Things to Consider When Booking a Family Holiday
Booking a family holiday involves far more than finding somewhere sunny at the right price. Journey times, flight schedules, food, heat and room layouts all matter much more once children are involved. Working through these questions before you book makes it far more likely that the holiday suits everyone.
When to go
- Before school age, use term time. If your children are not yet at school, travelling outside the school holidays usually means lower prices, quieter resorts and more availability. Once children are at school, taking them out in term time generally needs the school's permission and can lead to a fine (rules differ across the UK), so most families are limited to the holidays.
- Think about under-twos. Most airlines let children under two travel on a parent's lap, usually for a reduced fare, which can make an early trip good value. On longer flights you may prefer to buy a seat anyway. Fares, fees and infant rules vary, so check with the airline.
- Consider the climate for your dates. Peak summer heat in southern Europe can be too much for babies and toddlers, and some long-haul destinations have hurricane, monsoon or rainy seasons. May, June, September and October are often more comfortable for young families in the Mediterranean.
UK or abroad?
A UK break avoids flights, passports and currency, and car journeys let you pack everything you need. Going abroad offers more reliable sunshine and a sense of adventure. Many families mix the two, saving the overseas trip for the summer and holidaying closer to home at other times of year.
How far to travel
- Flight length. For a first family trip abroad, a short-haul flight of two to four hours is easier to manage. Spain, Portugal and the Balearics are typically within that range from most UK airports, with the Canaries, Greece and Turkey a little further. Long-haul travel with young children is perfectly possible, but takes more planning.
- Flight times. Check the schedules from your local airport. A morning departure on a short-haul flight often works well. For long-haul, an overnight flight suits children who sleep easily, while a daytime flight can be better for those who don't.
- The whole journey. Add up the time from your front door to your accommodation: the drive to the airport, check-in, the flight, waiting for luggage and the transfer. A short flight followed by a two-hour coach transfer can be harder work than a slightly longer flight with a quick transfer.
What kind of holiday?
- Beach, sightseeing or both? Some destinations are built around sandy beaches and pools; others are better for culture, history and city breaks. Be realistic about how much sightseeing young children will enjoy.
- Food. If you have fussy eaters, a resort with a varied buffet or a self-catering apartment near a supermarket may be less stressful than relying on local restaurants.
- Board basis. All-inclusive is widely available in some destinations, such as Spain, Greece and Turkey, and can help with budgeting. In other countries, self-catering or half board is more common.
- Facilities. Kids' clubs, a shallow pool, a playground and evening entertainment can make or break a holiday with younger children.
Babies can be easier than you think
Young babies who aren't yet crawling are surprisingly portable: they sleep in a carrier or buggy, fit into your plans and are easily kept happy. Many parents find this a good time to be a little more adventurous, as long as you avoid extreme heat and make sure the accommodation can provide a cot. Air-conditioned rooms can make it easier to keep a baby comfortable at night.
Where to stay
Hotels offer convenience, facilities and someone else doing the cooking; villas and apartments give more space, privacy and flexibility. The right answer depends on your family's ages, routines and budget. Our guide to choosing a family hotel or villa weighs up the pros and cons, and our tips for saving money on flights can help with the budget.
Decide when you can travel, work out how much journey your children can comfortably manage, then choose a destination and accommodation that fits the holiday you actually want. Getting those basics right is the best foundation for a happy family trip.