Where to ignite their imagination

Hit the highspots with a 13-day Himalayan Family Adventure, exploring the colourful alleys of Kathmandu as warm-up for a four-day hill trek in the shadow of giant peaks as you engage with the local Nepalese. Then descend to the steamy jungle of Chitwan National Park, travelling by elephant, Jeep and dugout canoe in search of rhino and tiger. Adults from £1,199, children from £926 including flights. TRAVELBAG ADVENTURES (01420 541 007, www. travelbag-adventures.co.uk). Depart: 14-26 October; 16-28 December, 23 December- 4 January 2003.

Age 8+

If you have to feel sand between your toes, do it in the desert rather than the beach on an eight-day Sinai Experience, guided by Bedouin tribesmen. Trek by day on camel or foot, take tea with the local sheikh, explore oases and ancient burial chambers before recharging in the silence of the night as you sleep beneath the stars. Finally, climb Mount Sinai to where Moses once stood, before relaxing by the Red Sea. Adults from £675, children from £240 (up to age of 10) not including flights. TRIBES (01728 685 971, www.tribes.co.uk). Flights from £239 rtn. Depart: 27 October.

All Ages

Join the Masai massive on a 12-day Tanzanian safari, staying at coffee plantations and wilderness lodges. Handle snakes, learn about native medicines and spear-throwing from a Masai warrior, visit an Iraqw tribal house, explore the wildlife of the plains and forest, and climb to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for one of Africa's greatest views. Adults from £3,095, children from £1,925 including flights. RAINBOW TOURS (020 7226 1004, www.rainbowtours.co.uk). Depart: 7 August, 19 October, 13 November, 18 December, 22 December.

All Ages

Take a short but very cool break at the Arctic Edge amid the fire and ice of the Icelandic winter. Your four-day break includes a super Jeep safari to the steaming vents of the Krafla volcano en route to the most powerful waterfall in Europe in the Jokulsa Canyon National Park, with a break for a natural sauna. Another day, ski across the frozen Lake Myvatn, snowmobile deeper into the wilderness or visit the volcanic crater known as "Hell". Adults from £525, children from £315 inc flights. ARCTIC EXPERIENCE (01737 214 214, www.arctic-experience.co.uk). Depart: every Thursday in February, March and April.

All Ages

Mix your reefs and rainforests on a two-week journey through Thailand, trekking and camping in dense jungle, visiting remote forest villages and boating across lotus-covered lakes and white-water rafting en route to a rendezvous with the "sea-gypsiesî villagers of the Andaman Sea. Plus chill-out beach time and Thai massages to ease any aches. £3,500-£4,000pp all inclusive (dependent on itinerary chosen) for a family of four (minimum) including personal tour leader. GECKO TRAVEL (023 92 25 8859, www.geckotravel.co.uk). Depart: Tailormade, August 2002 onwards.

Additional flight prices from www.cheapflights.com