Planning a family holiday can be a balancing act—finding a destination that caters to every generation, energy level and interest. Whether you’re dreaming of barefoot breakfasts by the sea, introducing little ones to lions on the savannah or simply craving some unhurried time together, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to meaningful escapes.
We’ve previously explored boutique hotels in Europe that welcome families with style and substance, and shared family-friendly things to do in Barcelona. But what about those bigger picture ideas—the types of trips that stay with you long after the plane ride home?
Here’s a round-up of family holidays worth planning for—designed to inspire everything from laid-back luxury to bold outdoor adventures, wherever you are in the world.
Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean
For families craving sunshine and simplicity, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean remain a reliable go-to. Islands like St. Lucia, Antigua, and Mauritius blend laid-back beach life with luxury resorts designed for all generations. Think shallow turquoise bays ideal for paddling, colourful marine life for young snorkellers, and adults-only corners for rare moments of calm.
Resorts here often feature thoughtfully run kids’ clubs, giving young travellers the chance to connect and explore while parents slip off for a quiet dinner by the sea. From beach barbecues at dusk to morning yoga with a gentle sea breeze, there’s a rhythm to island life that brings the whole family into sync. Resorts such as Ifuru Island Maldives offer focused family adventure packages.
African Wildlife Safaris
An African safari promises one of the most unforgettable experiences a family can share. In Kenya, South Africa, Botswana or Tanzania, family-friendly lodges are designed with comfort, safety and immersion in mind. Guided game drives allow children to see wildlife in its natural habitat—imagine the joy of spotting a giraffe for the first time, or hearing a lion’s call echo across the plains.
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It’s also an opportunity to learn. Many lodges incorporate conservation and storytelling into their activities, offering deeper context to the experience. These aren’t just photo ops—they’re powerful, shared moments that can spark lifelong curiosity about the natural world.
Remote Destinations to Get Away from it All
For those looking to disconnect in style, remote destinations like Norway’s Lofoten Islands or the Maldives offer two very different but equally restorative retreats. The Maldives is the picture of overwater luxury—snorkelling straight from your villa, boat trips to uninhabited islands, and sandcastle sessions on private shores.
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The Lofoten Islands, on the other hand, are all dramatic peaks, glassy fjords and cinematic skies. Ideal for families with older children, the region invites kayaking, hiking, or simply soaking in the scenery. Whichever way you go, these far-flung escapes offer a precious pause from the pace of everyday life.
Adventure Holidays in the UK
You don’t need to fly far to find adventure. Across 15 national parks in the UK, family travel takes on a distinctly local flavour. In the Lake District, Cornwall or the Cairngorms, activities like kayaking, wild swimming, cycling or rock climbing come wrapped in heritage-rich landscapes.
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Accommodation ranges from rustic cottages to luxury family-friendly hotels, and self-guided bike tours or wildlife trails add a flexible, hands-on layer to the experience. For a trip that combines discovery with comfort, the UK holds plenty of surprising options.
