Whether you're travelling with toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, these destinations are great for family holidays: sunshine, short flight times, and plenty to keep everyone happy.
Best Destinations for May Half Term
☀️ Guaranteed sun → Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey
✈️ Best short-haul → Spain
🏛️ Best for mini-explorers → Greece
💸 Best value → Bulgaria
🌴 Best luxury → Caribbean
Best for Guaranteed Sunshine
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Average temp: 24°C
Flight time: ~4.5 hours
The Canaries are a safe bet year-round - and May is one of the best times to go. Warm but not too hot, with beaches, volcanoes and family attractions in every direction.
Why families love it:
• Year-round sunshine (no weather worries)
• Waterparks and adventure parks galore
• Beaches ranging from golden to volcanic black
Best for: Reliable weather and variety for all ages
Top pick hotel: 5-star Bahia Principe Explore Fantasia, Golf del Sur
Antalya, Turkey
Average temp: 24°C
Flight time: ~4 hours
Turkey is hard to beat when it comes to value. All Inclusive options mean meals, drinks and entertainment are all taken care of - making it easier to stick to your budget.
Why families love it:
• Excellent All Inclusive value
• Family-focused resorts with everything in one place
• Great balance of price and quality
Best for: Stretching your budget further without compromising on experience
Top pick hotel: 5-star Granada Luxury Belek
Paphos, Cyprus
Average temp: 24°C
Flight time: ~4.5–5 hours
If you want Mediterranean sunshine that’s edging towards summer heat, Cyprus is a standout pick. It’s warm, bright and just that little bit quieter before peak season kicks in.
Why families love it:
• Some of the warmest temperatures in Europe for May
• Family-friendly resorts with pools, kids’ clubs and beach access
• Plenty to do, from waterparks to boat trips and snorkelling
Best for: A classic beach holiday with extra heat and plenty to keep all ages entertained.
Top pick hotel: 5-star Olympic Lagoon Resort - Paphos
Best for Short Flight Family Holidays
Costa del Sol, Spain
Average temp: 24°C
Flight time: ~2.5 hours
Classic, convenient, and packed with family favourites. Spain is perfect if you want sunshine without the long-haul feel.
Why families love it:
• Quick, easy flights
• Familiar food options (great for picky eaters)
• Beaches, zoos and waterparks within easy reach
Best for: First family trips abroad or shorter stays
Top pick hotel: All Inclusive Hotel Globales los Patos Park, Benalmádena
Best for Adventure-Loving Families
Crete, Greece
Average temp: 24°C
Flight time: ~4 hours
From ancient ruins to beach days, Greece offers a little bit of everything.
Why families love it:
• Cultural sights that bring history to life
• Waterparks and boat trips
• Welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
Best for: Mixing beach time with exploring
Top pick hotel: 5-star Hotel Nana Golden Beach
Best for Budget-friendly May Half Term Holidays
Looking to get away without stretching the budget? May half term is a smart time to travel - with lower prices than peak summer and great-value destinations that still deliver on sunshine and family fun.
Black Sea, Bulgaria
Average temp: 22°C
Flight time: ~3 hours
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for affordable family holidays. Expect sandy beaches, lively resorts and prices that are often lower than more established Mediterranean spots.
Why families love it:
• Lower costs compared to Spain and Greece
• Family-friendly resorts and waterparks
• Great value accommodation and dining
Best for: A budget-friendly beach break with plenty going on
Top hotel pick: All Inclusive Meliá Sunny Beach Resort
Algarve, Portugal
Average temp: 22°C
Flight time: ~3 hours
Laid-back and scenic, the Algarve mixes beautiful beaches with family-friendly resorts.
Why families love it:
• Clean, sandy beaches
• Calm resorts ideal for younger kids
• Great mix of relaxation and activities
Best for: A slower-paced, scenic family break
Top hotel pick: Jupiter Albufeira Hotel, 24hr All Inclusive
Best for Luxury Family Holidays
If you’re looking to turn May half term into something truly special, these destinations offer next-level hotels, standout experiences and all the little extras that make a holiday feel effortless.
Barbados, Caribbean
Average temp: 28°C
Flight time: ~8–9 hours
For pure relaxation with a luxury twist, the Caribbean is hard to beat. Think white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water and high-end resorts designed with families in mind.
Why families love it:
• Spacious resorts with premium All Inclusive options
• Calm, swimmable beaches
• Kids’ clubs alongside grown-up perks like spas and fine dining
Best for: A fly-and-flop holiday with a luxury feel
Top pick hotel: The Sands Barbados All Inclusive
Florida, USA
Average temp: 25°C
Flight time: ~9–11 hours
For a big, experience-led holiday, the USA delivers. From theme parks in Florida to road trips along the California coast, it’s packed with moments kids (and grown-ups) won’t forget.
Why families love it:
• World-famous theme parks and attractions
• Huge variety of experiences in one trip
• Family-friendly hotels and entertainment
Best for: Action-packed holidays with something for everyone
Top hotel pick: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Maldives
Average temp: 30°C
Flight time: ~10 hours
The Maldives might feel like a honeymoon destination - but many resorts are brilliantly set up for families too. Expect overwater villas, incredible marine life and unforgettable surroundings.
Why families love it:
• Unique villa stays and once-in-a-lifetime setting
• Snorkelling straight from the beach
• High-end service and tailored experiences
Best for: A once-in-a-lifetime family escape
Top hotel pick: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
Are May Half Term Holidays Expensive?
May half term can be slightly more expensive than travelling earlier in spring, as it’s a popular time for families to get away - but it’s still often better value than the peak summer holidays.
Prices tend to rise due to school demand, but you can keep costs down by booking early, choosing All Inclusive resorts, or travelling to destinations like Turkey or Bulgaria where your budget goes further.
Why May Half Term is Perfect for Family Holidays
There’s a reason savvy families travel in May:
• Better value than peak summer
• Smaller crowds at attractions
• Comfortable temperatures for kids
• More choice on flights and hotels
• It’s that sweet spot where everything just feels easier.
How to Find the Best May Half Term Holiday Deals
• Book ASAP. Early birds get the best deals.
• Avoid flying on the first Saturday. It's the most expensive day to fly out.
• Fly from Edinburgh over Newcastle. Scottish schools don’t have May half term.
• Take advantage of INSET days. Travel on dates when other schools are open.
• Planning a short break? Consider Tuesday to Saturday when flight demand is lower.
• Consider less obvious destinations. Lower demand = lower prices.
Planning Tips for May Half Term Holidays
• Consider All Inclusive for better budgeting
• Check kids’ clubs and facilities before booking
• Look for hotels with flexible payment options to spread the cost
• Evaluate car hire vs taxi vs local buses against your family size
Ready to Plan Your May Half Term Escape?
From splash-filled resorts to beach days that turn into lifelong memories, May half term is your chance to hit pause and reconnect. So book your family holiday today.
FAQs
How can we save money on May half term holidays?
Book early, travel just outside peak dates, and choose All Inclusive resorts to keep costs predictable.
Where is the hottest place in May for families?
Destinations like the Canaries and the Caribbean offer the hottest, most reliable sunshine in May.
When should I book May half term holidays?
It’s best to book as early as possible - ideally 3-6 months in advance - to secure the best prices and family room availability.
Where to go with kids in May?
Family favourites like Spain, Turkey and the Canary Islands offer the perfect mix of sunshine, short flights and child-friendly resorts.
Are May half term holidays good value?
Yes - travelling in May often means lower prices, fewer crowds and better availability compared to the peak summer holidays.
About the author
Edd Myerscough has explored more than 15 destinations solo, from discovering top European cities to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, and admiring the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you're after top tips on planning a seamless city break or an adventurous escape, Edd's got you covered with stories and practical advice to inspire your next journey.