Where are the best destinations for a family holiday?
If you are thinking of taking a memorable break with all the family, then we are here to help.
Finding the right holiday destination which will meet the needs of the grandparents, parents and of course the junior members of the family can be quite the task, but if you are looking for the ideal places to enjoy a family holiday, you are certainly in the right place.
A multi-generational family holiday can be an ideal opportunity to give you all some quality time together, however, a ‘3G holiday’ does require an element of consideration when it comes to planning.
Adhering to a wide range of ages and interests can be a challenge, so it’s super important to manage expectations and to be a smidge flexible when it comes to delivering a stress-free family holiday with different generations of the family.
From culture and outdoor activities to relaxation and fun, here are some fantastic travel ideas that will allow the grandparents to enjoy their time away just as much as the little ones.
One of the main benefits of taking a multigenerational trip where three or more generations enjoy a family holiday together is that not only can you share costs (which can provide a more luxurious experience) as well as pooling resources, but it’s also an ideal opportunity to reconnect and create incredible shared memories for every family member.
Dorset
Head on down to Thomas Hardy country for a staycation with rustic style, Dorset is one of the prettiest counties in the whole of England.
Home to the glitzy neighbourhood Sandbanks, the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast and of course Brownsea Island with its magnificent red squirrels.
There are so many things to see and do in this glorious county whether you favour hiking, cycling, paddle boarding or sailing. You can even go see some monkeys at the ever-popular Monkey World!
Dorset has a plethora of incredible beaches to enjoy, for a fun family beach day out, why not head over to Swanage where you can enjoy a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, ice cream stalls, amusements and more.
Australia
From the diverse cities of Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, Australia is one of the most exciting places for a multi-generational family holiday.
With its staggering natural beauty and laidback lifestyle, Australia is the perfect playground for families of all ages.
Whether you are a foodie, wine aficionado, adventurer, culture vulture or even a history buff, there’s no end of places to create those special family holiday memories in Australia.
From taking a peek at the Sydney Opera House to going whale spotting at Fraser Island, your ‘to do’ list will be chock-full of awe-inspiring things to do.
Wildlife fans simply have to make a pitstop to Rottnest Island which is off the coast of Perth.
Here you can witness the delightful spectacle that is one of Australia’s indigenous animals – the humble but very cute quokka!
This wallaby-like marsupial has garnered the reputation as the world’s happiest animal and it won’t fail to put a smile on your face.
For city slickers who also love the beach, the stunning city of Sydney offers culture in abundance with coastal adventures to boot!
Sydney is a great choice for foodies on a family holiday and has a wealth of restaurants serving up a myriad of cuisines.
From its world-class museums (most of which are absolutely child-friendly) and capacity for outdoor adventure, Australia’s capital Canberra is a superb choice for an unforgettable family holiday too.
Canary Islands
Across its eight islands, the Canary Islands are an ideal place for a multi-generational family holiday.
With its breathtaking natural beauty and year-round sunshine, this amazing archipelago is a fantastic family holiday destination for all members of your brood.
With an average flight time of just 4.5 hours from the UK, it’s no wonder that the Canary Island remains such a popular destination with the UK market.
From its dramatic and almost otherworldly landscapes, its vibrant culture and of course, its dazzling beaches, the Canary Islands have almost shaken off their reputation as just a place to merely fly-and-flop!
But, which Canary Island should you pick?
Action lovers will love the excellent water sports and the mesmerising landscape of Fuerteventura which includes some of the best beaches you’ll find in the Canary Islands.
Nature lovers will adore the stunning terrain of Gran Canaria and for members of the family who love to spend their family holiday on two wheels.
Or why not consider Tenerife which offers a great selection of cycling routes for all capabilities?
It also offers a delicious foodie scene where you can tuck into a memorable family meal once you have worked up an appetite.
Thailand
The allure of Thailand and in particular the city of Bangkok is second-to-none and regardless of the generation levels, a Thai family holiday is ideal for curious minds and adventurers alike.
As well as being exceptionally beautiful, Thailand offers a range of family-friendly activities which can meet the needs of all family members.
From spotting wildlife in Khao Yai National Park or visiting an elephant sanctuary to enjoying water sports or taking a Thai cooking class.
With stunning islands like Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi and more, if your intention is to escape the city to enjoy the coastal charms of Thailand, you won’t leave disappointed.
Thailand offers so much for all ages – whether your priority is adventure, exciting wildlife, shopping until you drop, fascinating culture, incredible food or just simply a brilliant beach holiday, every corner of Thailand is ideal for a family holiday.
The Caribbean
If there’s one place guaranteed to bridge any generation gap it’s the Caribbean.
Made up of more than 700 islands, reefs, and cays, the Caribbean is an ideal destination for a family holiday, especially a multi-generational holiday.
When it comes to family holidays and in particular multi-generational family holidays, the hotels and resorts of the Caribbean have not just taken notice but they have created a fantastic selection of Caribbean family holidays that suit all members of the family.
For the grandparents who love adventure, there are endless possibilities.
From hiking and water sports to horse riding and simply playing on the beach, there’s never been a better way to keep the grandchildren busy than with a sunshine-filled family holiday.
But, which Caribbean island is best for you? How does the Dominican Republic sound to you? Those powdery white stretches and azure lapping waters are made for making those all-important sand castles and a paddle or two!
If relaxation is on the cards, then the laid-back charm of St Lucia or the highly appealing Barbados could both be fantastic contenders for a family holiday to the Caribbean.
Want to think pink, head on over to visit the flamingos on the beaches of Aruba, but make sure you take time to say ‘Aye Aye captain!’ and have a swashbuckling ride on the Jolly Roger pirate ship whilst in Aruba too!
Grenada
What can we say about glorious Grenada?
As Caribbean islands go, it’s certainly high on any couples list for the best honeymoon destinations.
The spice island is a safe bet for tropical greatness and as you gaze upon the stunning pristine white beaches, fairy-tale-esque jungle-clad waterfalls and the aquamarine lapping waves, you will feel like you are an entire universe away from the UK.
With an impressive selection of honeymoon-friendly resorts and hotels to choose from, whatever your budget you can fully expect a luxurious and world-class honeymoon.
An ideal honeymoon destination for lovers of water sports, the calm and warm waters of Grenada are perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling and lots more.
If an aquatic adventure isn’t quite hitting the spot, then never fear there’s still plenty of fun to be had in Grenada.
From immersing yourself in nature to exploring the cultural and historical sights of this delightful island, this island nation is so much more than just lazy beach days and evening rum cocktails.
Florida
Whilst the myriad of theme parks in and around the Orlando area all make for a great choice when it comes to enjoying a family holiday, there’s so much more to the sunshine state than just Mickey and Minnie.
From its stunning beaches to the fantastic wildlife, if you are looking for one of the best places for a family holiday, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Florida.
Whether you are the family that loves to shop, get on the water or even hit the golf course, you won’t be short of things to do.
Florida is THE state to charm all generations when it comes to a family holiday and it’s certainly garnered its chops to excite both adults and children alike thanks to the humongous list of exciting things to do in Florida.
Of course, you won’t venture very far when it comes to running out of things to do in Orlando.
You have theme parks, magical kingdoms and other memory-making spots where all your dreams really can come true!
Dubai
Yes, Dubai holidays conjure up an image of sipping a delicious cocktail poolside whilst you gaze upon the glittering skyline of Dubai, you are absolutely right, but you will be missing out on so much that this intriguing destination has to offer.
When it comes to a family holiday, Dubai is a multi-faceted destination that is a compelling choice for visitors of all ages thanks to its excellent variety of diverse attractions and experiences for all members of the family.
From a sunset camel trek followed by camping under the stars at a traditional Bedouin camp to jet skiing under the stars in the marina, but it’s not just about those Dubai evenings, there’s so much fun to be had during the day too!
For the family members who adore a slice of action, you can take your pick from quad biking and sand boarding so that you can amp up those adrenaline credentials.
For a slower pace of life, kids big and small will love exciting excursions such as being a zoo keeper for the afternoon at The Green Planet which is an indoor tropical bio-dome which has more than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds, this green oasis is a sanctuary of exotic flora and fauna.
Disneyland Paris
Say bonjour to the world of Disney in Paris! What could be more exciting than a trip to the French capital?
A trip to Disneyland Paris of course!
Planning a family holiday trip to Disneyland Paris is a big deal, especially if it’s your first visit, a special occasion or budgeting means you’ll only ever go once.
A multi-generational family holiday to Disney whether this is in Paris, America or in Asia (which includes Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong) can be truly magical for children, parents and indeed grandparents.
One thing you simply must do when hanging out with your Disney faves is to visit the restaurant Walt’s where you will be treated to the most special meal any Disney aficionado could dream of!
A particular highlight is the impressive selection of Walt Disney memorabilia that adorns the walls of Walt’s. Try and grab a table upstairs by the window where you can enjoy unrivalled access to watch the Main Street parade.
It can be a smidge pricey, but you can certainly enjoy eating here if you are on a budget thanks to their set menu where you can take advantage of Walt’s experience without worrying about the bill.
Spain
From the cities to the Costas, Spain is made for a family holiday and in particular a multi-generational family holiday to boot.
If you are looking for something more than just hitting the beach or exploring the city, you can find a great selection of family-friendly activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, and so much more.
Footie fans will adore a sojourn to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona where you can enjoy a tour around their respective football grounds such as Camp Nou.
If you are a family of Game of Thrones fans, make sure you make a pit stop to the intriguing city of Girona which is located just an hour from Barcelona and it’s most certainly worth a visit as there are several filming locations from GoT to be found.
Looking for a Spanish island escape, of course you have the likes of Majorca which is an ideal destination for a family holiday for all ages.
This balearic beauty offers great beaches, delicious food and best of all, you can be there in less than three hours flight time.
If the Balearic islands tick all the boxes, choose from Menorca, Formentera and of course Ibiza which is surprisingly child-friendly.
Turkey
In-the-know families know that the Turkish Riviera makes for an excellent choice when it comes to a family holiday.
Warm weather – tick! Delicious food – tick! Amazing beaches – tick! The enduring appeal of the Turquoise Coast also gets further amplified thanks to how the resorts and hotels cater for those on a family holiday.
Junior members of the family will love meeting new friends on their holiday. The kids clubs are almost like a resort within a resort and their days will be jam packed with cool activities like climbing, archery, swimming pool escapades, arts and crafts and of course disco dancing!
From the Olympos Bey Coastal National Park in Antalya to the magnificent relics and ruins of Marmaris, you will truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a family holiday in Turkey.
Or why not check out both destinations for an unforgettable holiday you and your family will never forget!
Prefer a city break? You simply have to add Istanbul to your list of destinations for a family holiday that offers so much.
As the cultural epicentre of Turkey, Istanbul delivers on all levels when it comes to history, culture, food and more.
Greece
From the Acropolis in Athens to the Aegean islands, we can’t help but think that despite the allure of the city, you can’t beat the Greek islands for a getaway.
It is evident that Greece is most definitely the word when it comes to a fabulous family holiday!
You can find family-friendly resorts and hotels across all the Greek islands.
From the stunning beaches of Crete to the wonderful selection of family-run tavernas which serve up some of the best Greek food you will ever eat to donning your fins and snorkelling in Kos, the only question that should be on your mind is which Greek Island is best for your family holiday?!
As a great all-rounder, Corfu offers so many exciting and interesting things to do as well as stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery, but there’s also a lot more to this picturesque isle than just its charming looks.
If a lush walk is always on the cards, then you will love the hiking routes that are scattered all over the island of Corfu.
There are a huge number of different walks that cater for different abilities and you can even use it as an opportunity to take in some of the island’s top-notch attractions and landmarks too!
Dorset
Head on down to Thomas Hardy country for a staycation with rustic style, Dorset is one of the prettiest counties in the whole of England.
Home to the glitzy neighbourhood Sandbanks, the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast and of course Brownsea Island with its magnificent red squirrels.
There are so many things to see and do in this glorious county whether you favour hiking, cycling, paddle boarding or sailing.
You can even go see some monkeys at the ever-popular Monkey World!
Dorset has a plethora of incredible beaches to enjoy, for a fun family beach day out, why not head over to Swanage where you can enjoy a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, ice cream stalls, amusements and more.
Australia
From the diverse cities of Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, Australia is one of the most exciting places for a multi-generational family holiday.
With its staggering natural beauty and laidback lifestyle, Australia is the perfect playground for families of all ages.
Whether you are a foodie, wine aficionado, adventurer, culture vulture or even a history buff, there’s no end of places to create those special family holiday memories in Australia.
From taking a peek at the Sydney Opera House to going whale spotting at Fraser Island, your ‘to do’ list will be chock-full of awe-inspiring things to do.
Wildlife fans simply have to make a pitstop to Rottnest Island which is off the coast of Perth.
Here you can witness the delightful spectacle that is one of Australia’s indigenous animals – the humble but very cute quokka!
This wallaby-like marsupial has garnered the reputation as the world’s happiest animal and it won’t fail to put a smile on your face.
For city slickers who also love the beach, the stunning city of Sydney offers culture in abundance with coastal adventures to boot!
Sydney is a great choice for foodies on a family holiday and has a wealth of restaurants serving up a myriad of cuisines.
From its world-class museums (most of which are absolutely child-friendly) and capacity for outdoor adventure, Australia’s capital Canberra is a superb choice for an unforgettable family holiday too.
Canary Islands
Across its eight islands, the Canary Islands are an ideal place for a multi-generational family holiday.
With its breathtaking natural beauty and year-round sunshine, this amazing archipelago is a fantastic family holiday destination for all members of your brood.
With an average flight time of just 4.5 hours from the UK, it’s no wonder that the Canary Island remains such a popular destination with the UK market.
From its dramatic and almost otherworldly landscapes, its vibrant culture and of course, its dazzling beaches, the Canary Islands have almost shaken off their reputation as just a place to merely fly-and-flop!
But, which Canary Island should you pick? Action lovers will love the excellent water sports and the mesmerising landscape of Fuerteventura which includes some of the best beaches you’ll find in the Canary Islands.
Nature lovers will adore the stunning terrain of Gran Canaria and for members of the family who love to spend their family holiday on two wheels, then why not consider Tenerife which offers a great selection of cycling routes for all capabilities?
It also offers a delicious foodie scene where you can tuck into a memorable family meal once you have worked up an appetite.
Thailand
The allure of Thailand and in particular the city of Bangkok is second-to-none and regardless of the generation levels, a Thai family holiday is ideal for curious minds and adventurers alike.
As well as being exceptionally beautiful, Thailand offers a range of family-friendly activities which can meet the needs of all family members.
From spotting wildlife in Khao Yai National Park or visiting an elephant sanctuary to enjoying water sports or taking a Thai cooking class.
With stunning islands like Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi and more, if your intention is to escape the city to enjoy the coastal charms of Thailand, you won’t leave disappointed.
Thailand offers so much for all ages – whether your priority is adventure, exciting wildlife, shopping until you drop, fascinating culture, incredible food or just simply a brilliant beach holiday, every corner of Thailand is ideal for a family holiday.
The Caribbean
If there’s one place guaranteed to bridge any generation gap it’s the Caribbean.
Made up of more than 700 islands, reefs, and cays, the Caribbean is an ideal destination for a family holiday, especially a multi-generational holiday.
When it comes to family holidays and in particular multi-generational family holidays, the hotels and resorts of the Caribbean have not just taken notice but they have created a fantastic selection of Caribbean family holidays that suit all members of the family.
For the grandparents who love adventure, there are endless possibilities.
From hiking and water sports to horse riding and simply playing on the beach, there’s never been a better way to keep the grandchildren busy than with a sunshine-filled family holiday.
But, which Caribbean island is best for you?
How does the Dominican Republic sound to you? Those powdery white stretches and azure lapping waters are made for making those all-important sand castles and a paddle or two!
If relaxation is on the cards, then the laid-back charm of St Lucia or the highly appealing Barbados could both be fantastic contenders for a family holiday to the Caribbean.
If you want to think pink, head on over to visit the flamingos on the beaches of Aruba, but make sure you take time to say ‘Aye Aye captain!’ and have a swashbuckling ride on the Jolly Roger pirate ship whilst in Aruba too!
Florida
Whilst the myriad of theme parks in and around the Orlando area all make for a great choice when it comes to enjoying a family holiday, there’s so much more to the sunshine state than just Mickey and Minnie.
From its stunning beaches to the fantastic wildlife, if you are looking for one of the best places for a family holiday, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Florida.
Whether you are the family that loves to shop, get on the water or even hit the golf course, you won’t be short of things to do.
Florida is THE state to charm all generations when it comes to a family holiday and it’s certainly garnered its chops to excite both adults and children alike thanks to the humongous list of exciting things to do in Florida.
Of course, you won’t venture very far when it comes to running out of things to do in Orlando. You have theme parks, magical kingdoms and other memory-making spots where all your dreams really can come true!
Dubai
Yes, Dubai holidays conjure up an image of sipping a delicious cocktail poolside whilst you gaze upon the glittering skyline of Dubai, you are absolutely right, but you will be missing out on so much that this intriguing destination has to offer.
When it comes to a family holiday, Dubai is a multi-faceted destination that is a compelling choice for visitors of all ages thanks to its excellent variety of diverse attractions and experiences for all members of the family.
From a sunset camel trek followed by camping under the stars at a traditional Bedouin camp to jet skiing under the stars in the marina, but it’s not just about those Dubai evenings, there’s so much fun to be had during the day too!
For the family members who adore a slice of action, you can take your pick from quad biking and sand boarding so that you can amp up those adrenaline credentials.
For a slower pace of life, kids big and small will love exciting excursions such as being a zoo keeper for the afternoon at The Green Planet which is an indoor tropical bio-dome which has more than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds, this green oasis is a sanctuary of exotic flora and fauna.
It can be a smidge pricey, but you can certainly enjoy eating here if you are on a budget thanks to their set menu where you can take advantage of Walt’s experience without worrying about the bill.
Spain
From the cities to the Costas, Spain is made for a family holiday and in particular a multi-generational family holiday to boot.
If you are looking for something more than just hitting the beach or exploring the city, you can find a great selection of family-friendly activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, and so much more.
Footie fans will adore a sojourn to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona where you can enjoy a tour around their respective football grounds such as Camp Nou.
If you are a family of Game of Thrones fans, make sure you make a pit stop to the intriguing city of Girona which is located just an hour from Barcelona and it’s most certainly worth a visit as there are several filming locations from GoT to be found.
Looking for a Spanish island escape, of course you have the likes of Majorca which is an ideal destination for a family holiday for all ages.
This balearic beauty offers great beaches, delicious food and best of all, you can be there in less than three hours flight time.
If the Balearic islands tick all the boxes, choose from Menorca, Formentera and of course Ibiza which is surprisingly child-friendly.
Turkey
In-the-know families know that the Turkish Riviera makes for an excellent choice when it comes to a family holiday.
Warm weather – tick! Delicious food – tick! Amazing beaches – tick!
The enduring appeal of the Turquoise Coast also gets further amplified thanks to how the resorts and hotels cater for those on a family holiday.
Junior members of the family will love meeting new friends on their holiday.
The kids clubs are almost like a resort within a resort and their days will be jam packed with cool activities like climbing, archery, swimming pool escapades, arts and crafts and of course disco dancing!
From the Olympos Bey Coastal National Park in Antalya to the magnificent relics and ruins of Marmaris, you will truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a family holiday in Turkey.
Or why not check out both destinations for an unforgettable holiday you and your family will never forget!
Prefer a city break? You simply have to add Istanbul to your list of destinations for a family holiday that offers so much.
As the cultural epicentre of Turkey, Istanbul delivers on all levels when it comes to history, culture, food and more.
Greece
From the Acropolis in Athens to the Aegean islands, we can’t help but think that despite the allure of the city, you can’t beat the Greek islands for a getaway.
It is evident that Greece is most definitely the word when it comes to a fabulous family holiday!
You can find family-friendly resorts and hotels across all the Greek islands.
From the stunning beaches of Crete to the wonderful selection of family-run tavernas which serve up some of the best Greek food you will ever eat to donning your fins and snorkelling in Kos, the only question that should be on your mind is which Greek Island is best for your family holiday?!
As a great all-rounder, Corfu offers so many exciting and interesting things to do as well as stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery, but there’s also a lot more to this picturesque isle than just its charming looks.
If a lush walk is always on the cards, then you will love the hiking routes that are scattered all over the island of Corfu.
There are a huge number of different walks that cater for different abilities and you can even use it as an opportunity to take in some of the island’s top-notch attractions and landmarks too!
