Malta Holiday Wrap-Up: A Perfect Family Destination

Hello, everyone! Kevin Brittain here, bringing you consecutive day 1616 of my running vlog. Today, I want to share my experience of a fantastic week-long family holiday in Malta, along with some insights from my 13-year-old son, Leo. Whether you're planning a trip to Malta or just curious about the island, I hope this summary helps!

Discovering Malta

Our family, consisting of my wife and three children aged 13, 12, and 10, recently embarked on a memorable vacation to Malta. This charming Mediterranean island, with its warm weather and rich history, proved to be an excellent destination for families.

Malta is relatively small, and with a hired car, you can traverse the island in about an hour north to south and half an hour east to west. The capital, Valletta, is worth a special mention. If you're passing through during peak times, factor in some extra travel time due to the denser population, but it's truly a city brimming with character.

One of the first things that struck me about Malta is its unique blend of architectural influences—an intriguing mix of Italian, Northern African, Eastern European, and, of course, its British colonial past. The island is dotted with beautiful sandstone buildings and a scattering of ivory-coloured structures, giving it a distinct aesthetic.

Family-Friendly Climate and Costs

Weather-wise, Malta was perfect during our October half-term break. With temperatures lingering around 25 to 26 degrees centigrade, it provided a welcome escape from the UK's chillier autumn. It's essential to note that summer can be quite hot, so plan accordingly if you have younger kids or prefer milder temperatures.

Now, let's talk about costs. Malta isn't the cheapest destination, but it won't break the bank either. Using the euro, prices felt reasonable, with lunchtime meals costing around £60-70 for a family of five and dinner prices nearing £100. We don't drink much alcohol, which kept our expenses in check. Additionally, petrol is affordable at €1.30 per litre, making car rental a cost-effective option for exploring the island.

Beaches, Activities, and Scenery

Malta boasts numerous beaches, perfect for some family fun. We found that venturing beyond the main tourist spots led us to quieter, more secluded locations that offered a genuine local feel. The island is well-developed, with facilities and amenities readily available, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Running enthusiasts like myself should be prepared for the varied terrain. The island's population density means you're often weaving through crowds, which can be a bit challenging. However, heading to less populated areas offers more serene trails. Be ready for some hilly terrain, adding a touch of adventure to your runs!

Leo’s Perspective

A highlight of the trip was sharing the experience with my son, Leo, who joined me on our daily runs. He enjoyed exploring the small cities in the evenings, appreciating how walkable and accessible they are. In fact, Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, making it easy to navigate and explore thoroughly.

Leo found the views on our runs far more scenic than those back home in England, which added to our enjoyment. He's even considering extending his consecutive daily run streak after we return home, a father-son bonding experience that I cherish deeply.

Reflections

As we wrap up our Malta adventure, I’ve realised the importance of discussing the highs and lows of our holidays with the family. Understanding what everyone enjoyed or didn't allows us to tailor future trips better, ensuring everyone has a fantastic time.

Before I sign off, a quick reminder: If you believe in my mission of saving children's lives by attempting the ultimate ultramarathon of run vlogging consecutively around the world barefoot, please subscribe, share, like, and comment. The more people we reach, the more funds we raise, and the more lives we can save.

Thanks for joining us on this journey. Stay positive, stay happy, and see you tomorrow!

Cheers,

Kevin Brittain