Get some inspiration for a succesful family holiday abroad
Whether you want to keep it simple and stick to a European break, or branch out and head off on a long haul trip, we’ve got some great ideas to ensure you come home wanting more.
Explore exciting ideas for family holidays in Europe
Whether it’s living the good life in the French countryside or lying by the beach in the Med, European family holidays can appeal to the whole family, from the very young to the very mature.
Explore the best of La Belle France in Brittany
This northwest corner of France is not only convenient to visit, it’s also one of the country’s most beautiful spots, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday abroad. With a massive 2,800km of coastline, you’ll find plenty of holiday lettings near the beach, where quaint seaside towns such as Perros-Guirec are a big pull for families seeking laid-back coastal living. Active types are well catered for in Brittany too – with sea kayaking, surfing and sailing all for the taking. Venture further inland for family friendly hiking and cycle paths and ancient castles straight out of a story book.
Find your island idyll in Crete
Greece is deservedly popular with families seeking balmy temperatures, clear seas and excellent food a short flight away from the UK. But which island offers the best family holidays abroad? Well, you can’t go far wrong in Crete. Family friendly apartment and villa rentals are plentiful here, and you’ll easily find the perfect spot for your family, whether that be a brash resort with plenty of action for teenagers, or a chilled out beachside village where you can take it easy while your toddler plays on a safe sandy beach. There’s a healthy dose of sightseeing to do here too, including the ancient city of Knossos and spooky Dikteon Cave.
Sandcastles and surf spots on the Algarve
With its sunny climate, excellent food and welcoming locals, Portugal is a family holiday hotspot, and a short flight away from the UK to boot. Holiday lettings can be tailored according to your needs: for larger families there are plentiful villas with pools and gardens, while smaller families, or those on a budget can plump for a compact apartment in a seaside resort. The main attraction here is beaches, and there’s something for everyone. There are calm waters in central Algarve, wild, surfer friendly beaches in the west and a handful of busy, action-packed resort towns with plenty going on for teens. Head away from the coast and you’ll find cooler temperatures, lush greenery and a slower pace of life.
Top tips for family holidays outside Europe
Families heading outside Europe have got a wide range of options at their fingertips, from action-packed trips to Florida to dreamy beach breaks in Mexico.
A family holiday abroad in Mexico delivers exotic beachside flavours
OK, so it’s a long flight away from the UK, but once you set eyes on those dreamy Caribbean beaches it’ll seem well worth it. The Yucatán Peninsula is a good place to start. Holiday rentals near Cancun offer up beachside bliss with a healthy dollop of high-rise glitz, but if you and your family appreciate a quieter life, head down the coast to bohemian Tulum, where you can swim, snorkel and chill out on the beach. If the kids are history buffs, there are Mayan ruins right on-site, or you could head inland to Merida, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Mexico and the cultural heart of the region.
Do Disney and beyond in sunny Florida
If you want a long haul family holiday abroad without language differences or culture shock then America’s sunshine state is a good bet. Go for a holiday rental on the Florida Keys and you’ll have all the clear seas, white sands and laid-back vibes you can handle; meanwhile the Everglades provide excitement in the form of mangrove trips and alligator spotting. Of course, you can’t mention family holidays in Florida without thinking of a certain mouse. Head to Orlando and not only will you be able to see Mickey in Walt Disney World but you can also check out Universal Studios and a host of other kid-friendly attractions.
Combine city and beach in Singapore
Fancy a far flung family city break? Singapore will deliver all of that and more. Apartment rentals will keep you close to all the big city action, so you can explore kid-friendly sights such as Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Jurong Bird Park, no problem. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle then make for Sentosa Island, where you’ll find palm-lined beaches as well as theme parks and water parks. As if this wasn’t enough, Singapore is extremely clean and safe, so you’ll have no worries with little ones, and the local hawker centres and food halls provide plenty of kid-friendly treats.