Travelling with family can be exhausting. It might feel impossible sometimes to cater to everyone's interests whether that be the little ones who are looking forward to the excitement of the beach or the pool, older relatives who want to get stuck in with history, or party animal teenagers who want some explosive night life on their vacation to keep them occupied.
Well we're here to tell you that it's not impossible, and in fact there are many destinations that fit the bill of being exciting and enriching escapes for the whole family, whether you're planning on flying as a single parent and child, or a large group.
Below, I'll outline my top 5, and why I think they make extraordinary getaways for the whole family.
Tarragona is a fantastic destination in Spain, with a ton to see and do, with each corner of a tourists itinerary densely packed with exciting activities.
Tarragona is situated on the sunny shores of the Balearic Sea with no shortage of beautiful swimming and sunbathing spots open to the public. This is the perfect spot to drop off your family members seeking a bit of R&R on the coast for their vacation.
Got a thrill-seeker in your party? Tarragona is home to the world famous PortAventura World! One of Europe's best theme parks with state of the art roller coasters, water slides and live shows. This park is an absolute must visit for the adventurers in your family.
Tarragona is easily accessible by plane. The nearest airport is Reus Airport, which is located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the city centre. There are also regular trains and buses from Barcelona to Tarragona and vice versa (in case you fancy a day trip). Airlines such as Jet2, TUI, Air Nostrum, Smartwings and more fly seasonally into Reus from a variety of cities around Europe, which are accessible to the rest of the world via a connecting flight through either London, Porto or Palma De Mallorca. Alternative Airlines can help you find the best prices on flights to Tarragona.
Orlando is the perfect destination for families, because it offers just about everything. Thrills, fascinations, and night life.
Those with an affinity for space can start with a day trip to Cape Canaveral, visiting the Kennedy Space Centre. Tour the site and see the best of human engineering exploring the space museum attached. Your family will leave with a new appreciation of the mysteries of space.
Of course, no trip to Orlando would be complete without visiting the major theme parks in the city: Universal Studios Orlando and the Walt Disney Parks. These wonderlands of entertainment will bring out the whimsy in your family no matter their age. Nothing beats the thrill of the runaway train or the expansive selections of thrill rides themed around all your favourite media properties!
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the easiest airport in the city to fly into. It's the most convenient option for most travellers, as it's closest to Orlando's theme parks (including Walt Disney World) and attractions, as well as International Drive, an area where many hotels are located. Many airlines fly into Orlando from airports around the world. Carriers such as Frontier Airlines or Southwest Airlines offer a wide variety of domestic flights. If you are coming internationally then Norse Atlantic, Emirates and Discover Airlines offer flights from cities in Europe and Asia. Alternative Airlines can help you find the best prices on flights to Orlando.
This Indonesian vacation hub has gained a reputation for its luxury. From historical monuments to adventure, to relaxation, Bali has it all.
Bali is known as the "Island of the Gods" for a reason. There are thousands of temples scattered all over the island, each with its own unique architecture and significance.
Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand, clear turquoise waters, and world-class surfing. It's the perfect spot to do some swimming with the family, sunbathe or get a drink at one of the lovely beach bars.
There are tons of other activities to enjoy in Bali, such as hiking Mount Batur for a sunrise view or visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to get up close and personal with the cheekiest primates of them all: Balinese long-tailed macaques!
You will need a visa to enter Indonesia. Most visitors can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) which will allow you to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days. The best airport to fly into to get to Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar International Airport. It is the only international airport on the island of Bali. Airlines like Indonesia AsiaAir and Batik Air are popular for those looking to fly to Bali from nearby countries in Oceania and Asia. To get there from further away like Europe or the Americas a connection will be necessary. Emirates and Air Canada both offer flights to nearby Australia. Alternative Airlines can help you find the best prices on flights to Bali.
Most islands in Greece make fantastic holiday destinations for the whole family, with lots to see and do. Crete stands as a perfect example of a Greek getaway that everyone can enjoy.
Crete has some of Greece's most spectacular beaches, with crystal-clear waters and soft sand. This even includes Elafonissi Beach, which perplexingly has pink sand.
Did you know the Palace of Knossos on Crete is said to have once housed the legendary labyrinth? This Minoan archaeological site is a fascinating ruin. Kids will love exploring the ruins of the palace, and older crowds can appreciate the its throne room and colourful frescoes.
Watercity Waterpark near Heraklion offers a fun-filled day trip with the kids. It has a variety of state of the art water slides, pools that help you cool off in the heat, and lazy rivers for a relaxing tour of the park by waterway.
Crete has two main airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER) in the central part of the island and Chania International Airport (CHQ) in the western part. Aegean Airlines is the best choice for domestic travel. If you are looking for international carriers EasyJet and Sky Express are the top choices from Europe, and Wizz Air offers flights from as far as Abu Dhabi. Alternative Airlines can help you find the best prices on flights to Crete.
Looking to take your family on a trendy city break? Vancouver has a lot to offer visitors of all ages! Summer is the absolute best time to visit Vancouver, avoiding the rainy season entirely.
Start your journey by spending a day at an amazing interactive museum and amusement park. Telus World of Science is a great place for kids to learn about science and technology in a really fun and exciting way.
If you're looking for a slower pace adventure to relax, wander around Stanley Park. This 1,000-acre park is a Vancouver must-see. It has a variety of gardens, beaches, playgrounds, and walking trails to keep your attention as you wander amongst beautiful flora.
If you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you might want to consider getting a Vancouver Pass, which gives you free admission to a number of attractions, as well as unlimited rides on public transportation.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is consistently rated one of the best airports in North America, and it receives flights from over 120 origins worldwide. It's also just a 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Air Canada is the best choice of carrier if you are visiting either domestically or from the USA. Flights from other countries are available but will require a connection either in a US city or another Canadian city. Alternative Airlines can help you find the best prices on flights to Vancouver.
Alternative Airlines' customer service team will keep you updated if there are any changes made to your flight schedule, as soon as this information is announced by the airline. Our expert team are here to help!
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We generally recommend booking your flights at least a few months in advance to guarantee your travel. It is especially important to do so when you are booking as a group, such as with your family to remain fully organised. Prices can fluctuate closer to the date of departure, especially if you are booking tickets to more popular destinations.
Around the world you will find different types of accommodation available. Typically, if you are planning to vacation as a family most hotels will offer 2 bed or 3 bed rooms, as well as offering travel cots for young children. If you are travelling in a larger party, such as with extended family it may be more economical to rent an apartment or villa to share, either through hoteliers which offer such properties, or through apps like AirBnB.
Finding an airport which is designed for travelling families makes life easier when you travel as a group. It means simplified navigation, extra amenities and a generally more comfortable experience. Check out our list of the top family friendly airports for more details.
Staying on top of your holiday organisation is key to a relaxing and stress free time away. This can be an uphill battle when booking in groups, especially in families with children. If you are looking to keep on top of your plans, check out our Family Travel Checklist for all the details you can sort out early then get into the relaxing holiday mood.
