Pre-school families
If your little ones are pre-school age, you’ll likely have the luxury of travelling outside of term time, giving you more freedom to travel as and when you like. For sun, sea, sand and summer holiday fun, book your family on 5 star all inclusive holidays on the beach, perhaps escaping to the Indian Ocean or the South Pacific; we have handpicked many of the best hotels for kids in places like Mauritius and Fiji.
These exciting great kids’ clubs and a range of activities to keep the children happy while you indulge in the spa or read that book you’ve been saving.
Young families
For families with school-aged children, there’s nothing like a bit of adventure. Why not take your troop on an African family safari to see the Big Five on a game drive? Or, visit the Middle East for waterpark thrills, fascinating culture, poolside sun and luxury family hotels. If you really want to bring those history lessons to life, head to China to see the Great Wall.
Or head across the Atlantic and find out why the USA is considered one of the best family holiday destinations in the world. You’ll find everything from theme parks and museums to stunning wilderness areas. A motorhome holiday across the USA and Canada is a great idea for families: see wonderful landscapes and iconic sites as you take the kids on a road trip they’ll never forget.
Older families
Travelling with hard-to-please teenagers? A paradise all-inclusive holiday could be the answer: with something to suit everyone, from watersports and luxury spas to first-class restaurants and deep-sea diving, what’s not to love?
The Maldives won’t disappoint thanks to its unbelievable beaches and serene snorkelling, and each island has its own quirks to make your stay truly memorable. Or, treat the kids to a holiday in Dubai where the shopping, architecture and theme parks are bound to thrill.
Thailand is perfect for a multi-centre holiday, combining two or more destinations, and the USA is a great choice too: island hop around Hawaii, sightsee in New York or tour the Californian coast to see even more in one trip. A ranch holiday in Arizona or Texas is also a great option and the perfect way to appreciate the great outdoors with the whole family.
Family multi-centre holidays
Too old for kids club and bored by museums, but limited attention span for days spent on the beach? Need to keep everyone happy without compromising? With the perfect family multicentre holiday, even your hard-to-please teenagers will thank you for it. With a tailormade multicentre trip, you’ll get to enjoy the best of all worlds; from relaxing on the beach and snorkelling with turtles and tropical fish one day, to exploring the iconic cities they’ve previously only seen in films.
If time is on your side, plan the ultimate adventure and island hop on your Hawaii holiday for the perfect blend of sun, sea and surf, or tour China and Japan to experience some Far Eastern culture and to challenge their taste buds.
A short city stopover is also a great way to break up the long journey to your Indian Ocean holiday. Or, if you’re heading to your California trip for a thrill-fuelled theme park break, first visit New York for a family shopping spree, bag some bargains and see a play on Broadway.
Our favourite destinations on luxury holidays for families
USA
Book a family holiday in the USA and enjoy this vibrant, varied destination. Spend a few days at one of the many huge theme parks, before indulging in some shopping in Miami, LA or New York. Head to the national parks and see some incredible animals, as well as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, beautiful lakes and lots more. Try horse riding treks in the mountains or head to the coast for some lively Watersports.
Far East
Immerse your family in a new culture with our range of holidays to the Far East. Head to Thailand for a chance to see elephants in the north, as well as lively shops in Bangkok and beautiful beaches on the islands. See some incredible animals in the Philippines, or head to Vietnam for relaxed beaches where active children can try the Watersports on offer, or make the most of Kids’ Clubs.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean offers the perfect setting for a relaxed family holiday where you can spend days on soft white sands. Little ones can take their first paddle in the clear, calm shallows of the sea, while older children will love the snorkelling and scuba diving trips. Take a glass bottomed boat tour to see the underwater world, or head to Sri Lanka for vibrant culture and the chance to see elephants.
Africa
Our selection of family-friendly safari holidays is ideal for those with older children wanting to experience the holiday of a lifetime. See the Big Five or the migration of millions of wildebeests in Kenya or Tanzania before relaxing in the beautiful island of Zanzibar. See the huge aquarium in Cape Town in South Africa or take the children to meet the penguins at Boulders Beach.
Middle East
The Middle East is well known as an adventure playground for both adults and children. Dubai is home to fantastic mega-malls where you can try indoor skiing and visit extensive aquariums, with the Wild Wadi Waterpark ideal for active families. Explore the deserts in Abu Dhabi or take a boat trip and try surfing in exotic Oman.
Top family hotels
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Atlantis The Palm
Grand Mirage Resort and Thalasso
Azura Benguerra Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Which destinations are perfect for families with young children?
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for family holidays with young children. See elephants or relax on beaches, while the friendly locals are sure to make your little ones feel welcome and at home. The national parks offer a chance to see elephants and even leopards in the wild.
If you’re looking for a combination of nature, lively cities and family-friendly beach resorts, we recommend Thailand. The cuisine is ideal for fussy little ones, while there are plenty of all-inclusive hotels where they can make new friends and try lots of activities.
Where should I go on my family holiday?
There are some fantastic family holiday destinations to choose from. For theme parks, spectacular natural sights in the national parks, and even a chance to see a working ranch, visit the USA. If you prefer to enjoy all the activities you can dream of right at your fingertips, visit Dubai where you’ll find Wild Wadi Waterpark, an adventure playground on Kite Beach, and a desert to explore.
For all-inclusive family holidays, Mexico is home to beautiful beaches and hotels with plenty of activities, including Kids’ Clubs and Watersports. The Underwater Museum is a must, while adventure parks are ideal for ziplining and lots more. If you prefer to enjoy a safari with your family, book one of our family safaris in Kenya.
Which destinations do you recommend for families with teens?
Once your children reach a certain age it’s a great time to book a long-haul family holiday. Long flight times are no longer a problem, while they’re starting to become interested in other cultures and people, making it a great time to start exploring the world.
Head to New York for lively activities, cool neighbourhoods and some excellent shopping, while vibrant LA offers a chance to immerse yourselves in laid-back Venice Beach or celebrity spot in the hills. Australia and Oman are ideal for those wanting to soak up a new culture, with excellent opportunities for surfing as well. Teens will also love safari holidays, including South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia.
More exciting luxury family holiday ideas on our blog
Have a browse through our blog, where you will find more ideas for tailor made family holiday packages recommended by our team. Their extensive travel and trip planning experience will be invaluable in putting together your perfect family break.
Why choose Hayes & Jarvis for Family Holidays?
At Hayes & Jarvis our experience spans over 60 countries and 65 years, allowing us to help you choose the perfect holiday for your family. Whether you’re travelling with fussy little ones or want to show your teens something completely new, book with us and we’ll help you plan your holiday from start to finish. We understand holidays are about creating lifelong memories, and our expertise will help you do just that.
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