Family holidays
Families looking to go on holiday have a vast amount of options to suit the size of the family, the time of year and the budget. Family holidays have to cater to the interest of the variety of ages involved, be safe, and most of all- be fun. Younger children need to be physically and mentally stimulated, and parents need a much needed wind down – whether it be lazing in the sun or embarking on an adventure trip.
Beach holidays have always been the most popular for the family holiday market. A wide selection of sports facilities, excursions and boat trips tend to be on offer in such places, and many resorts are surrounded by beautiful countryside and national parks, providing plenty of opportunities for healthy activities like horse riding, canoeing, and nature safaris, cycling and walking. Package holidays and all-inclusive deals are economical ways to take family holidays. Regular hotel meals keep the cost of family holidays under control and children usually enjoy the choice of buffet-style eating.
Child care facilities enable family holidays to combine fun for the youngsters and a relaxing break for the parents. Leaving the children to play organised games or watch organised entertainment is a great way of guaranteeing stress-free family holidays.
The explosion of low-cost airlines has opened up a tremendous choice of family holiday destinations. Small local airports and short transfers to the resort area have made family holidays extremely hassle free. The sunny all-year-round climate in destinations like the Canary Islands have made winter family holidays extremely popular. More and more families are choosing lesser known and more exotic faraway destinations to ensure good value for money.
Top tips
- Research the beaches- look for gently shelving sand and safe shallow water.
- EU Blue flags guarantee very high standards of cleanliness and many family holiday beaches have professional beach lifeguards
- Ensure there is something of interest for everyone in the family.
- Always prepare for ‘worst-case-scenarios’ to avoid any upset. Have things on hand to do if there are transport delays and plenty of medical supplies for any means of illness and discomforts.
- Ensure children are up to date with any vaccinations they might need for your chosen destination.
- Be sure to check out our section dedicated to family travel for tips and advice for parents travelling with children. You'll find information on the Family Holiday Association, 50 tops tips for parents, travel games and how travel makes your children smarter.