travel

As we make our way through January, a little escapism might be just what we need to round off the winter months – and there’s nothing quite like planning a family holiday in the sun to give you a boost.

If you’re researching destinations that are suited to all ages, you might be wondering where to start. There are many family-friendly locations in countries around the world.

To help you narrow your search and find the perfect holiday for you and your children, here are four destinations that are sure to tick the boxes.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a beautiful Greek island filled with pretty whitewashed buildings that sit on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea. It’s filled with plenty of family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained.

There are a few beaches that are perfect for little ones, especially the shallow waters of Monolithos Beach. There’s a playground here too, so younger children will be able to burn up some energy here. If you have older kids, they might be tempted by the water sports at beaches like Avis, Perissa and Kamari. Snorkelling and paddleboarding are among the most popular activities available.

Exploring the charming villages of Oia and Fira, with their narrow streets, restaurants and local shops, can also be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Majorca, Spain

Family holidays to Majorca are an enduringly popular choice for a getaway. The island’s short flight time from the UK makes it a particularly accessible choice if you’re travelling with young children.

Majorca’s beaches, such as Alcudia and Cala Millor, are known for their safe waters, so they’re ideal for young swimmers. You can spend a few hours paddling in the sea with your little ones before heading to one of the family-friendly attractions.

There are theme parks and waterparks, such as Hidropark in Alcudia, which features numerous slides and pools suitable for all ages. These parks tend to close during the off-season period, so be sure to double-check opening times before you go. Additionally, the Palma Aquarium provides a captivating experience, allowing children to learn about marine life through interactive exhibits.

Orlando, Florida, USA

Orlando has long been synonymous with family entertainment, and 2025 brings even more excitement with the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in May. This new theme park will feature various immersive worlds, including Super Nintendo World, promising interactive experiences that will captivate both children and adults.

Beyond the theme parks, Orlando offers attractions such as the Orlando Museum of Art, which hosts family-friendly exhibits and workshops. The city’s numerous parks and lakes also provide opportunities for outdoor activities like paddle boating and picnicking, so there’s plenty to do for everyone.

Antalya, Turkey

Situated on the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is gaining popularity among families for its affordability and diverse attractions. The city boasts pristine Blue Flag beaches like Konyaaltı and Lara, where families can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

The cobblestoned historic centre, known as Kaleiçi, is lined with shops and eateries and is perfect for leisurely strolls. For family-friendly activities, there are attractions such as the Antalya Aquarium, one of the largest tunnel aquariums in the world, and Aktur Park, an amusement park with various rides.

Feeling inspired? Which of these four destinations are you thinking of heading to for your next family holiday?

Going overseas for the first time can feel like you’re fulfilling a lifelong dream. You’re probably thinking about the amazing food you’re going to eat, the attractions you’ve only seen on YouTube, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience this is going to be. But, before all the fun stuff can start, there’s a few things you need to plan and get ahead of to make sure that this trip is indeed going to be one for the history books. Below are 6 tried and true tips every first time traveller should know, from before you even leave home to when you’re on foreign soil.

1. Book Your Airport Parking in Advance

Let’s start at home, before you even set foot in the terminal. For many first time travellers, one of the most stressful parts of travel is driving to the airport, circling the car park, searching for a spot and watching the clock tick down to your flight’s departure. It’s the kind of experience that can set a bad tone for your trip before you even begin. Instead of leaving your parking to chance, do it in advance. 

You can now book a parking spot online from Parking Up so you have a guaranteed spot when you arrive. Imagine rolling up to the car park, pulling out your reservation and walking off to check-in without the stress of searching for a spot. This one simple step can be a game changer if you like to start a trip feeling calm rather than frazzled. Not to mention it saves you those last minute sprints through the terminal.

2. Pack with Cubes and a “Less Is More” Mindset

There’s something freeing about packing light but many first time travellers stuff their suitcases as if they’ll never come home. The truth is, most destinations have laundry facilities and nearly every city sells clothing if you really need extra layers. To pack efficiently, use packing cubes. These nifty little tools keep your gear organized, compress your clothing for more space and allow you to find what you need without having to turn your suitcase inside out. 

Instead of packing two weeks worth of clothes for a seven day trip, try laying out what you think you’ll need and then remove at least 25% of it. Trust me, you’ll rarely regret leaving extra items behind but you’ll often regret lugging too much around. When you pack less you move more freely, sidestep baggage fees (or at least minimize them) and feel a lot less stressed when it’s time to zip up and hit the road.

3. Download Apps and Offline Maps Before You Fly

Getting lost in a new city isn’t always a bad thing – it can lead to unexpected finds and memorable encounters – but sometimes it’s nice to have a backup plan. Before you leave, spend some time downloading essential travel apps to your phone. Consider offline maps so you can navigate without a Wi-Fi signal. Translation apps can be a lifesaver when you’re struggling with new words and phrases. 

Currency converters help you work out prices without second guessing your mental math. By downloading these digital tools before you go, you’ll have a toolbox ready to guide you through public transportation routes, direct you to local attractions and even highlight highly rated restaurants near you. The key is to do this prep work from the comfort of your own home so when you land you’re ready to hit the ground running.

4. Bring a Portable Power Bank and Universal Adapter

If there’s one universal truth in travel it’s that running out of battery can ruin your day. Your phone is your camera, translator, GPS, boarding pass holder and entertainment system all in one so keeping it charged is crucial. Pack a portable power bank – one with at least one or two full charges in it – and keep it in your carry-on at all times. 

And buy a universal travel adapter that works in multiple regions. It’s a small investment that prevents the horror of arriving at your hotel room and realising you can’t plug anything in and having to search for an electronics store. With your devices charged you’ll feel more confident, connected and secure throughout your journey.

5. Eat the Local Flavours by Visiting Markets and Street Stalls

Restaurants that cater to tourists are fine but if you want to taste the real local culinary life you need to get beyond the touristy places. Venture into neighbourhood markets, food halls or street stalls where locals are grabbing a snack on their way home from work. It’s here you’ll often find unique dishes that don’t make it into the tourist guides. 

Not only will this culinary adventure save you money – street food is often cheaper and surprisingly delicious – but it will also plunge you into the heart and soul of the destination. Don’t be afraid to point, smile and try something you’ve never tasted before. Food is one of the most direct ways into a culture’s traditions and history and nothing makes for a better travel story than recalling that spicy dish you almost didn’t try, only to find it was the highlight of your afternoon.

6. Keep Backups of Important Documents – Physically and Digitally

Losing your passport or ID is a nightmare scenario especially when you’re thousands of miles from home. Preparing for the worst might not be fun but having a plan B can help you recover from mishaps with minimal stress. Before you go, scan your passport, driver’s license and any other important documents. 

Store these scans in the cloud where you can access them from any device if the originals go missing. It’s also a good idea to keep a photocopy in a different part of your luggage or in your daypack. That way if one bag disappears you’ll have proof of identity handy. This might seem like a hassle before you leave but if a crisis hits you’ll be so glad you took the time to prepare.

Conclusion

No two journeys are the same and that’s what makes travel so exciting. With these 7 hacks you can navigate the unknown with more ease. The goal isn’t to eliminate the unknown – some of your best memories will come from the surprises along the way. Instead these hacks will make sure the boring parts of venturing out of your comfort zone don’t overshadow the joy of discovering a new corner of the world. Step forward prepared and watch as the unknown becomes a treasure chest of stories, lessons and unforgettable moments.

Traditionally considered a one-off or short trip, a modern approach to cruise ships has arisen that sees them as a slower and more long-term travel experience. Today, some travellers are spending months at a time on the seas, and for a lower cost than you might expect. For the right person, this could mean a rarely considered opportunity and a way to explore the world that few can accomplish. However, a long-term cruise holiday also presents some challenges that need to be understood before you take the leap.

Don’t Get Stuck on the Open Seas

The main factor to consider when booking a cruise is the cost of travel. Few people will be able to work while on the ocean, which means you’re going to need to prepare a budget in advance. Although some people might be fortunate enough to drop everything and head out whenever they wish, everyone else will need to consider how they store their belongings and take care of their property first. This is especially true if you need to sell your house to fund a long-term cruise holiday.

Fortunately, there are newer, online options that can help you organise a property sale quickly and efficiently. If you want to sell, online estate agents can help streamline the process with a sales time that is, on average, 38 days faster than using a traditional estate agent. They also come with no surprise fees and free cash offers, potentially leaving you some extra money in the piggy bank for your cruise. If you’re not ready to sell, though, you can also use options like Airbnb to rent out your property while you’re gone.

The Physical and Mental Aspects

It’s easy to romanticise cruises, but they’re not well-suited to everyone. Being on a cruise can mean living in smaller accommodations than you’re used to, and potentially getting stuck without your regular forms of relaxation available. If you’re in the middle of the Pacific, for example, you can’t exactly go for a drive to clear your head!

Being on a cruise can also mean you’re stuck with difficult neighbours, although cruise regulations will generally deal with anyone too rowdy or unpleasant. The close proximity to others also means that viruses can spread quickly through the passengers and crew, which we’ve all heard horror stories about.

As doom and gloom as this might seem, we don’t want to downplay the positive aspects of cruise travel either. You do get to enjoy the endless blue, see new countries, eat great food, and meet interesting people. Taking this approach to living will also give you fun stories to tell for the rest of your life, along with providing you a rare view of the world and its inhabitants.

Ultimately, the best advice for anyone interested in trying out this form of long-term travel is to gain as much experience as you can. Go on a smaller cruise first to see how you manage in more cramped accommodations, and see if you can handle the strict meal rotations that cruise ships offer. If it’s not for you, then you’ve still learnt something new; if it is, then you’ve uncovered an exciting new way to expand your horizons. Either way, remember to do your research before you dive in!