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Need help planning a family holiday for 2026? I’m Mumsnet’s Travel Editor - AMA

18 replies

RachMumsnet · 29/12/2025 15:03

Hello!

I’m Rachel, Mumsnet’s Travel Editor and holiday obsessive 👋

Starting a thread to highlight standout travel deals in case you’re eyeing up a 2026 family holiday (or panicking that you should be) and I’m on hand to help you find a great family break - whether you’re already planning ahead or just starting to browse ideas.

I’ve spent years writing about travel for places like the Guardian, TripSavvy, Tripadvisor and Travelzoo, and at Mumsnet I focus on family-friendly hotel reviews, roundups, deals and finding trips that actually work with kids in tow.

I’m also a regular forum lurker so I’ve got a good sense of what Mumsnetters are booking, loving and side-eyeing right now. And I have access to MumsGPT, our behind-the-scenes tool that crunches real MN chat, alongside intel on trends from big travel brands so I can get speedy, useful answers to any questions you may have.

Looking for a quick getaway somewhere sunny with access to a kid-friendly beach? A luxury all-inc with epic waterslides and a kids’ club? A teen-inclusive trip that is anything but boring? I can help with that.

Feel free to throw your questions my way - let’s plan something brilliant...

Highlighting some excellent travel deals for starters:

  • TUI: up to £500 off package hols with code SALE
  • Eurocamp: 20% off between April and October + 7-night breaks under £500 (and a great single-parent discount that can be used with the savings)
  • Cottages.com: up to 30% plus an extra 7% for Mumsnetters
  • DFDS: 50% off an Amsterdam mini cruise from Newcastle
  • easyJet: 20% off flights (I spy £19 one-way fares from Luton to Barcelona over Feb half-term)
  • Hoseasons: up to 30% off plus an extra 5% for Mumsnet users
  • Parkdean: up to 50% off + two-night breaks from £89
  • Disneyland Paris: 20% off hotel + ticket packages if you’re a Disney+ subscriber (World of Frozen opens March 2026!)

Camping Holidays in Europe | Best Family Holidays Europe | Eurocamp

Eurocamp offers an excellent choice of camping holidays across over 150 parcs in 10 European countries, including family favourites France, Spain and Italy.

https://www.eurocamp.co.uk/

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MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 29/12/2025 15:23

Oh good @SweeetFannyAdams! Yep, realise it can seem a little overwhelming to plan straight after Xmas but I know lots of people are starting to think about 2026 hols.
Happy to keep things running for as long as the main sales are on if useful (usually towards the end of Jan/early Feb).

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 29/12/2025 17:12

Hi @MavisBarrel Two weeks all-inc in Rhodes sounds dreamy!

How about Crete as an alternative? Lots to explore inc ruins and the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach. Stella Palace always gets a shoutout on here for amazing pools/slides if you like to hang poolside. Or Hotel Silva Beach (all-inc, pools, activities and easy access to Malia if the teens wanted something livelier).

Mumsnet users rate Skiathos for teen trips (“Skiathos town is quite buzzy and there are good beaches. You could also do a day trip to Skopelos which is where Mamma Mia was filmed” - minipie)

Or something like a Neilson break for lots of screen distractions (activities) on tap?

Or away from Greece but a similar island feel maybe Croatia? I went to Krk in August this year and loved it - beaches are pebbly but snorkelling is great and the scenery is stunning.

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 29/12/2025 20:42

Hiya @Sc00byDont

Some warm-weather autumnal suggestions for you here at resorts with activities/pools + access to cultural sights (assuming you're after a shortish-haul escape but let me know if not!):

Southern Italy: TUI Magic Life Calabria - by the beach, loads of activities and split-level family rooms with twin and double rooms - there's also a Private Lodge area for over-16s, near Pizzo and Tropea for exploring. Mumsnet users recommend this one quite a bit.

Cyprus: Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort - impressive pools/slides, beach access and a 15-min drive to Paphos with its harbour and archaeological park plus family suites with two interconnecting rooms (five beds in total).

Algarve: Pine Cliffs in Albufeira - very spendy but loads going on at this clifftop resort and there are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments here offering lots of space and access to all the resort amenities inc sports, spa, golf.

Tenerife: Hotel Suite Villa Maria - low-rise resort in Costa Adeje with lagoon pools, sports and entertainment. They have three-bed villas with pools here with access to all the resort facilities.

And there are some great suggestions on this thread about travelling with adult kids.

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 30/12/2025 09:55

Hiya @deconstructingKaren

Some suggestions here for destinations that aren't too hot for a summer break with plenty going on for teens:

Berlin? City exploring, shopping, summer beach clubs and bars along the Spree + access to nearby lakes for swimming/boating. Some great hotel recommendations on this thread.

Norway cruise? Explore the Fjords, lots of onboard activities for teens, Southampton departure - P&O prices from £950pp in August.

Il de Re? Mumsnet users love this island destination - off the coast of western France so doesn't get too hot in the summer but gorgeous beaches, salt marshes, dunes and pretty villages.

Switzerland? Interlaken is a great base for lakes, mountains, trains and gondolas and is within easy reach of Bern and Lucerne for day trips.

Biarritz? For beaches, surfing, excellent food and easy access to San Sebastian via train

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 30/12/2025 11:26

Hi @SunandWine
Sounds like a fun trip - just checking if the £600-£800 budget is per person?

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 30/12/2025 12:12

Hi @Needlenardlenoo

A Neilson package could be a good fit? Loads of water sports on offer and "kids' clubs" split into different age categories so your 13yo could join the Surf Squad group (ages 12/13) for guided sessions in things like kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing.

Mumsnet users like the Alana Beach Club in Croatia (near Zadar for exploring) and Baia Dei Mori Beach Club in Sardinia.

Both pretty hot in the summer months though!

Or Club Med (similar deal inc water sports and kids' clubs) with resorts in France for cooler temps.

The Falkensteiner Resorts look good for activities (predominantly in Austria/Italy) - the Lake Garda hotel offers water sports and there's a water sports centre at the Croatia property in Punta Skala.

TUI Magic Life hotels offer lots of activities, water sports and teen clubs. A quick check on the forums and MNers rate Belek, Calabria and Fuerteventura.

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 30/12/2025 12:41

Oh lovely @sleepy77 I haven't been to Canada but it's on my list - not least because my cousin works out there as a long-distance train driver!

Some suggestions from fellow Mumsnetters include:

Muskoka lake region: cute lakeside cottage rentals, paddle sports and proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park
Prince Edward County: sandy beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario and family-friendly wineries and breweries
Blue Mountain and the Georgian Bay region: ziplining, mini golf, hiking and scenic boat trips around Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula
Niagara-on-the-Lake area (and nearby lake beaches such as Bayfield and Crystal Beach): a mix of shoreline swimming and easy access to Niagara Falls (although lots of users also suggest avoiding this area completely!)

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 30/12/2025 14:52

Hi @somanychristmaslights

Yeah, Turkey is hard to beat for beachfront all-inc hotels with epic waterslides! Some alternatives below though:

Coral Sea Water World, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: this waterpark looks insane and it's 15 mins from the airport

Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort, Crete: 30 mins from the airport - I mentioned this one in another post but it pops up on the forums all the time

Hotel LIVVO Lago Taurito & Aquapark, Gran Canaria: beachfront location and 35 mins from the airport

Aqua Nevis Club Hotel, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: Potentially a cheaper alternative to Turkey. Bulgaria's Sunny Beach is a classic no-frills beach resort. Nearby Nessebar old town is nice to explore. This one's about 30 mins from the airport

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 30/12/2025 15:40

Hiya @WillowIvy

Signposting some handy Khao Lak threads below:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5360637-thailand-late-november-phuket-elephant-hills-khao-lak
www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5147841-thailand-multi-centre-family-hotels
www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/4745818-thailand-with-kids

These hotels are namechecked specifically and might be worth a look 👀
Le Meridien Khao Lak (pricey but looks awesome and there are private pool rooms available)

The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani (swim-up rooms)

La Flora Khao Lak (pool access rooms rather than private pools)

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 01/01/2026 13:21

Hi @ChocolateLemsip

Love Amsterdam! Great for kids.

Note that accommodation in central spots can be very pricey though.

Some hotel/apartment suggestions from Mumsnet users on the forums:

Some good suggestions on the Little Clogs site for alternative accommodation options near Amsterdam. I can vouch for Duinrell - it's brilliant with a theme park on-site and close to the beach (about 30 mins from the city).

Looks like there are currently some Eurostar fares for £49 (one-way) in July and August. Can't see many package deals though.

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 05/01/2026 22:04

SunandWine · 29/12/2025 16:08

Hi Rachel - hoping for some pointers to help find a holiday for seven of us.

Six adults (three couples) + a teen so need min 3 bedrooms.
Need to travel in school holidays and be back before the end of August.
Stansted or Luton flights preferred.
Looking for a European beach holiday. Ideally a villa or apartment, either self catering or bed and breakfast within walking distance of a resort with restaurants. My ideal would be a harbour side resort to watch the world go by.

Budget is quite tight for all this around £600 - £800.

Can you help?

Hi @SunandWine

Sorry for the delay! Back to the grindstone this week and catching up on questions (+ craving a holiday even more in these temps!).

easyJet is a good place to start (20% off flights at the mo and up to £400 off hols using code BIGSALE).

There are a couple of options that fit the bill (screenshots attached).

Algarve
Luton to Faro departing 5 Aug
4-bed apartment at Varandas do Atlantico (Albufeira)

£535pp

Andalucia
Luton to Malaga departing 28 July
3-bed villa at Marina Turquesa (Nerja)
£638pp

You can enter a departure airport, select 'Anywhere' and then some August dates with +/- 7 days flexibility. Add in 7 passengers and then scroll through the options to check for 3-bed properties.

Lastminute is worth a look as you can put in a departure airport, something like 'beach' as a category, some rough dates and add your number guests as well as the number of rooms you're looking for too.

Solmar Villas has some good self-catering accommodation options with £200 off using code SOLMAR200.

The following villas are coming up for less than £450pp for mid-August dates (minus flights):
Stavros Villa, Paphos, Cyprus (sleeps 8 plus private pool)
Villa Bonilla 16, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote (sleeps 8 plus private pool)
Villa Tierrasol, Cala'n Forcat, Menorca (sleeps 7 plus private pool)

I love Skyscanner's Explore Anywhere feature which lets you select a departure airport and the month you want to travel to see the cheapest flights available and then you could check somewhere like Vrbo or Airbnb for accommodation to align with the flights.

Hopefully some pointers for you!

Need help planning a family holiday for 2026? I’m Mumsnet’s Travel Editor - AMA
Need help planning a family holiday for 2026? I’m Mumsnet’s Travel Editor - AMA
MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 05/01/2026 22:53

EweProfessorSurnameDoctorProfessor · 29/12/2025 17:25

How exciting!

We (2 adults, will be 16 year old and 13 year old) want to go to Thailand over the Christmas holidays next year. We’re not sure about how to tackle exploring such a large place and how to book internal flights etc.

We’re not a fan of big cities so won’t want to spend a lot of time on places like Bangkok and instead like going on walks for the first half of the holiday and then relaxing by a beach in the second half. Our current itinerary is probably Bangkok for two days, then Chang mai for 5 and then a week in koh lanta. Would love some advice on whether this sounds suitable, whether there are alternative itineraries that might work better and avoid crowded, super touristy places and how to book cheap flights, both international and internal!

Hi @EweProfessorSurnameDoctorProfessor

Sounds like an awesome trip!

Posting some handy threads here from fellow Mumsnetters about itineraries and internal flights:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5420858-thailand-holiday-planning-itinerary
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5363706-thailand-with-kids
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/4925076-self-organised-thailand-holiday-me-3-kids

And some advice from a MNHQ colleague who used to live in Thailand:

"I’d highly recommend adding islands to the itinerary. Family-friendly favourites include Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Lipe, and Phuket. Krabi is also excellent for families - stunning beaches, loads of activities, and easy boat trips to nearby islands like Phi Phi and Hong Islands. I haven’t personally been to Koh Lanta but have heard great things.

5 days in Chiang Mai may be a bit too long. If you want to explore the northern region, I’d spread it out across other areas which are nearby:

  • Chiang Mai (2–3 days): temples, cooking classes, night markets, elephant sanctuary
  • Chiang Rai (1 day): either exploring temples and markets or visiting a tea or coffee plantation
  • Pai (2-3 days) so much to do! Pai Canyon, Tham Lod caves, bamboo village, waterfalls, well worth the rocky coach ride up to the mountains.

If you’re landing in Bangkok and don’t fancy staying in the city (though it’s well worth exploring for at least one day), definitely do a day trip. Tour companies will pick you up from your hotel.

Eg

  • Ayutthaya: ancient capital with impressive ruins (about an hour away)
  • Kanchanaburi: great history, including the Bridge over the River Kwai and the WWII railway – interesting for both adults and teens.

For getting around, the Rome2Rio app is super helpful. Internal flights are easy and usually cheap – use Skyscanner to find the best deals.

Tip: Bring some cash as many places prefer it (tuk-tuks, street food, small shops), but don’t carry loads. Cards like Monzo or Revolut are ideal for payments and ATM withdrawals!"

Hope that helps!

CCing @Peclet for Thailand inspo

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 06/01/2026 10:47

TheBirdintheCave · 29/12/2025 17:44

Any tips for finding hotels with interconnecting rooms or suites that have more than one bedroom?? So few search engines will let you filter by that and assume you mean you want two separate rooms rather than one contained room with two bedrooms x_x

It's definitely harder than it should be!

On Booking.com there's a 'smart filter' on the left-hand side of the search page that's handy for this. Once you've added a destination and travel dates you can type in 'interconnecting' and it'll sort the hotels with availability and bundle rooms together when booking (always worth following up with the hotel directly though to double check the rooms are actually side-by-side once booked).

TUI doesn't have a multi-bedroom filter as such but you'll often see two-bed suites/apartments in the search results if you've selected adults/kids + one room when adding your initial details. You could use control + F and type in 'suite' or 'apartment' to make it easier to highlight the available options.

Sites like Hilton allow you to book connecting rooms easily online but only once you've selected a specific hotel rather than at search level (tick the connecting rooms box).

Or search for aparthotels as an accommodation type which typically offer more space/multiple rooms.

Or enlist a travel agent to do all the groundwork if you have a destination in mind!

Need help planning a family holiday for 2026? I’m Mumsnet’s Travel Editor - AMA
Need help planning a family holiday for 2026? I’m Mumsnet’s Travel Editor - AMA
MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 06/01/2026 13:33

TheBirdintheCave · 06/01/2026 13:02

@RachMumsnetThank you! I always wish I was techy enough to build a search engine that was specifically for families looking for multiple rooms on holiday 😅

Yes @TheBirdintheCave! I'd use it!

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 08/01/2026 20:07

incognitomummy · 29/12/2025 19:11

Christmas 2026 I want to be away. It’s a significant birthday.

Could be somewhere sunny as a family of 4. Or Could be skiing - either as a 4 or as a group of 12 (3 families).

budget tbc. Not super expensive but not super budget either.

what have others done at Christmas, to get away from the bad weather and the ridiculousness of an overly commercial grey and miserable British Christmas?!!

Hi @incognitomummy

That def sounds appealing.

I've just checked our MumsGPT tool and some standout destinations other Mumsnetters rate for Christmas trips are as follows:

Feels like Thailand is a popular choice for this year -@EweProfessorSurnameDoctorProfessor and @Peclet maybe we need a separate thread...

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 08/01/2026 23:22

FreiasBathtub · 29/12/2025 19:20

Oh this is great! We have just started thinking about somewhere over Easter hols for a family of 4 (kids 7 and 11). We went to Ikos in Halkidiki last year and it was obviously AMAZING but we don't have the budget for it this year. Plus would ideally like more reliable sunny weather. We'd like a separate but connected bedroom for the kids, sofa bed is fine. AI for preference but walking distance to somewhere with shops and restaurants as I did get a bit stir crazy. Know Ikos will have spoiled us, we liked the good food and not feeling on top of other people, so would prioritise that over e.g. amazing entertainment or water slides. Top budget around £4k. Is this impossible???

Hi @FreiasBathtub

The following hotels regularly feature on the forums when it comes to Ikos dupes:

Zafiro Palace, Mallorca
Cullinen Belek, Antalya, Turkey
Lara Barut, Turkey
Grecotel Aquamarine Palace in Crete
Jiva Beach resort, Dalaman, Turkey
Creta Maris, Crete
Martinhal, Portugal
Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, Tenerife

A quick check when bundling flights in via TUI and I can see a week all-inc at Cullinen Belek for £4.9k (departing 1 April). Martinhal is £3.5k for a two-bed villa via Booking.com departing 4 April (room only, minus flights).

Tenerife and Turkey are probably the best bets weather wise in early April but the other destinations should offer some nice sunny days.

MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 09/01/2026 13:41

SimonCaldersPassport · 08/01/2026 17:47

Hello @RachMumsnet- a short notice one for you if possible. Looking to possibly go away for a week to 10 days at the end of next week from London. Ideally somewhere warm, mid twenties is fine.
Due to start chemo in about 3 weeks time so just want somewhere where I don’t have to think about anything too taxing like where to eat/what to do. So an all inclusive, on a sandy beach (prefer a beach to poolside, but if it has an indoor pool all the better) nearish to a town if possible so we can get out of the hotel/resort if cabin fever sets in. Don’t want to spend a fortune, so might rule out long haul, but up to £2000pp would be ok. Any ideas? TIA

Oh goodness, sorry to hear that @SimonCaldersPassport. A dose of sunshine sounds like a great idea.

In terms of short-ish-haul destinations offering mid-20s temps in Jan, the following could work:

Canaries
Cape Verde
Egypt

Kuoni has some Canaries options including a week at Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada which looks lovely (screenshot attached) on an all-inclusive ultra basis (daily minibar + 24-hour room service) and private transfers.

Mumsnet users have mixed opinions on Cape Verde with some saying there's not much to see and others saying it's good for a fly-and-flop break in the sun. The Riu Palace gets recommended on other threads and is right on the beach.

Temps in the Red Sea are in the mid-20s now so definitely warm enough for sea swimming. 7-night all-inclusive breaks at 5-star hotels start from £704pp for departures next Saturday via TUI.

Wishing you all the best x

Need help planning a family holiday for 2026? I’m Mumsnet’s Travel Editor - AMA
MNHQ

RachMumsnet · 09/01/2026 16:34

Surviving45 · 29/12/2025 19:26

Hi looking for a villa with at least 4 bedrooms preferably 5. Would like a private pool & near a beach. Any suggestions? Would like Portugal but open to other suggestions if it is a short flight for the last week of July, first week of August. Hopefully near restaurants & a shop. Thank you

Hi @Surviving45

I think filters are your friend here in terms of tracking down what you're looking for (beach, pool, close to resort, 4/5 beds).

Solmar Villas is good in this respect as it's easy to select all those things once you've decided on a destination (and there's up to £200 off with code SOLMAR200 at checkout)

A quick search and the following look pretty good based on 30 July arrivals:

Villa Sofy (Gale, Algarve)

Villa Simoes (Gale, Algarve)

Villa Adele (Sao Rafael, Algarve)

Prices are a little higher over at Oliver's Travels but they have some stunning properties like Villa Sara in Portimao and Villa Zucchini with exclusive beach access in Comporta.

I can see some 4-bed villa recommendations in Mallorca from other Mumsnet users if the Balearics is of interest:

Footprints Villa, Puerto Pollenca

Villa Falco, Puerto Pollenca

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