Choosing Your Perfect Family holiday
What makes the best family holidays? The ones that keep everyone happy - tiny tots to grown-ups - with plenty to see and do.
Here’s what to look for:
- Kids’ Clubs - You get quiet time, they get crafts, mascots and mini discos they'll love.
- Splash Parks - Shallow pools and mini slides. Explore 6 of the Best Toddler-Friendly Holidays.
- Family Rooms - More space, beds, and peace of mind with interconnecting rooms.
- Family Dining - Buffets, kids’ menus and all-day ice cream keep picky eaters busy.
- Daytime Activities - No screens, just water polo, archery, mini golf and games galore.
- Luxury Breaks - Treats for everyone. Here’s 7 Luxury Hotels That Are Great For Kids Too.
- Waterparks - Pools and slides for all. Start with these Top 5 Fun Family Waterpark Hotels.
Ready to plan? Let’s find your perfect family getaway.
Top rated All Inclusive family resorts
Love a family getaway but hate the faff? Food, drinks, kids sorted - great.
The best all inclusive resorts for families will not only sort your meals, with soft drinks and ice cream on tap (because who’s saying no to that?).
They’ll usually chuck in activities and entertainment too, so the kids stay busy - and you actually get a break.
Why stress when you can have it all sorted? Find your All Inclusive family holiday below.
What are the best family holiday destinations for 2025?
Not sure where to pitch up next?
Whether you’re planning ahead or winging it last minute, this little guide’s here to help.
Dodge mid-flight meltdowns and squeeze in more fun:
- Short Flight Times - Where can you fly with kids in under 3 hours? See 4 Shortest Flights to the Warmest Places.
- Time-Zone Friendly - How to avoid jet lag with kids? Stick to Europe - just 1-3 hours ahead, so less sleep disruption.
- Baby-Friendly Travel - Where can you go on holiday with a baby? Anywhere you like! Babies don’t run off yet - so it’s the perfect time to get away. Start with 5 Great Holiday Destinations With a Baby for top tips.
- Family-Friendly Spain - Where’s best for kids? Spain’s sunny Costas are a top choice for families. Need a place to stay? Here are 5 Great Family-Friendly Hotels in the Costa del Sol.
- Holidays for Teens - Try bike tours in Crete or kayaking Croatia - active breaks older kids won’t roll their eyes at.
Family holiday packages 2025
Package holidays for families are a solid shout if you’re watching your budget. They sort flights and hotels in one simple deal - one less thing to overthink.
What’s covered varies by hotel. All Inclusive means more is bundled (meals, snacks, activities) with fewer extras to pay for. From Full Board to Room Only, every package type offers something different. Need help working out which one is best for you? Check out our easy board basis guide to what’s included.
How can I do a family holiday on a budget?
Looking for cheap breaks for families?
Or wondering how to keep it affordable? Here’s how to save money and keep the fun:
- Spread the Cost - Can I pay for a family holiday in instalments? Yes. Low deposits and payment plans help you spread the cost.
- Fly for Less - How to get cheap flights? Book early. As seats fill up, prices rise. And stick with low-cost airlines like Ryanair or easyJet.
- Go where the deals are - Benidorm, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Turkey, Greece or Portugal - all classics for cheap family holidays.
- Spend Smart - A travel money card keeps your budget on track (and dodges panic exchange rates).
- Airport Hack - Compare package prices from different airports - school holiday dates differ by region, so you could save if you’re flexible on where you fly from.
Family-friendly hotels in Turkey
Turkey is a top choice for family breaks! And it’s not just the beaches that little ones love. When it comes to Turkey family holidays, it’s the supersized, family-friendly hotels that really steal the show. Like, Delphin BE Grand Resort in Antalya - which is basically a waterpark, theme park and hotel rolled into one.
Helpful information for families
Handy tips and useful articles to make your next family holiday hassle-free - whether you’re planning child-friendly holidays 2025 or braving flying with kids for the first time.
From the best family holiday destinations to stress-busting packing lists, here’s where to make kids’ holidays that bit easier:
- Travelling with Babies & Toddlers - 13 Top Tips for Travelling with Toddlers + The Ultimate Baby Holiday Checklist.
- Family-friendly Destination Guides - How to Spend a Week in Costa del Sol With Kids + 5 Top Historical Sites in Rhodes Old Town + The Best Places to Visit in Spain During Summer + 11 Things to do With Kids in and Around Alcudia.
- Holidays with Teens - Too cool for kids’ clubs? Keep your big kids busy with these 9 Bucket-List Experiences for Animal Lovers + Great Experiences in the World's Top Destinations.
Child friendly city breaks and holidays
Looking for family city breaks that blend cultural sights with fun attractions? We've got just the thing! From beach days and must-see landmarks - like the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona to Disneyland Paris Holidays, we’ve got deals in some of Europe’s most impressive cities. Take advantage of those shorter half terms with a two or four day trip.
Going Abroad in the School Holidays
Best time to go on a family holiday? When the kids are off school - obvs.
But to dodge the peak prices and crowds - go early (more choice) or late (hello, last-minute deals) in the school holidays.
Summer splash or festive dash - there’s a child-friendly spot with your name on it.
- Planning a July getaway? Start here: School’s out, sun’s up - perfect time to book. See where's hot and grab the best July deals while they last.
- Summer holiday abroad? Make the most of the school break. Think long days, lazy evenings, easy escapes. See where's hot in August and grab a scorching summer holidays deal.
- Where to go for October Half Term? Take a look at our top 5 ideas, explore the 6 hottest October destinations, and plan your trip with our full October half term holiday guide.
- Ready for a festive escape? Give them something to brag about with a Lapland escape - made for wide eyes, woolly hats and ‘remember when?’ moments over the Christmas Holidays. Or, see how you can save money on your Christmas market break.
- Easter School Holidays - With two weeks off school and two bank hols – Easter is one of the best times to go on a family holiday. Need ideas? Explore the hottest April getaways for families - 15 top spring destinations.
Best family resorts in Greece
Greece family holidays mean sun, sea and ancient wonders - all in one. Splash in hotel kids’ pools, venture out on a boat trip or roam ruins in Athens. Mitsis has family-loved hotels in Rhodes, Crete and Kos, while spots like Exotica Hotel and Spa in Zante mix kids’ fun with quiet zones just for grown-ups.
Family-friendly hotels in Egypt
Family holidays in Egypt are about as exotic as it gets. Water babies will love splashing in the Red Sea from Sharm el Sheikh’s coastal hotels. Holidaying with older kids? Hurghada is a great place to explore those famous coral reefs without worrying about steep drop-offs. The adventures don’t end there either! Turn your trip into a history lesson and let your little ones tell you all about Ancient Egypt as you explore tombs and temples decorated with hieroglyphics.
Best family resorts in Spain
You won’t run out of things to do - family holidays in Spain mean sun, culture and child-friendly attractions all on the menu. From the Costas to the Balearics, it’s home to some of the safest shorelines in the world with tons of award-winning stretches to choose from. And if you don’t fancy battling the summer crowds, family holidays to Canary Islands the Canary Islands has winter covered with its year-round toasty climate. Whether you’re after the best family resorts in Spain, with all the bells and whistles or you’re looking for family-friendly apartments in a traditional village setting - our family holidays to Spain promise the best of both worlds.
Family-friendly hotels in Mexico
Mexico’s seafront resorts are perfect for beach-loving little ones. From Cancun’s wide stretches of sand to Riviera Maya’s snorkel-friendly waters, there’s something for every age here. Family holidays to Mexico promise plenty of entertainment too with everything from kids' clubs to mini discos. And you’ve got impressive Mayan temples, jungle parks filled with activities and naturally-formed cenotes all on your doorstep.
Family Holidays 2025 FAQs
In the UK when do kids break up for the summer holidays?
A In the UK, school holiday dates are set by the local council and school - here's a general guide.
- In England and Wales, the summer term typically ends around the third or fourth week of July, usually 20-25 July, with kids off until early September (2-6 Sept).
- In Scotland, schools usually break up earlier - often in late June (around 28th) - and go back mid-August (usually 12-16 August).
- In Northern Ireland, summer holidays often start in early July and kids return at the end of August (usually the last week).
Travelling with a child with a different surname?
Not sure what paperwork you’ll need? Here's what you need to know.
Need family holiday insurance?
Together with the Post Office, we’ve got you covered. Find out how kids can go free on family holiday insurance policies.
What theme park tickets can I book?
From Universal’s Express Passes to LEGOLAND® and Parc Asterix, you’ve got plenty of theme parks to pick from. Skip the queues at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, splash out at LEGOLAND® Florida Water Park, get wild at Gatorland or zip through Ancient Siam. One-day passes, multi-park passes - all ready to book in advance.
What are the cheapest family holiday destinations?
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- Eastern Europe coastlines -Croatia, Albania (Ksamil/Tirana), and Montenegro.
- Budget Western Europe city breaks - Krakow, Lisbon, Istanbul and Bucharest are topping cheapest‑city lists.
- Greek islands & Spanish favourites - Zante, Lanzarote and Majorca are consistently cheap.
- Package deals - Antalya in Turkey, the Costas in Spain, and Portugal all deliver big, kid-friendly value.
Is it worth booking early for family holidays?
Yes - booking early usually means better prices, more choice on flights and family-friendly rooms, plus extra time to pay with payment plans. You’ll also snap up school holiday dates before they’re gone.
Where can I travel to in under 3 hours?
Plenty!
- Spain’s family-friendly Costas - Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Alicante, Benidorm, Salou - think beaches, waterparks and family hotels galore.
- Algarve, Portugal - Faro, Albufeira, Lagos - plenty of soft sand beaches for little feet.
- Balearics (Majorca/Ibiza) - Majorca just about squeaks in at 2.5-3 hours - big family resorts, calm coves, shallow beaches.
- City-hopping - Nice, Paris, Amsterdam or Dublin - you’ll get there in 3 hours or less.
Need help with your booking? Our FAQs have answers - or chat with our travel pros!