Top 10 Family Destinations
The results of a survey carried out by Travel Weekly to hundreds of travel professionals across the UK, the top 10 destinations in several categories has been compiled; the following are the 10 best detinations for families. The results draw from not only professional expertise but feedback from customers. So which would you choose for your next family holiday, let us know and we'll plan it for you at no extra cost.
Source: Travel Weekly
Constance Hotels Mauritius
When you have the Costa Del Sol, Majorca and the Canaries to tempt families with then you are a sure to win this category. Spain ticks so many of the "must have" boxes, good range of regional departures, short cheap flights, good value hotels, water parks and sun but not really so hot it'll frazzle young skins.
The mainland and the Balearics dominate in summer but in winter Tenerife, Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands come to the fore so kids can splash around in the sea and on the slides at places like Siam Park even during the Christmas holidays.
2. USA
Florida dominates for British families visiting the US. Orlando rules the roost especially for younger kids with Disney, Universal and Sea World parks creating worlds of fun. Beaches are excellent too from Fort Lauderdale to the Gulf Coast resorts with their fine white sand.
Accommodation options are super flexible with family friendly hotels and apartment complexes alongside villas with private pools. As kids get older all sorts of American dreams can be made possible from little city slickers in the Big Apple to being cowboys on the Texas Dude Ranch.
3. Turkey
Turkey built its reputation as a family destination on the basis of value for money hotels and regional flight access and this formula still applies but it's family product has taken leaps and bounds up market in recent years.
All inclusive properties offer family rooms and a huge range of facilities from a funfair at Royal Wings Lara to Liberty Hotels Lykia's waterpark. Maxx Royal Belek has all of the above plus a Dinosaur Land and the kids club with a row of mini cinemas showing movies in different languages simultaneously
4. Greece
5. Portugal
In Greece, families who like action do best on the larger islands such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Zante, where there are busy resorts and water parks alongside the large family friendly hotels.
Notable addresses are to be found on the mainland too, particularly in Halkidiki where we can book the four-hotel Sani Resort and two new all-inclusive resorts from Ikos Resorts. Families who likes things a little quieter and pick up villa with a private pool in a small town. Both benefit from a good regional flight connections.
The Algarve's balmy 30° temperatures have made it a perennial favourite with families, weather for a bargain break in Albufiera or something upmarket further along the coast towards Faro.
Maybe at the Conrad Algarve which open three years ago in the Quinta do Lago with the "Little C Palace" for kids and a Michelin starred restaurant for parents. For older kids, the surf breaks of the silver coast may hold more appeal.
6. Mauritius
When those who had honeymoon in Mauritius started having kids, they didn't want to stop visiting their favourite island. It doesn't hurt that Mauritius's low season pricing coincides with the summer school holidays, so families can be surprised by what they can afford.
Hotel brands, from the local, such as Attitude, Beachcomber, and Veranda, to the international including One&Only, have excellent kids clubs.
7. Cyprus
The Cypriots fondness for children is renowned, and shortish flights and a long season of sunshine mean the destination is suitable for Whitsun and October holidays as well as high summer.
Innovations such as Thanos Hotels' "Baby-Go-Lightly" packs suit those travelling with tiny tots. Kids love hotels with water parks such as Louis Phaethon Beach and the whole family can appreciate the range of facilities at the Sensatori Aphrodite Hills.
8. Dubai
Dubai took childish desires into account when it was purpose-building it's holiday playground. Parents should choose a hotel with family or interconnecting rooms on the sand with its own waterparks.
Perhaps Atlantis the Palm on Palm Island or Jumeriah Beach Hotel on Jumeriah beach. Adults and older teens can enjoy retail therapy in the vast malls while kids thrill at the attractions within them, from Ski Dubai with it's indoor slopes to the careers themed KidZania
9. Mexico
The flight duration may be fairly substantial, but with its excellent value and reliable sunshine, Mexico's Caribbean coast is an ideal playground for families with all the kids.
All-inclusive packages are common. Cancun has a lively night life for the older teens and there's plenty of water and fun at the parks such as Xel-Ha and Xcaret
10. UK
Okay, the weather may be unpredictable, but those who stay in the facility rich parks including the likes of Haven, Butlins and Hoseasons can find things to do come rain or shine with indoor pools and slides plus outdoor fun.
For advice on these or any other destination you want to experience, let us help you plan it. Our expertise is FREE to you and we know the secrets in the small details that'll make or break your holiday that you simply won't find purely online.
