Compare family holidays

• Make a list of the things each member of your family might want from the trip - such as a sandy beach or watersports lessons - and decide whether you all need a rest or are looking for something physically or mentally challenging. Then sort your list into “must haves” and “nice to haves” to help you make a decision.
• Decide on how long you want to be away for.
• Think about the length of the journey your family can cope with. This will vary by the age of your children and how long you, realistically, think they will handle being confined in a plane.

You should now be starting to filter out some destinations. To help you further:

• Think about the time of year you are travelling and do some research on the weather in your potential destinations.
• Find out whether you will need any injections or medication, such as malaria tablets, for any of your short list of destinations and address any health concerns.
• For inspiration, take a look at our article on 'Top 10 family destinations' When you have a short list, it's a good idea to talk through the options with your family so everyone feels involved in the decision. That way, you'll have a better chance of starting off on a good footing.

Time spent researching your trip will really pay off when you are there - you don't want any nasty surprises when you arrive

Start by looking online and browsing a good cross-section of websites - for example, travel companies and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - for help and advice on destinations and resorts that are suitable for children and families.

Start by looking online and browsing a good cross-section of websites - for example, travel companies and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - for help and advice on destinations and resorts that are suitable for children and families.

If you still have questions, speak to your local travel agent who should be able to recommend companies and accommodation to suit your needs. You could also pick up brochures for inspiration.

Talk to friends and family to get holiday ideas, and ask your connections on social media platforms for advice and inspiration.

When you have received recommendations and done your research, it can be all too easy to get carried away and forget your original objective so, before you book, refer back to your “must-haves” list and ask yourself:

1. Will there be enough to keep the kids entertained and will there be other children around for them to play with?
2. Is there a safe beach or pool near your accommodation that the kids can cool off and have fun in?
3. Can you find food nearby (or in your accommodation) for all the family?
4. Does your chosen holiday have all of the facilities and equipment you will need - kids' clubs, cots, high chairs etc.
5. Have you chosen the right accommodation type for all of your family's needs? For example, all-inclusive accommodation could be perfect if you don't want to worry about extra costs while you are in your hotel, but self-catering may be more for you if you like to have more control over what you all eat and drink and when.

Once you have settled on your holiday choice, it's time to find the best deal. Follow our tips below to secure the best price.

Make sure that the journey to and from your holiday destination is as stress free as the time away itself by following our tips on travelling with children. You've done all of the hard work booking and planning your family holiday, and now is the time to relax.

Many parents are filled with dread at the prospect of being stuck in an airport for hours with an easily-bored child, or being the mother or father of the energetic toddler constantly kicking the seat in front on a plane. However, going to the airport and flying can be very exciting for children and, with a little preparation, needn't be stressful for parents.

Make sure that you allow extra time to travel to the airport itself - you don't want to start the whole journey off running late. When booking airport parking, consider using the airport's meet and greet service.

It will allow you to drive right up to the terminal building where a member of the meet and greet team will be waiting to park your car. When you return, you will be able to present your ticket/receipt in the meet and greet office to get your car back.

This will not only save you time but it will also prevent you having to park a long distance away from the terminal building and having to carry pushchairs, bags and children all the way there

Be prepared for things to go wrong whether it is a delayed flight, a tantrum or food spilt down your child's travelling outfit. And, if they do, try not to get stressed as your child will pick up on it and will be anxious too.

If you have a young child, make sure you are prepared to travel through the airport carrying them as well as any hand luggage you have. A sling may be a good option for babies whereas reins will allow energetic toddlers to walk on their own without being able to wander off.

If you plan on taking your pushchair through the airport, confirm with your airline when you need to check it in and what the procedure is for putting it on to the plane

Look at the airport's website before you travel to find children's play areas and family-friendly restaurants. This will save time when looking for somewhere to eat and, if your plane is unexpectedly delayed, you will know where to take your children to keep them entertained.

Make the airport an adventure for children by writing a list of things for your children to spot and tick off. Have a look on the airport's website for inspiration before you set off. Manchester Airport, for example, have a fun activity pack on their website guiding children through the whole process from arrival to the departure gate with a list of things to look out for.

You are allowed to pack enough baby milk or food for your child in your hand luggage - although you may be asked to try some to prove what it is at security.

Another option is to pre-order cartons of baby milk or other travel essentials - such as nappies - from a pharmacy in the departure lounge.

Before you travel, check what your airline's policy is on family boarding. Some airlines will seat parents with young children before the rest of the flight so you can get a seat together and there is no need to pay for priority boarding.

However, not all do. British Airways offer a family check-in service that allows families to check in (up to six people) 24 hours before your flight, choose your seats and to print your boarding passes out. If you have a small child, it is a good idea to change their nappy just before you board the plane - especially on short-haul flights.

Bottle feed your baby during take-off and landing to prevent the discomfort caused by changes in the cabin pressure from affecting them. This may also help your child to drop off to sleep. Make sure that older children drink plenty of water during the flight to prevent possible dehydration and grumpiness.

If you are travelling with a toddler and they have their own seat booked, check whether the airline provides a booster seat for them. Some airlines such as Virgin do (as well as activity packs and complimentary nappies) while others such as easyJet ask you to take your own.

Have a familiar toy packed for babies to keep them entertained on a flight. It may also be worth packing a new, surprise toy to distract them on a longer flight.

Activity books, magazines, travel games and hand-held devices are all good things to pack to keep older children entertained on a flight. And, don't forget the old favourites such as I spy and word association games.

We all love holidays but as well as being the chance to soak up some sun, they are extremely beneficial for the whole family. Find out why.

Do you have fond memories of a family holiday from your childhood? Many of us do and this is because travel - however near or far from home you venture - is something that can enrich and add so much to your life. It offers the chance to see places beyond your familiar neighbourhood, to experience new foods and cultures, to enjoy new experiences, to marvel at unique places and, often, to appreciate more about your own life and where you come from.

For parents, travel can be a great opportunity to teach your children more about the world they live in and to challenge any preconceptions they may have. Children are naturally curious and soak up new experiences, so holidays are the ideal time to introduce them to different sights, tastes, smells and sounds - while having fun.

After all, a family holiday is more than just a break in the sun, a visit to a city or ski slope, or a trip to a theme park, it's a chance for the whole group to learn and grow together while in a different environment.

Daily routines and the stresses of everyday life often get in the way of spending quality time with the people you love, and family holidays are the perfect opportunity to make the most of each other's company.

Family holidays also offer the chance and the time for you all to learn something new while you are completely relaxed away from home - why not try a new sport or have a few language lessons with the kids? And they are opportunities for you and the children to make friends and socialise with the people you meet along the way.

A week or two off also gives you the time to completely unwind leaving you refreshed and better equipped to tackle the hiccups and annoyances that crop up every now and again - and if the kids have been getting cranky towards the end of term, a holiday is sure to do them good too.

Plus family holidays are opportunities to create memories for years to come - don't forget to take your camera or camcorder.

You've booked your main family holiday for the year and the countdown is now on until you all jet off. But while it may seem a long time until you leave, it really pays to start preparing early for your journey - especially when travelling with children who will soon pick up on stress.

Read our checklist on what to do before you set off to make sure you are fully organised.

• Check your documents - Check that every member of your family has an in-date passport well in advance of your trip and find out whether you need any visas for your destination. If you are planning on hiring a car, check your driving licence and find out whether you'll need an International Driving Licence (necessary for many non-EU destinations).
   

• Make sure you are covered - Take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday and make a note of your insurer's contact details and your policy number to take with you - as well as leaving the details at home with relatives. And, if you are travelling to Europe, make sure that every member of your family has an EHIC that is in-date.
   

• Keep all of your tickets and vouchers together - Put all of your tickets and travel vouchers in one safe place and make sure that you are clear on all of your timings such as check-in and flight departures. If you are unclear on anything, check with the company you booked with.
   

• Save by pre-booking your car hire - Are you planning to hire a car for your holiday? If so, pre-book it as car hire is generally cheaper when bought in the UK. Sorting out a car in advance will also mean you'll get the best choice of makes and models so you are more likely to find vehicle to suit you. If you need a car seat or baby seat and aren't going to take your own, don't forget to pre-book these too.
   

• Sort out your travel extras - Whether you need a parking space at the airport, you are planning on staying in an airport hotel the night before you travel or you need airport transfers, it really pays to book these elements in advance too. A few minutes spent shopping around online before your break can really pay dividends.
   

• Pre-order your holiday spends - You'll generally get the best deal by buying your holiday currency online in advance from a specialist travel money outlet. And if you plan to use your credit or debit card abroad, make sure you are aware of any charges for overseas spending. These can be eye-watering, so your best option may be to organise a pre-paid card and to apply for a market-leading credit card. 
   

• Know your baggage limits - Allowances for both hand and hold luggage can vary dramatically from one airline to another so check what yours are before you start to pack. And if you are going to need more than the standard allowances, pre-book any extra weight online in advance. Remember too that most infants under the age of two have no luggage allowances at all.

When packing for a family holiday, it is even more important than ever to be organised as a forgotten toy or security blanket can lead to unnecessary tears. 

Follow our packing tips for families to help.
 

1.  Make a packing list several weeks in advance of your trip so you know what you need to buy before your trip. Don't forget items such as sun hats and beach shoes, suncream, a medical kit for scrapes and bites and plug adapters.
   
   
2. When you have checked your luggage allowance, sort out your suitcase - bags with wheels can be so much easier. And make sure that everything in your hand luggage complies with what you can take into the cabin.
   
   
3. Start putting items into your suitcase in advance so everything isn't a mad rush the night before.
   
   
4. Split family members' clothing and other items across your suitcases so if one bag goes missing you still have clothes for everyone.
   
   
5. Think carefully about items for your hand luggage as well as your main suitcase and don't forget essentials such as wet wipes, nappies, any medicine or prescriptions you'll need, baby food and milk as well as all of your documents. Remember the 100ml rule for all liquids - except baby food and milk which you will have to taste as you pass through security - and put all of your liquids and creams into a clear plastic bag before you get to the airport.
   
   
6. Pack plenty of entertainment options for children on the flight as well as travel sweets, a dummy or a bottle for take-off. Children could even have their own bag filled with books, toys and games. And have a treat up your sleeve should you need to distract them in the event of a delay or during a particularly long flight.

You've booked your holiday and are looking forward to your time away with the kids, but how do you ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible?

Read our tips to make the most of your holiday destination and to prevent any unnecessary stress...
 

• Research your resort area both online and in guide books before you go, and consider what every member of the family would enjoy in the area. For even more ideas and advice, visit the local tourist information office when you arrive and pick up maps and leaflets or speak to representatives from your travel company or accommodation.
  
  
• Plan your break to make sure you fit everything in that you want to do but allow some leeway - you don't want your break to be so regimented that you come back frazzled.
  
  
• Despite the fact you tend to adjust your timings and routine while on holiday, make sure that you eat regularly and have drinks and snacks to hand to maintain energy and hydration levels - otherwise you could end up with cranky children. And avoid tummy upsets by thinking about what you are all eating as well as having medication to hand in case of problems.
  
  
• If you plan to eat out while away, think about how you will keep the kids entertained while you sit down for a meal. And if you tend to go out late in the evenings, consider late-afternoon naps for the children so they aren't overtired.
  
  
• Be aware of how much time you are all spending in the sun as it's all too easy to burn, and sunstroke is something you really want to avoid.  A good idea is to keep children out of the sun from late morning to mid-afternoon and to apply plenty of suncream when you are out and about. Special sun-protective play suits can be useful for children who like to play in the pool for hours on end.
  
  
• Have a back-up plan, such as a day out or an activity, ready for any day when the weather isn't quite up to scratch so the kids don't get bored, and bring a game or two from home to play when you are all indoors.
  
  
• Watch out for beasties and bugs, and research whether you and the kids will need any injections before you travel. While you won't need anything more than tetanus for most European destinations, insect bites are common in certain resorts so pack repellent as well as antiseptic wipes and soothing lotions. 
  
  
• Agree some basic rules with the family when you arrive such as where the children can go on their own, and what they can and can't do - you need to allow them some freedom to explore and have fun but also to keep them safe and protected. It's also important to make them aware of road safety (especially when the traffic is on the other side of the road), how to stay safe in the sea and pool, and how to use any other children's play equipment.
  
  
• Give your children a small amount of spending money for the trip. This will give them a sense of independence, will help them to learn about money, maths and budgeting, and will offer the chance for them to learn about new cultures as they interact with people in shops and markets.

Many expectant mothers worry about travelling while pregnant but it's not harmful to mother or baby to fly or go on holiday as long as you prepare for your trip and follow some simple precautions.

If you are expecting a baby and have any concerns, read our advice below.

Am I allowed to fly while pregnant?

Women can fly while pregnant but many choose not to during the first trimester (the first three months) as symptoms of morning sickness and tiredness are at their worst and there is a greater risk of miscarriage.

Airlines tend to allow women to travel up to 28 weeks into their pregnancy without a note from their doctor/midwife - and some allow women to travel longer than this. However, before you book, make sure you check your airline's terms and conditions as there are some surprising differences. For example, American carriers such as Delta tend to allow you to travel later into pregnancy than other airlines around the world.

If you do need a doctor's note to fly with your airline, check whether this can be signed by a midwife instead as this could be something you ask for on a regular check-up to save time, and make sure you know what your airline needs to be included in this letter. Some airlines have a template on their site to download and be signed by your doctor/midwife.

Do I need special travel insurance?

Before you take out a travel insurance policy, check whether there are any restrictions around travelling when pregnant. All insurers are slightly different, so read the fine print carefully and ring your insurer if you have any questions. And don't assume that, as your airline is happy for you to travel, you will be covered by your insurance policy.

Things to look out for include: whether your insurer would allow you to cancel a holiday and claim your money back if you discover you are pregnant after you book but before you travel, how far into pregnancy your insurer will cover you, and whether the policy includes enhanced medical cover.

And, while it might sound obvious, remember to check that your policy will cover you for both your outward and inward journey - for example, if you plan to leave the country when you are 27 weeks pregnant and return at 29 weeks, your insurance may not be valid for part of your trip.

Is there anything I need to remember while flying?

If you fly while you are pregnant, it's more important than ever to look after yourself while you are in the air. So, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and move around the aircraft when possible to stretch your legs.

You should also position your seatbelt so that it sits just under your bump when flying and pack some items in your hand luggage such as a blanket or travel pillow to keep yourself as comfortable as possible.

Finally, remember that there is a small risk of pregnant women developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when travelling on long-distance flights, so minimise the chance of this happening by doing calf exercises on the flight, wearing compression stockings, wearing loose fitting clothing and drinking plenty of water. 

What about my health while I am away?

As you are more likely to need medical attention while you are pregnant, it is sensible to take copies of any medical documents you have with you on your holiday.

And, if you are travelling to Europe, make sure you have an up-to-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it will cover you for routine maternity care as well the cost of medical treatment for you and the baby if a birth was to happen unexpectedly. However, what you are covered for will vary from country to country, so check the regulations in your destination before you travel.

While you are away, it is also important to think carefully about what you eat and drink to avoid stomach upsets.

How soon after giving birth can I travel?

Depending on your airline's terms and conditions and the delivery method of your baby, new mothers have to wait between two and 10 days before they can fly.

Whether you're trying to keep rampaging toddlers under control or attempting to satisfy incumbent surly teens, family holidays can be a tricky, and sometimes expensive, venture. But picking the ideal location, suitable to a variety of childish tastes, a perfect, stress free holiday experience that everyone will enjoy can be achieved.

Spain

A favourite with family vacationers for decades now, there is more to Spain than the tourist strewn Costa's. Northern Spain, in areas such as Cantabria and Galicia offers far more quiet beaches, beautiful landscapes, amazing wildlife and a ton of family friendly activities such as horse riding and walking tours.

If you fancy being a little more active, head to the glorious Picos de Europa mountain range for a family activity holiday incorporating mountain biking, canoeing, climbing and much more. A good night's sleep is guaranteed. Or for something completely different, how about a donkey guided tour through the stunning Castile region of central Spain, where the only problem will be wanting to cram your beloved four-legged companion into your suitcase to take home.

France

Brittany has a huge number of fun things to keep frisky kids distracted. Les Balneides is both a go-kart and water-park, while Cobac Park features a whole host of thrilling rides. The region also has zoos, aquariums and beach clubs to keep the nippers busy.

If you are feeling a little more sedate, then head into Southern Normandy and rent your very own family-sized treehouse in the idyllic La Renardière garden.

And let's not overlook the obvious. Paris may be thought of as the capital of love and art, but kids can have fun there too. Don't forget Disneyland Paris is right on the doorstep.~

Great Britain

If you have a nature- loving nipper cluttering up the house, then a farm-based vacation in the Devon, Cornwall or Somerset countryside might be perfect for them.

As well as revelling in the glorious rolling hills of England, you get to bottle feed lambs, milk cows and groom horses. Want something to satisfy everyone? Head to Edinburgh for the month long summer festival, with music, traditional dancing, comedy, film, theatre and much more. Plus the magnificent castle is there all the year around.

Camping doesn't have to be a soggy fortnight under damp canvas in a field. Try a spot of 'glamping' or camping with a few luxurious touches. Haven have camping sites all around the UK and offer accommodation in yurts or luxury safari tents.

Croatia

With its stunning stretches of coastline and incredible history, Croatia has undergone a vacation transformation in recent years. And with its many islands and resorts, you can find something to satisfy even the most truculent teen.

Have a hankering for some adventure? Try a white water rafting and canoeing holiday on the Cetina River, with a cycle through the Croatian countryside and a day in Split thrown in. The newly renovated Hotel Vespera on the island of Losinj sits right on serene blue-green ocean and offers a variety of water based attractions for the little ones plus babysitting facilities and playgrounds.

If you want to throw a little education into the mix, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trogir, a historic 'museum' city with masses of historical sites and cultural delights.

Italy

If you've just had your wee one and you're already in need of a break, how about a Tuscan yoga retreat, with the focus on fitness and relaxation. They'll even look after the baby while you try a spot of Pilates.

If you are in the mood to splash out and possibly engage in a spot of people watching, one of the top celebrity family locations is the Forte Village in stunning Sardinia. This five-star resort offers the best of everything, but be warned. It ain't cheap.

Slightly more manageable financially and perfect for those fantasising about the cowboy life is the Umbrian La Casella Hotel, featuring a variety of equestrian activities, plus swimming, archery and even a beauty parlour to keep the parental units happy.

Check out more family holiday deals from TravelSupermarket.