With restrictions officially having lifted here in the UK, and the rest of Europe gradually following suit and opening back up, we finally have the flexibility to start thinking about travelling overseas for half-terms, long-weekends and the summer holidays!
Travelling with families can be expensive, and it’s often hard to pinpoint the best locations to suit children of varying ages as well as you. So we’ve done some of the work for you and rounded up a handful of our favourite, affordable destinations to keep your family happy and entertained, and allow you some much needed ‘me time’!
BEST FOR YOUNG FAMILIES: Paris, France
Paris is a great location for families with young children, not least because of how close it is.
While flying only takes an hour and is super easy, we’d definitely recommend taking the Eurostar across, as the journey is still fast but it brings you right into the city, so there’s no need for a hire car or expensive taxis from an airport.
Equally, driving has its perks as you could travel overnight or first thing in the morning to allow your kids to sleep for the bulk of the journey but parking in Paris does not come cheap and can set you back by around 40EUR a day.
Once you’re there, we recommend staying in the (aptly named) Mama Shelter. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly hotel and room rates are very reasonable. They have hotels to both the East and West of Paris, and also offer free parking if you were to drive.
Should you want to slip away for a quiet dinner and some ‘grown up time’, they also have babysitting and activities for kids available.
Sea Life Centre
Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Day trip to Disneyland
Day trip to Versailles
Explore the Louvre
Sit and watch the world go by with pastries on the Seine
You can find out more about the latest travel, Covid and entry requirements for Paris here.
BEST FOR TEENS: Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is the perfect place to visit if you’re heading overseas with older children and teens. The flight is only 3 hours 40 minutes and once you arrive, you’re pretty much guaranteed warm weather.
Couple that with souks, camel riding and quad biking in the desert all nearby, and you’re onto a winner - a destination that will be truly memorable and with no shortage of activities.
If you’re after something a little more peaceful and remote, then Hotel Riu Tikida Palmeraie is a great location. However, if you’re happy to be in the hub and the buzz of the city then somewhere like Riad Jona is both affordable, beautiful and gives you some real atmosphere. It’s also walking-distance from the Menara should you want to venture into the square in the evenings.
Many Riads and hotels offer hammam spa experiences and many can also arrange for henna artists to come to your accommodation, so your kids are well entertained while you enjoy a little adult R&R time.
You can find out more about the latest travel, Covid and entry requirements for Marrakech here.
BEST FOR SOME ME-TIME: Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece
Based in Halkidiki, Greece, Sani Resort is surrounded by crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, and it is hugely popular among families, not least because of the multitude of unique activities it has on offer.
For children aged 4 months to 3 years, there’s a creche on-site, so you can enjoy ‘me time’ as needed. There’s also a kids’ club for children under 12, and a teen’s club for ages 12-17, each with fun classes and activities available so everyone can keep plenty busy and make the most of their trip.
The hotel complex is made up of five hotels, including Porto Sani, Sani Beach and Sani Club, with some even offering a free stay for 2 children up to 12 years old!
You can find out more about the latest travel, Covid and entry requirements for Greece here.
BEST FOR SHORT WEEKENDS:
For a shorter trip or long weekend, we also love:
Salzburg, Austria
This destination may sound a bit unexpected but in the Spring / Summer, Salzburg is wonderful for a short break. Visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, soak up some history at the Hebrun Castle and Salzburg Cathedral, and hark back to your youth on the Sound of Music tour.
You can find out more about the latest travel, Covid and entry requirements for Austria here.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Getting to Amsterdam is a mere 45 minute flight away from London, so a great and easy destination for a mini break. Wander along the canals with a stroopwafel in hand, rent a bicycle for the day and head out to Marken, visit the tulip gardens, galleries and museums or have a picnic in Vondelpark. Come winter, there’s also beautiful Christmas markets, so there’s plenty to fill a weekend away year-round!
You can find out more about the latest travel, Covid and entry requirements for The Netherlands here.
Rome, Italy
You don’t need us to tell you that Rome is packed full of history and is a wonderful destination for families - the cuisine is pretty family-friendly and the city is awash with plenty to keep the imagination firing and engaged. From exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum, to bike riding in Villa Borghese and indulging in gelatos in Piazza Navona, there’s so much to see and do in this city. A word to the wise - summer months can get too hot so we’d recommend going between April - June or September - October when it’s a little cooler.
You can find out more about the latest travel, Covid and entry requirements for Rome here.
The real question is, with so many possibilities now back open, which destination will you go to first?