Travel in 2013: Holidays for families

El Gouna Watersports Complex

The Egyptian Red Sea resort of El Gouna (elgouna.com) will open a “cable water park” in July.

Water skiers, and wake boarders will be towed around the El Gouna Watersports Complex (elgounacable.com) which features a slalom course and two “Easy Rides” for beginners and youngsters. A week at the Captain's Inn El Gouna with Holiday Designers (020-3384 0023; holiday-designers.com) costs £595pp, including easyJet flights from Gatwick to Hurghada, transfers and breakfast. Departs 9 August.

Keep the kids occupied this summer on a one-week holiday with Activities Abroad (01670 789991; activities abroad.com). Adriatic Family Adventure uses the Croatian countryside as a playground for activities including sea kayaking, river canoeing and hiking. From £995pp, based on a child sharing with two adults, including return flights from London to Split, transfers, accommodation, breakfast, five meals, activities, equipment, instruction and guides.

A portfolio of new properties in Ireland is being launched next year by cottages4you (0845 268 0760; cottages4you.co.uk). It will feature more than 450 cottages across the country. Rental starts at £199 per week.

Second-home owners should take a look at anyfriendofours.com, a new luxury travel club featuring holiday homes available to rent to fellow members and their families and friends.

Finally, Mr & Mrs Smith launches Smith&Family (smithandfamily.co.uk) next year, a collection of child-friendly hotels that should help devotees of its romantic breaks to adjust to the next stage in their relationships.