One of the problems of taking your hyperactive children on a club holiday is that while they run around like young puppies, you spend far too much time talking to other families about the various merits of the different operators offering such holidays.

Even at the enquiry stage of the booking the active family holiday, class perceptions come to the fore, along with the abject fear of the anti-social father not wanting to share every meal with other members of the same urban middle class he belongs to.

I wonder if this is why our family clients have gravitated to Neilson's Beach Clubs in recent years, with their somewhat broader mix of clientele and slightly less formal arrangements for meals and activities. Our current favourite is the "Beachplus" club on Lemnos. Like the other Beachplus clubs, the Portomyrina Palace is aiming at five star standards and the quality of the food here reflects this.

A great advantage reported from our clients is the proximity of Myrina, the island's attractive capital, with its Venetian castle and harbour side restaurants, although it's the club's wide range of activities, particularly on the water and including scuba diving, that have kept our teenage kids so satisfied. There are the usual children's clubs ranging from the Starfish infants up to the 13 years TAG (Teenage activity Group) and particularly helpful staff.

We have a fantastic family option for children as young as 8 in nearly Chamonix. Enjoy trekking, white water rafting, and zip lining, as well as beautiful views as you explore this pretty area.

Alternatively it's becoming increasing popular for families to go further afield, and we have put together a extra special family option for families with children under 10 in South Africa. Have a look at our Garden Route suggestion which we can tailor exactly for your needs. There is also a lovely opportunity to spend time with the Elephants in Northern Thailand.

In additon, most of the itineraries in our Adventure and Wildlife section we can tailor make into the perfect active family holiday for you, please just ask.