Family holidays
Just how do you go about booking cheap family holidays? The experts at Hays Travel share their tips on finding the perfect, child-friendly break.
Five Tips for Perfect Family Holidays
Booking family holidays abroad can be hard work. How do you know that the resort will be right for you? Or that everyone will enjoy themselves? Since we were established in 1980, we've booked plenty of family holidays, so we really know our stuff. Here are our tips on how to keep things happy...
Flight Times: Good holidays start and end hassle-free. Although many younger children will sleep on night flights, dragging them through airport security and on and off transfers can be tricky. Arriving home in the middle of the night after a long journey can undo all the relaxation you've had while you've been away. Check or ask to see if there's a day flight to your chosen destination.
Board Basis: Whilst it might be tempting to plump for self catering when you're searching for cheap family holidays, it doesn't always work out the best plan. Whilst getaways with no food included are almost always the cheapest, you can end up forking out a lot of spending money for food while you're there (not to mention the stress of trying to find a place to eat out, or cook in your apartment.) All inclusive holidays are a great way to control the amount you spend and ensure all you need is close at hand - plus many hotels offer free ice cream for the children.
Kids' Clubs: Although going away together gives families quality time, parents need a little peace and quiet too. Choose a hotel that offers kids' clubs and you can split your day between time on and time off. Most clubs offer an array of activities and shaded areas - think crafts, sports and games. If a hotel offers children's entertainment in the day, chances are the animation will be geared towards them at night. So, instead of loud nightclubs and slurry karaoke, your children are more likely to enjoy their own shows and a dedicated disco. Many family holiday deals are to resorts that offer all this and more.
Time of Year: Consider the best time of year to suit your family. Summer holidays might be the obvious choice, but with crowded beaches and soaring temperatures, breaks taken in July and August can be far from relaxing. Increasingly, holidaymakers are choosing Easter, Christmas and Half Terms for their family holidays abroad. If you've got pre-school aged children, heading away in spring or autumn can be a great way to bag a bargain and avoid peak season pandemonium.
Choose your Resort: Whilst many grown-up holidaymakers are happy as long as they've got a beach and sunshine, there are plenty more factors to consider when you're holidaying with children. To reduce travelling time, check how far away from the airport a resort is. It's also probably not a good idea to take children to clubbing destinations, nor places that are so quiet that there's nothing for them to do. Our travel advisors are experts in sourcing family holidays to places that strike the perfect balance.
To find your ideal family-friendly holiday, search the site, visit your local Hays Travel store or call 0800 408 4130.
We have a great selection of family holidays to choose from.
See holidays flying from your local airport:
North East England, North West England, London & South, Midlands & Wales, and Scotland
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