Where to go when in the school holidays

School holidays are that well-deserved break from the daily routine, a golden opportunity to relax and recharge. But it’s also your cue to embark on exciting adventures, discover tantalising new tastes and fill the family album with new memories.

When you’re at the mercy of the school calendar, choosing where to go to balance weather, flight times, time zones and budget can seem like a bit of a conundrum. We can help you maximise your time during those shorter breaks in February, May and October, and help find pockets of value during the longer summer holidays. Here are some top trending destinations to explore on a family getaway.

Quick Links

• February Half Term
• Easter Holidays
• May Half Term
• Summer Holidays
• October Half Term
• Christmas Holidays

February Half Term

Costa Adeje, Tenerife

During the British winter, heading to warmer climes is certainly tempting. The Canary Islands are a quick win for some decent warm weather. Alternatively, you’ll need to fly a bit further to destinations like the Caribbean. If you prefer snow over sun, this is also an ideal window for a family ski holiday.

Top picks

Tenerife

In Tenerife, temperatures average around 21°C in February. Away from the lively locales, there are exclusive, upscale spots if you know where to look. Royal Hideaway Corales Suites is a shining example; this seafront haven has designer apartments and Michelin-star restaurants, along with clubs for kids and teens.

Dubai

Dubai is a wonderland for families, offering Aladdin-style adventures and aromatic souks, combined with the modern marvels of jaw-dropping skyscrapers and luxurious resorts. Water babies will love Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, a candy-coloured hotel with a lazy river, slides and a splash zone.

Barbados

With direct flights of around 9 hours from the UK, a holiday in Barbados is perfect for a week-long getaway. Choose a laid-back all-inclusive resort like Turtle Beach Resort by Elegant Hotels and you can mix up pool days with local Bajan adventures – hop on colourful reggae buses and explore the island, venture underground to see stalagmites in Harrison's Cave or enjoy a turtle-spotting catamaran cruise.

More ideas for February: St Lucia, Maldives, Lanzarote

Easter Holidays

Kourion Archaeological Site, Cyprus

As the first extended break of the year, many families grab the chance to escape to sunnier shores for Easter. With two weeks to spare, it’s a great time to venture somewhere far-flung, but you don’t have to travel too far – some spots in Europe are already warming up for a sunny getaway.

Top picks

Cyprus

Spring brings lovely weather in Cyprus and the island comes alive with vibrant wildflowers. Discover the history of archaeological sites like Kourion or wander through the charming villages of the Troodos Mountains. Limassol is a wonderful place to stay, with Blue Flag beaches and excellent water sports – Mediterranean Beach Hotel ticks every box for a great-value family stay.

Maldives

April is prime time in the Maldives. The lagoons are calm and as clear as glass, making it easy to observe the marine life, and low rainfall means you’ll enjoy the alfresco dining and dolphin-watching cruises even more. With a welcoming vibe for all and a superb selection of restaurants and room types (we adore the Two Bedroom Beach Houses); Kuramathi Maldives is a firm favourite with families.

Florida

Experience two weeks of non-stop excitement in Orlando. The headline acts here are Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, where kids and grownups can tick off every childhood dream. Stay at themed hotels like Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, or opt for a themed villa with Disney-designed bedrooms, a private pool and access to nearby resort facilities.

More ideas for Easter: Singapore and Bali, Dominican Republic, Vietnam

May Half Term

Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa, Turkey

If you’re not a fan of scorching heat, May half-term is ideal for visiting Greece or Turkey before the temperatures soar. With a week at your disposal, you could also kick back on Caribbean shores, opting for an all-inclusive holiday where everything is covered upfront.

Top picks

Turkey (Türkiye)

Turkey’s family resorts are among the best in the Med, with incredible kids' clubs, ultra-all-inclusive dining and multi-room suites – so you don't have to turn in when the kids do. Get lost in bustling bazaars, roam Greco-Roman ruins and tuck into Turkish cuisine as the call to prayer echoes around you. A Hamman experience is a must-do; at Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa, the kids can join in the pampering.

Aruba

Aruba’s stunning beaches are the island’s biggest draw, where kids will love building castles on the powdery white sands. Explore the cacti-dotted plains of Arikok National Park or visit Renaissance Island to snap selfies with the flamingos. Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive is perfect for families, offering daily fun and entertainment that everyone will love.

Kos, Greece

The Dodecanese Islands, the most southerly group of Greek islands, are famous for their rich history, beautiful landscapes and sun-baked coasts. Kos proves popular with all ages, with its buzzy towns and fascinating cultural sites. For a holiday filled with watery fun and beach days, Grecotel LUXME Kos Imperial has six pools and family rooms with separate sleeping areas – a big box tick for parents.

More ideas for May: Seychelles, Mexico, Malta

Summer Holidays

Wildlife in Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya

Summer holidays are often the time for the big family getaway, so it’s important to get it right. While Mediterranean gems like Greece and Italy are always a top choice, August is also an excellent time to venture further for longer. Destinations like Kenya and California offer intrepid adventures perfect for an extended summer escape. If you’re celebrating the end of exams or have kids that break up in June, you have the advantage of beating the crowds.

Early summer holidays (exam celebrations, Scottish school holidays)

Top picks

Kenya

On a Kenya safari holiday, kids get to witness wildlife that brings animals from storybooks and screens to life. From July to late September, The Great Wildebeest Migration takes centre stage offering front-row seats to nature’s greatest spectacle. Our Kenya Fly-In Family Safari pairs close-up moments with Africa’s headline wildlife with downtime on Watamu’s white sands, where whale spotting and water sports will be on the agenda.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a Greek island dream, with Blue Flag beaches and plenty to keep little minds enthralled. Stroll the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, marvel at winged beauties in the Valley of the Butterflies and visit whitewashed Lindos with its iconic acropolis perched on the hill. If you’re a foodie-loving gang, you’ll love Grecotel LUXME Dama Dama, LUX ME Resort, where six restaurants make for a diverse dining experience.

Canada

Canada is a natural playground for kids, and the Rockies create a backdrop they won’t easily forget. Our Rockies Road Trip is ideal for families, with scenic drives through Banff and Jasper National Parks, chances to hike untamed trails, canoe on crystal-clear lakes and spot wildlife like bears and elk. Plus, there are charming mountain towns to explore as well as a grand finale in cosmopolitan Vancouver.

More ideas for June/July: Botswana, Sri Lanka, Borneo

Main summer holidays

Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort, Lake Garda

Top picks

Italy

While most families might think of a beach holiday in Europe, Lake Garda offers a refreshing twist. Take day trips to Verona or Venice, hop on a ferry to explore castles and lakeside towns and get your adrenaline fix at Gardaland. At Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort, the whole family can relax with forest-scented massages and mini manicures in the spa. Venture beyond the hotel for wildflower hikes, cycling and picnics in the great outdoors.

Thailand

Thailand is a place that brings the senses alive, where kids can marvel at curious sights and smells and dive into their first taste of authentic Thai cuisine. Our Thailand Family Suggested Itinerary mixes mini-adventures into one trip, combining jungle treks, city thrills and beach time. Tuk tuk through Bangkok’s streets, meet elephants and their mahouts in Chiang Mai, then don your flip-flops and ease into island life on Koh Samui.

USA

Nothing beats a road trip for a family holiday full of surprises, and in the USA, the options are endless. California is a delight in summer, with longer, sun-filled days. On our California Family Road Trip, you can try surfing on golden beaches, ride rollercoasters at Disneyland and soak up the vibrant vibe of its cities.

More ideas for Summer: Maldives, Croatia, Mauritius

October Half Term

Preskil Island Resort, Mauritius

The October holiday is ideal for a final burst of sunshine before winter. While some European resorts wind down, others still benefit from warm weather and remain open all year. For guaranteed beach and pool days, the Indian Ocean is ideal. Or take a quick trip across the Pond; it’s a typically quieter time to explore the theme parks.

Top picks

Mauritius

Summer is just beginning in Mauritius, bringing excellent weather for beach and water activities. Stay at the idyllic Preskil Island Resort and enjoy unlimited waterskiing, windsurfing and snorkelling, all included in the package. For adventurous teens, nearby La Réunion offers thrilling helicopter rides and explorations of hidden volcanic tunnels.

The Algarve

The Algarve basks in sunshine in October. With its dramatic, cliff-hugged shores, world-class golf courses and fabulous hotel havens, it’s a fantastic all-rounder for all generations. Kids will love water parks like Slide & Splash, as well as dolphin-watching tours and swashbuckling pirate cruises. Stay at Pine Cliffs Resort for action-packed activities and a spooky Halloween-themed kids’ club.

India

October is a marvellous time to visit India – with cooler days and Diwali celebrations that create a lively backdrop for your trip. On our Taj Mahal, Tigers & Teens itinerary, kids can go full Indiana Jones, tracking Bengal tigers and uncovering mysterious hidden forts. Other highlights include a sunrise visit to the breathtaking Taj Mahal and strolling through spice-scented bazaars in the Pink City.

More ideas for October: Namibia, Abu Dhabi, Oman

Christmas Holidays

Lopesan Baobab Resort, Gran Canaria

Why not shake things up this Christmas and celebrate somewhere different? Skip the stress of cooking and hosting, and trade it for quality time with your loved ones in an exciting setting. Swap woolly jumpers for swimsuits, skate under the Rockefeller tree in New York or head to Australia for a beach BBQ as your festive feast – the choice is yours.

Top picks

Gran Canaria

In December, the Canaries maintain their warmth, making them a go-to place to escape the winter chill. Explore the Las Palmas markets and pad across Maspalomas’ dunes or work off those holiday indulgences on a child-friendly hike to Roque Nublo – ‘the rock in the clouds’. Add a wild twist at Lopesan Baobab Resort, a safari-themed sanctuary with tribal décor and life-size elephant statues.

Sri Lanka

With two weeks to play with, make the most of it and tour the tea plantations, temples and tropical beaches of Sri Lanka. On our Sri Lanka Suggested Family Itinerary, you’ll search for elephants and leopards in vast national parks, climb towering Sigiriya Rock and chill by the waves on honey-hued shores. Having a private car and driver on hand means you can balance exploring and recharging, all at your own pace.

Australia

December is a brilliant time to visit Oz, with warm weather and festive summer fun. There are so many incredible places to explore, and we’ll design a trip tailored just for you. Our Australia Highlights Multi-Centre is a great start – the kids will love watching penguins waddle in Melbourne, snorkelling alongside Dory in the Great Barrier Reef and heading into the Outback to spot kangaroos, uncover ancient rock art and marvel at the mighty Uluru.

More ideas for December: New York, Costa Rica, South Africa

This feature was created on 8th September 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.