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The Antidote to Exam Stress

Post Exam Adventure Travel

If your children have been through GCSEs or SATS, you might be looking for a way to relieve the tension. The good news is that you can take positive action now to help overcome the pressure.

It's important to have something to look forward to beyond the exams. Having a positive thing to focus on provides a real boost. Once children have emerged on 'the other side', there is a bit of a vacuum: "The exams are all over; now what do I do to occupy my brain? Worry about the results?"

Families Worldwide has come up with an innovative idea to help kids to de-stress after their exams. We have set up a series of holidays departing in June and July which are ideal for families who have just weathered the strains of sitting GCSEs, SATs and ASs.

These holidays, are designed to provide some initial relaxation, physical stimulation and mental diversion from the tunnel vision that revising and sitting the British exam system can all too easily induce.

Another positive to bear in mind is that you'll probably be breaking up early so you can travel before the summer rush and avoid the crowds and the peak season airfares.

Conscious of the growing number of families going through exam stress at home, we consulted with educationalists on the design of the holiday. Jan Symes of Hampshire Children's Services said, "There's very little out there to help students overcome exam stress, particularly the fear of failure and the agonising wait for results. A well-designed, timely holiday involving activities where there are no 'right or wrong answers', as well as relaxation, can help to re-build confidence. And a break which discovers a different culture can stimulate lateral thinking and allow teenagers to understand that life is as much about 'the journey' as the end result."

Families Worldwide are offering Post-Exam Rejuvenation trips to Bulgaria, Morocco, Egypt, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Namibia, Borneo, Spain, USA, Austria, Slovenia, Greece, India and Jordan.

Prices start from £729 for an 8-day holiday to Morocco's Atlas Mountains.

 

Voyager Resort, Mombasa. Diving Lesson Sandboarding, Namibia Rafting, Slovenia

Bulgaria - Multi-activity week
Wilderness overnight camps, caving, climbing and riding are highlights of this week in the 'Land of the Gods' with its limestone gorges and soaring peaks. Age 7 & up.

Morocco - High Atlas Adventure
A trip of contrasts: from the fire-eaters and snake-charmers in the bazaars of Marrakech to the dramatic Atlas mountains. Get to know the Berber people and their traditional way of life as you walk through the villages. Mules carry your baggage, and children too, leaving you to enjoy the mountains. Age 7 & up.

Morocco - Bougmez Boogie
This trip is for families who want to get totally off the tourist trail. After exploring the bazaars of Marrakech, you'll drive to the beautiful Cascades D'Ouzoud, a spectacular waterfall en route to the Eastern Atlas. Then, where the road ends, you'll enter an area seen by few outsiders - the extraordinary Bougmez Valley. Travelling on foot and riding mules, you'll see stunning mountains and explore tiny villages. Enjoy mint tea with a local family and meet semi nomads to learn about traditional life. Age 7 & up

Egypt - Feluccas & Pyramids
See the pyramids, the sphinx and the Egyptian Museum, enjoy the excitement of sleeping on an overnight train, ride camels in the desert, relax and explore the delightful town of Aswan, sail a felucca sailing boat slowly down the Nile... These are just a few highlights of this fun-filled and varied trip. Age 5 & up.

Egypt - Nile Cruise
You'll see the pyramids (and even go inside one!), be dazzled by the treasures of Tutankhamun, wander through colourful bazaars, discover ancient Karnak, visit the Valley of the Kings, relax in delightful Aswan, sleep on an overnight train... And, the highlight for most, spend three days on a Nile cruise, seeing temples and villages along the way. Why not extend your stay and go to the coast where you can snorkel in the Red Sea?

Costa Rica - Rainforest and Volcanoes
This is a great way to explore in comfort and get the most out of Costa Rica's varied natural environment - including mountains, volcanoes, swamps, rainforest and beach. The trip is positively packed with exciting activities so you'll learn about all aspects of the country. Age 5 & up.

Tanzania - Adventure Safari
Kids love camping, especially when they think there might be a lion about! In August you'll catch the end of the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and as well as the big cats you'll see zebra, hippo and elephant. For many the Ngorongoro Crater is the highlight, with its sheer walls and huge concentration of animals within. Age 7 & up.

Namibia - Cheetahs and Dunes
Namibia is one of the world's best wildlife destinations - the combination of varied landscapes, superb game viewing possibilities and native peoples make for an enthralling cocktail of ingredients. Age 5 & up.

Borneo - Head Hunters & Orang Utans
The children will be fascinated by the head hunters and houses on stilts. Walk through the tree tops of the rain forest along swaying rope bridges, see Green Turtles nesting on the island of Selignan and watch orang utans up close in the forests at Sepilok. Take a river safari in search of probiscus monkeys and visit the Gomantong bat caves. Age 5 & up.

Spain - Rural Andalucia
From your base, a beautifully-restored traditional villa in the heart of rural Spain, you can choose from a 'menu of walks, activities and learning experiences'. Walk the ancient Camino Real via vineyards, olive and almond fields to traditional whitewashed villages. You'll experience many aspects of local life: learning crafts, cookery, farming. There's also an evening of star-gazing, plus opportunities for walking, riding and cycling. Age 1 & up.

USA - New England and Cape Cod
Delve into New England's past as well as enjoying the great outdoors. You'll walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, learning about the American Revolution, before taking the ferry to Cape Cod. Explore the dunes and play on the beach and then board Zodiacs for some whale-watching off the coast. Seeing these majestic giants nuzzle alongside your boat is fantastic. There'll be time to see 'gingerbread cottages' on the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard as well as a chance to cycle, kayak or sail. Age 5 & up.

Austria - Alpine Summer
This multi-activity trip is set amidst the amazing scenery of the renowned Tirol region. Arriving in Salzburg, you'll pick up your hire car and drive yourself to your base in the Austrian Alps. During your week-long stay four activities of your choice are included but there are also two free days for you to choose what you want to do. You can explore by yourselves or just relax. Age 6 years & up.

Slovenia - Active Slovenia
Your base in Slovenia is the deep valley that holds idyllic Lake Bohinj, overlooked by the high limestone peak of Mount Triglav (2864m). The surrounding mountains and rushing rivers create an ideal environment for adventure activities. During your stay you'll ride horses, cycle, rock climb, canoe and do plenty of walking. Optional activities on offer include white-water rafting, mountain biking, paragliding and quad biking. You'll also visit Kranjska Gora (Slovenia's premier ski resort), cross Slovenia's highest mountain pass and take a cable car and walk to Mount Vogel. Age 5 & up.


Greece - Ionian Beach Club You'll be based in a small, locally-owned club on a sandy beach located in historic Achaia, in the northwest Peloponnese. The price includes use of sailing and windsurfing facilities, with a variety of boats to try - Picos, Toppers, Darts, Catamarans. There's even a 32' yacht where you can take a 'try sail' or pre-flotilla course. You can also hire a car to explore nearby towns, fishing villages and ancient sites like Delphi, Epidauros or Olympia. Age 3 & up

India - Indian Summer Hike
Be adventurous and visit the remote and dramatic landscapes of Ladakh - a unique part of the Himalayas which remains dry during the monsoon season. You'll visit characteristic Buddhist Monasteries and the kids will have a chance to dress up in stove-pipe hats and felt turned-up boots! Then during five days of walking you'll meet friendly local people going about their simple lives in mountain villages. There's also a chance to go white-water rafting on the Indus River. Age 5 and up.

Jordan - Crusaders and Camels
An adventure full of action, set in a relaxed environment with wonderful food and hospitable hosts. See superb Roman remains in Jerash and explore the incredible rock carved city of of Petra. Age 5 & up.