Choosing where to go is perhaps your most important holiday decision. Whether you want sun from dawn until dusk or you prefer the cooler and less crowded months, you want to make sure every member of the family is happy. If you’re wondering where’s best to go during the school holidays, we’ve put together a guide to some of our favourite holiday spots for half-term breaks, Easter escapes – and everything in between!
Where to go for February half term
Tenerife
Average flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Average temperature: 16°C
Tenerife’s pleasant temperatures (daily highs tend to hit the 20s in February) and relatively short flight time make it an obvious choice for February half term. As well as plenty of family-friendly hotels, there’s lots to keep parents (and kids) occupied for the week. Test your mettle on the slides at Europe’s largest waterpark, Siam Park, keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins on a wildlife-spotting boat trip, and explore the scenic trails on the slopes of Mount Teide.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
“The kids’ club here is absolutely brilliant; I’d recommend booking well in advance. There are wildlife sessions, theatre workshops, even pizza-making. Children (and parents) will also love having drinks and snacks brought straight to their lounger on the beach.” Leanne Hall, Trusted Adviser
Dubai
Average flight time: 7 hours
Average temperature: 25°C
Dubai is home to world-class kids’ clubs, fun-fuelled waterparks (think waterslides through shark-filled lagoons), and exciting theme parks, so it’s a great option if you’re happy with a slightly longer flight. The toasty temperatures mean kids can happily spend hours playing in the pool without getting chilly.
Where to stay: JA Palm Tree Court
“Stay at the JA Palm Tree Court and the whole family can enjoy complimentary entry to the JA Wibit Water Park. This floating aqua park has a great inflatable obstacle that will keep everyone entertained for hours. The 800-metre-long private beach is pretty great, too.” Lewis Parker, Trusted Adviser
Where to go for the Easter holidays
Lanzarote
Average flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Average temperature: 19°C
Easter break is the ideal time for families to head to Lanzarote. The islands boast fantastic beaches, particularly around Playa Blanca in the south. The Timanfaya National Park is a great outdoor playground for the whole family – enjoys hikes, volcano-viewing and even the opportunity to ride a camel.
Where to stay: Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort
“As well as a fantastic kids’ club, swimming pools, and restaurants with child-friendly menus, the rooms here are great for families. In the Royal Kiko Suites they’ve thought of everything for the little ones, including baby monitors, a step for the bathroom and even children’s drinks and yoghurts in the fridge.” Karen Knight, Trusted Adviser
Maldives
Average flight time: 10 hours
Average temperature: 30°C
Make the most of those two weeks and head for the white sands of the Maldives. Calm and cool waters make it a great place for younger kids to practise swimming and older ones to try snorkelling – they’re bound to be mesmerised by the colourful corals and quirky fish.
Where to stay: Kurumba Maldives
“Before the kids try snorkelling, they should spend time at the hotel’s Majaa Kids’ Club. Here, they will learn all about marine biology and the types of creatures they could be spotting through their goggles – and they’ll make some great friends at the same time.” Debby Hayley, Sovereign PA
Where to go for May half term
Corfu
Average flight time: 3 hours
Average temperature: 18°C
A UNESCO-listed old town filled with fascinating fortresses, Aqualand waterpark, outdoor cinema screens, T-shirt temperatures – just a few reasons why Corfu in May half term is a good idea.
Where to stay: Ikos Dassia
“This brand-new hotel looks set to be just as fantastic as Ikos’ other Greek properties. It features the same unique all-inclusive set-up, which includes dinners at speciality restaurants and local tavernas, and all sorts of sports and activities. Perfect for a hassle-free holiday!” Helen Lippe, Trusted Adviser
Sardinia
Average flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Average temperature: 18°C
Safe beaches and welcoming hotels, teamed with a very family-friendly flight time of just two hours, makes Sardinia a great family holiday destination.
Where to stay: Hotel Bouganville
“Sporty kids will never get bored at the Hotel Bouganville (just try tearing them away from the world-class football, rugby, cricket, boxing and basketball facilities). Look out for the resident parrots, too – Mario and Friends. They fly freely throughout the resort, and will speak for peanuts.” Natasha Starkin, Trusted Adviser
Where to go for the summer holidays
Cyprus
Average flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Average temperature: 33°C
As well as beaches, sunshine and some brilliant family-friendly hotels, Cyprus has heaps of culture and history to discover. From the Kolossi Castle in Limassol, to the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, send your kids back after the school holidays with a whole lot more ancient history knowledge…
Where to stay: Hotel Elysium
“What I really like for families here is the choice of restaurants – there’s something for everyone. The hotel’s location is also a bonus: close to the Tombs of the Kings and on the coast path that leads into the centre of Paphos.” Louise Burling, Trusted Adviser
Halkidiki
Average flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Average temperature: 33°C
Halkidiki’s summer temperatures are perfect for pool days, boat excursions (think dolphin spotting and stops at quiet beaches) and plenty of al-fresco family meals.
Where to stay: Ikos Oceania
“The Infinite Lifestyle set-up at the Ikos Oceania is really great for families. It’s one of the best all-inclusive packages on offer – there’s a fantastic choice of restaurants, plus complimentary ice-cream all day (which kids love)!” Reshmi Burgess, Trusted Adviser
Where to go for October half term
Mauritius
Average flight time: 11 hours 50 minutes
Average temperature: 25°C
The Mauritian people are some of the friendliest you’ll come across, and can’t do enough to ensure families have the best holiday. Swap the UK’s unpredictable October weather for Mauritius’ driest and sunniest time of year. It might be a long flight, but overnight options and minimal time difference mean it’s do-able for a week’s half term holiday.
Where to stay: Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort
“I love the Heritage Awali for a family holiday (as do my children!). The last time I stayed, my parents came along as well. The kids’ club has some really unusual activities, including culinary workshops and jungle tobogganing.” Reshmi Burgess, Trusted Adviser
Where to go for the Christmas holidays
Madeira
Average flight time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Average temperature: 18°C
Madeira goes crazy for Christmas, so it’s a real home-away-from-home. The only difference? The weather – expect to be able to walk around in short sleeves and comfortably swim in heated outdoor pools. Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is at the heart of the island’s Christmas celebrations. The city centre is lit up with extravagant lights and giant walk-through baubles, with nativity scenes on almost every corner.
Where to stay: VIDAMAR Resorts Madeira
“Family rooms are a really good size with two rooms, the second having twin beds. There’s a fun games room too, with a snooker table and games for kids.” Samantha Grist, Trusted Adviser
Thailand
Average flight time: 11 hours 30 minutes
Average temperature: 26°C
Khao Lak is ideal for a bit of winter sun – December is one of its driest and sunniest months. It is also perfect for families looking for a quieter Christmas break. Trade turkey for Thai curry, Christmas jumpers for swimwear, and white snow (if we’re lucky) for white sand.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa
“This hotel is a really good option for families. There is something for everyone – children will love the kids’ club, and the adults will love the unique additions, such as the floating market in the lazy river pool that’s put on once a week.” Leanne Hall, Trusted Adviser
