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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

First time booking a holiday abroad with children

10 replies

Changingtides1234 · 28/03/2025 16:07

This may sound silly.
were a family of 4 (6yo and 3yo)
we wanted to book a holiday abroad all inclusive for the children in the 6 weeks. We’ve never been abroad with the children before. Any recommendations of where we can go (budget is no more than 5000)
i want it to be fun for the children. They are so great I really want it to be fun.
any advice on other things.

OP posts:
wineosaurus4 · 28/03/2025 16:08

Look into a cruise, they are brilliant fun for both adults and children alike! I recommend Royal Caribbean x

TokyoSushi · 28/03/2025 16:10

Majorca is a lovely very easy holiday with children that age, look at the Protur Safari Park or Zafiro resorts.

Changingtides1234 · 28/03/2025 16:18

Thank you both. I’ve no idea what I’m doing if I’m honest.

OP posts:
BeHere · 28/03/2025 19:28

5k should get you plenty of AI options in Europe for kids that age. With kids that age, I'd choose the closer flight. So look first at Spain and Portugal. There's no real advantage to the Eastern Med if you just want the usual AI with no specific requirements, so may as well prioritise ease of travel.

I'd also consider transfer time. You probably don't want a potentially crabby 3 year old on a coach for too long if you can help it, or you could splash out on a direct transfer.

Do you want to use a package company or book flights and accommodation separately? I tend to think packages are good for more inexperienced travellers.

LittleLlama · 28/03/2025 20:10

I would consider booking a package holiday with Jet2 or Tui, this way you are fully protected and everything (including transfers and luggage) is included. Consider flight times and the length of time to transfer from airport to the hotel. If you need help booking use a travel agent (I have always found them very helpful). In terms of choosing a particular hotel trip advisor is also very useful.

In terms of destination I think Minorca/Menorca is a good destination for family holidays with young children. It is a fairly small island with beautiful beaches, plenty to do and safe, family-friendly resorts. If you want to explore the island bus transport is very good and inexpensive. Son Bou and Cala Galdana are two lovely beaches and the towns of Ciutadella and Mahon are both worth visiting.

I hope you have a lovely time.

samarrange · 28/03/2025 23:25

If you are looking at Majorca and find the budget is a little tight, look at the resort town called Calas de Mallorca. Here you will find about 10 hotels and two and a half beaches, and not much else - almost nobody lives there year-round and there is no "traditional Spanish village" feel. There are a few restaurants, but most of the hotels are all-inclusive so there isn't a huge market for them.

But on the upside the beaches are really nice, with long shallow walks out into the water which is crystal clear. And because the town is not the most attractive destination in itself, the hotels are generally quite a bit cheaper than the rest of the island, for the same standard (you'll find everything from 3-star to 4½-star). They get very good reviews, especially from families (there are very few groups of lads or ladettes, as there is minimal nightlife). There is also a good bus service to some more picturesque towns nearby. If I had kids your age and wanted a sun and pool/beach holiday it would be high on my list.

Changingtides1234 · 29/03/2025 18:03

Thank you all so much. I took a posters advice and decided package would be best - so everything was rolled into one big thing. We’re off to Cyprus. We were able to use the closest airport and transfer isn’t too bad at all.
thank you all.

any advice on what we should pack would also be welcome! Absolute stars!

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 29/03/2025 18:15

Bring plenty of suncream, the resort shops and shops in the small towns are really expensive.
UV tops
Sunhats
Sunglasses

Travel insurance
Credit Card

I always pack a small medical kit, painkillers, plaster, cream for mosquito bites, thermometer.

I would consider swim nappies for the 3yr old.

Doseofreality · 29/03/2025 18:24

All Inclusive for a family of 4 during the 6 weeks school holidays for £5000? I think you’ll struggle to find somewhere to be honest, unless you are only wanting 7 nights.

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