Holidays are a great opportunity for quality family time. But taking children abroad can be stressful. You want to book a trip that’s going to keep them having fun, but also ensure you’ve got time to recharge your batteries and enjoy the surroundings.
To help, we’ve gathered seven destinations that are sure to delight your little ones – with plenty of opportunity for you to relax and explore too.
Florida
Florida is hard to beat when it comes to family holidays. It’s got a lot to offer – gorgeous weather, theme parks and stunning beaches with clear waters. But while it might seem like a no-brainer for some, the large crowds the sunshine state draws in aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Head further up the east coast towards South and North Carolina for a quieter holiday.
Lanzarote
With average temperatures in the mid-twenties centigrade during the hottest months (July and August), Lanzarote is a great place for families who want to swim and sunbathe in comfort.
For the more adventurous, there’s plenty of opportunity to kite surf, paddle board or dive. As the Kids Safety Travel Guide says, the more activity and adventure you can provide your kids, the better. Check out their guide for fantastic safety tips when travelling with children. Planning ahead will help put your mind at ease when you arrive on holiday.
Portugal
Another great place for seaside fun is Portugal. Indeed, two of country’s beaches make the Telegraph Travel’s top 10 beaches for children in Europe. Portugal is also a great place to explore caves, spot dolphins or whales, enjoy cultural festivals, try fantastic seafood and be charmed by the beautiful capital city Lisbon. In other words, there’s plenty to keep your family busy.
Thailand
Thailand might not be your first thought for a family holiday and indeed there are places to avoid with children – Bangkok, for instance. But the country boasts well-developed infrastructure, delicious food, beautiful tropical islands and friendly locals.
Although one of the colder months (average temperatures around 20 centigrade), January is a great time to visit Thailand as a family because the second Saturday is National Children’s Day – kids get free public transport and places put on loads of free activities.
Rome
If you only have time in your schedule for a short-haul city break, Rome is a great shout for families. You can explore the city’s history with visits to the Vatican or the Colosseum before filling up on pizza and gelato. My Little Nomads compiled his top 10 suggestions in this list, including making use of the hop-on, hop-off buses for tired legs.
Kenya
For a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday, you could treat your kids to a safari. Spotting the big five is something they’ll treasure forever. The great migration, when millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes travel from Tanzania's Serengeti Plains to Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, also luckily occurs in the school holidays.
Edinburgh
The summer holidays are also festival time in another part of the world – Edinburgh. Here, your kids won’t be spotting wildlife but being delighted by The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This includes stand-up comedy created for younger audiences (no swearing), theatre shows and other entertainment acts including fire juggling and traditional Scottish dance.
Where have you taken your family on holiday? Share your experiences with us below.