Following the Mayan Medicine Trail in Belize to learning how to use a 'headhunter's' blowpipe in Sarawak, Stubborn Mule, the UK's only 100% tailor-made family adventure specialist, has been scouring the planet for some of the most interesting and exciting activities for kids.

“What makes our family trips different, genuinely different, from other tour operators is that our team are all parents themselves, and we have personally road-tested each and every one of the activities and experiences we offer with our own children,” says Liddy Pleasants, Stubborn Mule founder.

From swimming with sharks in Belize to making kites in Vietnam, here's what you and your family could be doing on holiday this year.

Fat Biking along sand dunes in Namibia

Much of the country is malaria free, it offers the best value safari experience in the whole of Africa AND boasts the world's tallest sand dune. Namibia is having a moment! For full blagging rights, taking a Fat Bike (a quad bike with extra fat wheels) down those big sand dunes at Swakopmund is what childhood was made for.

How to get there? Highlights of Namibia, 15 days from £1,250 per person, flights from £750 per person.

Follow the Mayan Medicine Trail in Belize

New flight links (November 2016) means travelling to the tropical, Central American country of Belize has never been easier – or more appealing to the family traveller. Whilst kids will love to brag about going swimming in Shark Alley or taking a nocturnal crocodile safari, learning about local remedies that have been used for centuries by the indigenous population will give them an educational lesson they'll never forget.

How to get there? Belize Adventure Highlights, 15 days from £2,000 per person plus flights from £550 per person. 

Learn how to use a blowpipe by headhunters in Sarawak

The days when you might be on the menu are long gone, but kids can't help but be awestruck as they learn how to use a blowpipe and more about headhunter culture in a traditional village in Sarawak.

How to get there? Borneo In Depth, 21 days from £1,995 per person plus flights from £800 per person.

Experience a timewarp in Cuba

With Castro's death and American tourists set to flood into this 'the island that time forgot', Cuba will change – economically and socially - faster than it has in the last fifty years. Go now, to wander through crumbling colonial streets, to tour Havana in a classic car or go cycling in Vinales before it changes too much!

How to get there? Cuba in 2 Weeks 15 days from £1,000 per person plus flights from £500 per person. 

Make your own kite then fly it on the beach in Vietnam

Vietnam's popularity has soared in recent years amongst family travellers, particularly now there's direct flights from the UK.  Whilst the delights of Hanoi, Saigon and Hoi An are well trodden and explored, this is one activity that is pretty much exclusive to Stubborn Mule: making your own . When it comes to kids, random wins big.

How to get there? Highlights of Vietnam, 15 days from £1,195 per person. Flights from £600 per person.

Jump into a sink hole in Oman

As parents look for safe destinations in the Middle East, Oman ticks all the boxes. Great infrastructure, less expensive and touristy than Dubai, Oman is an adventurous families' paradise. The kids' favourite, though? Bimmah Sinkhole: a circular limestone hollow about 500m in from the coast that boasts the most incredibly clear turquoise waters. Swim in the cool pool or dip your toes in (fish pedicure FOC).

How to get there? Highlights of Oman, 12 days from £1,350 per person plus flights from £400 per person.

Spot Blue Whales in Sri Lanka

There's a reason Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destination for families. Untouched beaches (only recently re-opened and as-yet, undeveloped), a top spot for wildlife encounters, beaches and culture and, for parents who want to adhere to school holiday trips, a climate that's perfect during summer, Easter and the Christmas holidays. What's not to love?!  For a wildlife experience with the 'wow' factor: blue whales. “It doesn't get bigger than this”.

How to get there?  Sri Lanka Christmas and Easter, 15 days from £1,500 per person plus flights from £450.  Note: Stubborn Mule also offer a Summer Itinerary.

Take a starlit dip in the hotsprings in Costa Rica

It's one of the most bio-diverse locations on the planet and has exploded into the family travel market as a popular destination over the past two years.  Whilst a rainforest canopy walk, white water rafting trips and ziplining are the most popular adrenaline fuelled activities, parents love the opportunity to relax in hotsprings by starlight for a stellar display they'll never forget.

How to get there? Active Costa Rica, 15 days from £1,375 per person plus flights from £600 per person.

Get soaked by elephants in Burma

As a responsible tour operator, we don't advocate elephant rides on any of our trips. We do, though, thoroughly applaud any programme which has been set up to educate and care for these beautiful creatures. In Burma, kid love helping to feed and bathe the elephants at the Green Hill Elephant Camp, an impressive eco-tourism project outside Kalaw.

How to get there? Burma in the Summer, 15 days from £1,250 per person, flights from £650 per person. Please note, Stubborn Mule also offer a Christmas and Easter Itinerary.

Go kayaking with seals in South Africa

The best land-based whale watching opportunity in the world. That's the claim to fame of the seaside town of Hermanus, where each year, whales gather just a few metres from shore.  Children can now go kayaking in the marine reserve, getting up close and personal with seals, dolphins, penguins and, of course, whales.

How to get there? Classic Cape & Garden Route, 14 days from £1,250 per person plus flights from £500 per person. 

For bookings, contact Stubborn Mule on 01728 752 751 or visit www.stubbornmuletravel.com. 

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About Stubborn Mule

Stubborn Mule offers over 20 tailor-made family adventures to destinations in Asia, Africa, Arabia, Latin America and beyond. It was founded in 2009 by Liddy Pleasants, who has nearly 20 year's first-hand travel experience (including cycling 3,000km around South East Asia with her young family). Stubborn Mule is ATOL protected.