A successful family holiday is rarely about finding the biggest resort or the lowest headline price. It is about choosing a trip that works for everyone — from toddlers who need familiar mealtimes to teenagers who want independence, Wi-Fi and plenty to do.
Planning that holiday can feel like a project in itself. There are school-holiday dates to consider, flights to compare and family rooms to scrutinise. Even a tempting deal can lose its appeal once baggage, transfers and meals are added.
At JLM Travel, we make finding affordable family holidays simpler. Our experienced travel specialists compare package holidays from trusted tour operators, helping families choose the right destination, accommodation and departure airport for their needs and budget.
Whether you are dreaming of an all-inclusive beach resort, a Florida adventure or an easy escape closer to home, we can help you spend less time searching and more time looking forward to your holiday.
Family Holiday Packages for Every Kind of Traveller
No two families travel in quite the same way. Some want every meal and activity arranged; others prefer the freedom of an apartment, villa or self-catering hotel.
Popular options for families include:
All-inclusive family holidays: Meals, selected drinks and many resort activities are included, making it easier to plan your overall spending.
Family-friendly resorts: Look for children’s clubs, splash parks, water slides, playgrounds and entertainment for different age groups.
Self-catering family holidays: Apartments and villas offer more space, flexible mealtimes and the option to prepare food for younger or selective eaters.
Florida family holidays: Combine world-famous theme parks with shopping, wildlife attractions and time on the Gulf or Atlantic coast.
Family cruises: Visit several destinations in one trip while enjoying children’s clubs, pools, shows, sports and family dining on board.
UK family breaks: Holiday parks, coastal lodges and countryside stays can provide a convenient getaway without flying.
Multi-generational holidays: Villas, connecting rooms and larger suites can make travelling with grandparents or extended family more comfortable.
Where Are the Best Family Holiday Destinations?
Where Are the Best Family Holiday Destinations for 2026?
The right destination depends on the age of your children, your preferred journey time and the kind of holiday you want.
Majorca
Majorca remains a dependable choice for families, thanks to its beaches, manageable flight time from the UK and wide selection of family hotels. Resorts such as Alcúdia and Puerto Pollensa are particularly popular with families looking for shallow water, attractive promenades and plenty of places to eat.
The Canary Islands
Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are strong choices for winter sun as well as summer breaks. Family resorts often combine large pools and children’s facilities with easy access to beaches and day trips.
Turkey
Turkey is well suited to families seeking spacious resorts and extensive all-inclusive facilities. Antalya and the surrounding coastal resorts are known for hotels with water parks, sports programmes and entertainment, although transfer times should always be checked before booking.
Greece
From Corfu and Crete to Rhodes and Kos, the Greek islands offer everything from lively family resorts to quieter coastal villages. Self-catering apartments work well for independent travellers, while larger resorts offer the convenience of children’s clubs and organised activities.
Portugal
The Algarve combines sandy beaches, family attractions and a broad choice of hotels and apartments. Albufeira is lively and convenient, while families wanting a gentler pace may prefer one of the region’s smaller resorts.
Florida
For many families, Florida is the big adventure: theme parks, character experiences, outlet shopping and beaches in one memorable trip. Planning matters here. Consider park tickets, car hire or transfers, resort fees, dining and rest days when calculating the true cost.
Are All-Inclusive Family Holidays Worth It?
All-inclusive holidays can be an excellent choice when convenience and predictable spending are priorities. Depending on the hotel and board arrangement, your package may include:
Buffet or à la carte meals
Selected drinks and snacks
Children’s clubs or supervised activities
Daytime sports and pool games
Evening shows and family entertainment
Access to selected resort facilities
The important phrase is “depending on the hotel”. Premium drinks, speciality restaurants, motorised watersports and some children’s activities may cost extra. Before booking, check exactly what is included and whether facilities operate throughout your travel dates.
For families who enjoy eating out and exploring, half-board or self-catering may offer better value. The cheapest-looking board basis is not always the least expensive once daily food and drink costs are considered.
How to Choose a Genuinely Family-Friendly Hotel
A hotel may describe itself as family-friendly, but the details determine whether it will suit your family.
Before booking, consider:
Room layout: Is it one open-plan room, a suite with a partition or two connecting rooms?
Children’s club ages: Check the minimum age, opening hours, supervision arrangements and whether sessions must be reserved.
Pool safety: Look for shallow areas, lifeguard information and suitable splash facilities.
Food choices: Early sittings, highchairs, children’s menus and allergen information can make mealtimes easier.
Location: A beachfront hotel may be convenient, while a hillside property could be difficult with a pushchair.
Transfer time: A long coach journey after a late flight can be tiring for younger children.
Teenage facilities: Sports, games rooms, Wi-Fi and age-appropriate clubs can matter more than playgrounds for older children.
Seasonal availability: Water parks, entertainment and children’s clubs may not operate all year.
A well-chosen smaller hotel can suit a family better than a huge resort, particularly if short walking distances, quieter evenings or easy access to the local area are important.
When Should You Book a Family Holiday?
Booking early can be particularly useful when travelling during Easter, half-term or the main summer holidays. Family rooms, larger apartments and convenient regional flights are limited, so the widest choice is usually available well before departure.
Early booking may provide:
More choice of family rooms and suitable hotels
Better availability from your preferred UK airport
A greater selection of sensible flight times
Access to low-deposit offers or instalment options, where available
More time to budget for insurance, airport parking and holiday spending
Late deals can still appear, especially when dates and destinations are flexible. However, waiting is a gamble if you need a particular room type, airport or school-holiday week.
How to Find a Cheap Family Holiday Without Compromising on Quality
A genuinely affordable holiday is one that delivers good overall value, not simply the smallest advertised price.
To make your budget work harder:
Compare the total cost. Include baggage, transfers, seat selection, meals, resort charges and airport travel.
Consider regional departures. Flying from a nearby airport may save time and parking costs, even when the basic fare is slightly higher.
Travel at the edge of peak season. If school dates allow, small changes to departure dates can make a noticeable difference.
Choose the right board basis. All-inclusive can control costs, while self-catering may suit families happy to shop and prepare some meals.
Check child-price conditions. Age limits and occupancy rules vary between hotels and tour operators.
Avoid paying for unused facilities. A water park has little value if your children are too young to use it.
Ask about flexible payments. Spreading the balance can make budgeting easier, subject to the booking terms.
Use a travel specialist. An experienced agent can compare more than price, including room configuration, transfer times and suitability for each age group.
Your Family Holiday Checklist
Before confirming your trip, check:
That every traveller’s passport meets the destination’s entry requirements
Current visa or electronic travel-authorisation rules
Appropriate travel insurance from the time of booking
Whether your booking is financially protected
Baggage allowances for every flight
Airport transfers and child-seat arrangements
Hotel room occupancy and bed configuration
Accessibility or medical requirements
Children’s club ages and opening dates
Any vaccinations or health guidance relevant to the destination
Entry rules and official travel advice can change, so check the latest government guidance before booking and again before departure. Travel insurance should be arranged as soon as possible after booking; financial protection such as ATOL is not a replacement for insurance.
Why Book Your Family Holiday with JLM Travel?
JLM Travel is an independent North East travel agent with more than 21 years in business. Our specialists compare holidays from a wide range of trusted travel providers and take the time to understand what each family needs.
We can help with:
Package holidays and all-inclusive escapes
Family-friendly hotels, apartments and resorts
Cruises, Florida holidays and long-haul trips
Departures from a range of UK airports
Low-deposit and payment options where available
Personal recommendations from an experienced team
JLM Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s ABTA membership, number K0885. Ask when booking about the financial protection applying to your chosen arrangements. Flight-inclusive packages that qualify for ATOL protection should be accompanied by an ATOL Certificate explaining what is covered.
Find Your Perfect Family Holiday
The best family holidays feel as though they have been planned around the people taking them. That might mean a short transfer for a toddler, waterslides for primary-school children, sports for teenagers or enough space for grandparents to join the adventure.
Browse our latest family holiday deals online or speak to the JLM Travel team for personalised recommendations.
Call 0191 432 6230 or visit one of our branches in Team Valley, Whickham or Cullercoats to start planning your 2026 family holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of holiday for families?
It depends on your children’s ages and your preferred travel style. All-inclusive resorts offer convenience, self-catering accommodation provides flexibility, and cruises can suit families looking for plenty of organised entertainment.
Where is best for a first family holiday abroad?
Majorca, the Algarve and the Canary Islands are popular starting points because they offer direct flights from many UK airports and a wide choice of established family resorts. The ideal choice will also depend on your departure airport and the time of year.
Is all-inclusive cheaper for a family?
It can be, particularly when meals, snacks, drinks and activities would otherwise form a large part of your spending. Compare what the hotel includes with the total likely cost of half-board or self-catering before deciding.
Can I pay for a family holiday in instalments?
Low deposits and payment plans by direct debit may be available on selected bookings. The deposit, payment schedule and final balance date will depend on the tour operator and departure date.
Are family package holidays financially protected?
Protection depends on the arrangements you book. Qualifying flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected, while other package arrangements may have different protection. Always check the booking terms and your ATOL Certificate, where applicable.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Ideally, arrange suitable insurance as soon as you book. This may provide cancellation cover before departure as well as protection while you are away, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions. We don't sell travel insurance, but our partners at Rush Insurance can help - please click here.
