Family Holidays

The currency you’ll need depends on your chosen family holiday destination. Many popular European destinations, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and Cyprus, use the euro (€).

Other destinations have their own currencies, such as:

• 
  Turkiye: Turkish lira (TRY)

• Egypt: Egyptian pound (EGP)

• Morocco: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

• United States: US dollar (USD)

• Thailand: Thai baht (THB)

• United Arab Emirates: UAE dirham (AED)

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and resorts, although carrying some local cash can be useful for snacks, souvenirs, tips and smaller purchases. If you’re travelling with children, it can also be helpful to budget for activities, ice creams and day trips in addition to your accommodation and meals.

Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before travelling and consider how much spending money your family will need.

Family holidays are all about spending quality time together, creating special memories and finding activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach escape, an action-packed adventure or a hotel with plenty of entertainment, there are destinations to suit families of all ages.

Beach holidays are a popular choice, offering opportunities to build sandcastles, paddle in the sea, enjoy boat trips and relax by the pool. Many resorts also have children's clubs, playgrounds, family swimming pools, evening entertainment and organised activities, depending on the hotel.

For families who enjoy adventure, there are water parks, theme parks, aquariums, wildlife parks, cycling excursions and opportunities to try water sports. You could also explore local towns, visit historic attractions, discover traditional markets or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Younger children may appreciate shorter outings and plenty of time to relax, while teenagers might enjoy water sports, shopping, adventure activities and destinations with more independence. Choosing a resort with a good mix of activities can help everyone enjoy the holiday at their own pace.

The best time for a family holiday depends on your destination, the ages of your children, school holiday dates and the type of experience you’re looking for.

• 
  Spring (March to May): A lovely time for family city breaks, sightseeing and destinations with mild weather. The Canary Islands and parts of southern Europe can be appealing for an early sunshine escape.

• 
  Summer (June to August): Ideal for traditional beach holidays, swimming pools, water parks and family resort entertainment. This is also peak school holiday season, so popular destinations can be busier and prices may be higher.

• 
  Autumn (September to November): A good option for families seeking quieter resorts and, in some destinations, warm weather into early autumn. The Canary Islands and Egypt are worth considering for sunshine outside the main summer period.

• 
  Winter (December to February): Perfect for festive city breaks, winter activities or a family winter sun holiday. Destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Dubai and Egypt are popular options, depending on the time of year.

If you need to travel during school holidays, booking early can provide more choice of flights, family rooms and accommodation. If your dates are flexible, travelling outside peak periods may offer better value.

Always check seasonal weather conditions, flight durations and the opening dates of attractions, kids' clubs and water parks before booking.

Majorca, Balearic Islands

Majorca is a popular choice for families, offering sandy beaches, attractive coastal resorts and plenty of activities for children. Families can enjoy boat trips, water parks and aquarium visits, while older children and adults can explore picturesque villages and scenic coastal areas. Resorts vary from lively destinations with lots of entertainment to quieter areas suited to a relaxing family break.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is known for its golden beaches, dramatic coastline and welcoming holiday resorts. Families can enjoy boat trips, dolphin-watching excursions, water parks and seaside promenades, alongside traditional Portuguese restaurants. It offers a good mix of relaxation and activities for different ages.

Costa del Sol, Spain

The Costa del Sol is an excellent option for families looking for sunshine, beaches and resort facilities. Destinations such as Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Torremolinos offer family-friendly attractions, waterfront promenades, restaurants and opportunities for day trips. Depending on your resort, you may also find nearby aquariums, wildlife parks and water parks.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife is a versatile destination for family holidays throughout much of the year. It offers beaches, swimming pools, water parks and opportunities to explore volcanic landscapes. Families can visit Mount Teide National Park, take boat trips or enjoy attractions such as Siam Park, checking age, height and seasonal restrictions where relevant.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote combines sunny weather, sandy beaches and fascinating volcanic scenery. Family-friendly resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen offer restaurants, pools and attractions, while island excursions provide opportunities to discover lava fields, coastal villages and natural landmarks.

Crete, Greece

Crete is ideal for families who want to combine beach time with culture and adventure. The island offers a wide choice of resorts, sandy beaches, boat trips and traditional villages. Families can also explore historic sites, local markets and scenic coastal towns, choosing excursions to suit their children's ages and interests.

Antalya, Turkiye

Antalya and the surrounding Turkish Riviera are popular for family resort holidays, with many hotels offering swimming pools, children's clubs, entertainment and All Inclusive packages. The region also has sandy beaches, water parks, historic attractions and boat trips, making it easy to combine relaxation with days out.

Costa Daurada, Spain

The Costa Daurada, particularly around Salou, is a strong choice for families who enjoy theme parks and beach holidays. Families can spend time on the sandy beaches, explore the local promenade and visit PortAventura World, subject to opening dates and attraction availability.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai offers a mix of beaches, large resort hotels and family attractions. Depending on your family's interests, you could visit water parks, explore aquariums, enjoy desert experiences or discover the city's famous landmarks. The cooler months are often more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Orlando, Florida, USA

Orlando is a dream destination for many families, particularly those who love theme parks. Visitors can plan trips around major theme parks, water parks and entertainment attractions, with a wide range of accommodation options. As there is so much to see and do, it’s worth allowing enough time to avoid trying to fit everything into a short stay.