Top places to go on holiday with children

A holiday with children can be a time to create lasting memories, but to achieve holiday bliss when there are little ones around requires some preparation and planning: first and foremost, you need to find the sort of destination that will keep both adults and kids happy.  

Here are some ideas to help you find the right destination for your family holiday: 

France: Brittany’s rugged charms 

A quick hop across the channel is all you need to give your children a taste of international culture - not to mention some world-class cuisine. In fact, France is hard to beat for family holidays.  

If you’re after a simple bucket-and-spade holiday, Brittany is among Rough Guides’ top picks[1] for places to go with kids. “France’s ruggedly beautiful northwest offers everything from charming seaside resorts and family-friendly campsites to remote coves and rocky promontories”, say the travel specialists. They suggest using historic port town St-Malo as a base, where older kids can try windsurfing or catamaran sailing, and adults can enjoy some fresh oysters and local ciders. 

Iceland: volcanoes and glaciers 

Ready for a little adventure? If your family likes to live on the wild side, then consider a trip to Iceland, which is around three hours away by plane, but often feels like stepping onto another planet.  

In fact, Iceland is among Lonely Planet’s suggestions[2] for top family adventure destinations. Depending on the age of the kids in your group, there’s dog-sledding, whale watching, glacier trekking and more. Or, as Lonely Planet suggests, you could even descend down into a volcano.  

Costa Rica: jungle bridges and waterfalls 

Fancy somewhere a bit more far-flung? If you’ve got the budget and time to head outside of Europe - coupled with a taste of adventure - then you may want to consider Costa Rica.  

This sunny, tropical Central American destination - which is around 11 hours away by plane - is among the top picks for holidays with grandchildren chosen by Age UK[3]. The charity suggests that children and adults alike will be kept happy: who wouldn’t want to cross hanging jungle bridges, take a zip line over the forest or visit beautiful waterfalls? 

Majorca: a Spanish family favourite 

Sun, sea, beaches and lots of family-friendly hotels and activities: Majorca, also known as Mallorca, remains a great and popular holiday destination for families of all ages. 

This popular Spanish island features among Tui’s[4] top family holiday destinations and has been a firm family favourite for decades. 

As Tui says, you can take your pick from quieter resorts like Cala Bona or Alcúdia, or try Palma Nova, with its three beaches, tropical-themed minigolf course and Aqualand waterpark, for somewhere with a bit more of a buzz. 

Crete: beach holiday champion 

Another popular option among beach lovers and heat seekers is Crete. In fact, the Greek island came out top in a ranking[5] of European beach holidays by On the Beach. The online travel agent ranked five criteria that matter most to families when choosing their beach holiday: the best weather, warmest sea temperatures, shortest flight times, most family friendly attractions and best value for money. 

Like Majorca, Crete is a hugely popular destination, drawing over four million[6] visitors each year. Its many charms include a toasty average sea temperature of 23°C, and a choice of ten water and amusement parks to keep the kids amused[7]. 

Canada: wildlife and wilderness 

Canada features among top picks for family holidays on the Oliver’s Travels blog[8], which recommends it particularly for families with older children who enjoy being in nature and spotting wildlife.  

This vast country, the second largest in the world, offers stunning wilderness and outdoor activities ranging from white water rafting to skiing. You could even try traveling by motorhome, giving you the independence to travel where you please. 

Whether you fancy the Rocky Mountains or a Mediterranean beach, hopefully you’re feeling inspired for your next family trip away. To help ensure you have a smooth, stress-free trip, get a quote for Rias travel insurance today