responsibletravel.com