Family Holidays
Make Moments that Matter: Your Guide to Family Holidays
From theme park thrills to poolside chills, here's how to plan a trip that everyone (yes, even the teenagers) will love.
Family holidays are the stuff of legend. They are the treasured photo albums, the "remember when..." stories, and the shared jokes that last a lifetime. In our busy, everyday lives of school runs, homework, and work deadlines, these trips are a precious chance to press pause. They offer dedicated, uninterrupted time to reconnect, laugh, and simply be together, creating a storybook of memories that you’ll flick through for years to come.
Let’s be honest, orchestrating a trip that pleases a toddler, a teen, and the adults can feel like a diplomatic mission. But the reward is immense. The right family holiday isn't just a break; it’s a bonding experience. It’s a chance for your children to see the world beyond a screen, to taste new foods, to see history come alive, and to return home with a bigger view of the world and a stronger connection to the most important people in it: you.
So...Why Go?
Build Your Memory Bank
These shared adventures become the golden threads of your family's story. It’s the time you all got the giggles on a pedalo, the incredible pizza you discovered down a tiny side street, or the first time your little one saw the sea. These are the moments that matter, forming a bank of happy memories to draw on for years to come.
The World is a Classroom
Forget textbooks and classrooms; a family holiday offers an education like no other. It’s learning through living – trying new foods, hearing unfamiliar languages, seeing incredible landmarks with their own eyes, and discovering that the world is a vast, exciting, and friendly place. It sparks curiosity and builds confidence in the most fun way possible.
Press Pause and Play
A family holiday is your official permission to break the routine. There are no alarm clocks for school, no work emails, and no relentless schedules. It’s pure, unadulterated time to play. Whether you’re splashing in a pool, exploring a forest, or battling it out over a board game, it’s a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other.
4 Top Locations for Family Fun
family must-do's
Tenerife, spain: The Sun-Soaked All-Rounder
Tenerife offers year-round sunshine and a flight time of around four and a half hours — ideal for families craving warmth without the long haul. From the black-sand beaches of the north to the golden shores of the south, the island is packed with family-friendly resorts, exciting attractions like Siam Park, and scenic volcano views that wow all ages. Whether you're after lazy beach days or active adventures, Tenerife has something to keep everyone smiling.
Orlando, usa: Where Magic is Real
For the ultimate, memory-making blockbuster of a holiday, Orlando is in a league of its own. It's home to the Walt Disney World and Universal theme parks, where fairy tales and films come to life. The sheer joy of meeting beloved characters and experiencing jaw-dropping rides is unforgettable for kids and grown-ups alike. This is the trip they will talk about forever.
Dubai, uae: The Ultimate Family Adventure
Dubai delivers big thrills, big fun, and big sunshine — all in just under seven hours from the UK. Think luxury resorts with kids' clubs, epic waterparks like Atlantis Aquaventure, desert safaris, and towering views from the Burj Khalifa. It’s a dazzling mix of beach, city, and adventure, making it perfect for families who want more than just a holiday — they want a story to tell.
Turkey: Where Family Holidays Shine
With golden beaches, ancient ruins, and all-inclusive resorts that truly cater to kids, Turkey is a hit with families — and it’s only around four hours from the UK. Destinations like Antalya and Dalaman offer everything from splash-worthy waterparks to calm, child-friendly bays and delicious food everyone can enjoy. It's affordable, sun-soaked, and full of culture - a winning combo for a family escape.
Top Tips for a Fabulous Family Trip
The Smart Way to Make the Most of your holiday
Get the Kids on Board
A great way to build excitement and sidestep potential holiday grumbles is to involve the kids in the planning. Depending on their age, you could show them two or three potential destinations and let them have a vote, or let them choose a couple of key activities they’d love to do. When children feel they have had a say, it becomes "our holiday" rather than just one they are being taken on. This simple step can transform their attitude and make the whole trip smoother.
Pace Yourselves: It's a Holiday, Not a Marathon
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of trying to cram everything in. You’ve travelled all this way, so you want to see it all, right? Wrong. This is the fastest route to tired, grumpy children and frazzled parents. The secret to a successful family holiday is building in downtime. Plan for lazy mornings, have afternoons with no plans other than relaxing by the pool, and don't be afraid to have an early night. A well-rested family will enjoy the big days out far more.
The Snack Pack is Your Secret Weapon
Never, ever underestimate the power of a well-timed snack. A grumpy child can often be transformed by their favourite crisps or biscuit. Pack a small bag with a stash of non-messy, familiar snacks and drinks for travel days and excursions. It will save you from "hangry" meltdowns and is much cheaper than buying snacks at major tourist attractions. Pop a pack of cards or a small new toy in there too, and you have an instant boredom-buster on hand.
Think All-Inclusive for an Easy Life
If your goal is maximum relaxation and minimum stress, an all-inclusive resort is your best friend. The endless questions of "What's for dinner?" and "Can I have an ice cream?" are already taken care of. With meals, drinks, snacks, and often brilliant kids' clubs and activities included in the price, you can properly switch off. It means the kids have freedom, and you don’t need to reach for your wallet every five minutes. It’s a real holiday for parents, too.
Are We There Yet? (Nearly!)
A family holiday is one of the greatest investments you can make. It's not an investment in stocks or shares, but in happiness, in connection, and in your family’s own unique story. These trips create the space to laugh until your sides hurt, to see the world through your children's wondering eyes, and to remember what it’s like to just play together.
Feeling inspired to start your next family chapter? Let CTG Tours be your guide. We know that planning a trip for the whole crew can be a puzzle, so we’ll piece it all together for you. From finding hotels with the best kids' clubs to suggesting activities that will score you serious "cool parent" points, we've got it covered. Get in touch, and let's plan an adventure the whole family will be talking about for years to come.
