But where to go, and have all the best holidays been snapped up already? The good news is that there are still plenty of trips available and, to save yourself hours of late night scrolling, I’ve pulled together some of the best around.
VILLAS
There’s something about the privacy of a villa that’s hard to beat, particularly when travelling with young kids. Add on the fact there’s often enough room to bring along grandparents or friends, and you’re on to a winning holiday where the fun (and costs!) can be shared.
Luxury in the Algarve
Your search for the perfect family bolthole can stop here. Villa Sao Rafael is a contemporary white cube that sleeps four, has a heated pool and garden, open-plan downstairs living space and two modern upstairs bedrooms with sea views. Should you need more persuading, it’s only a short walk from Sao Rafael beach and close to Albufeira’s markets, restaurants and bars. It’s available for seven nights from £4,097 arriving on 20 July, with Oliver's Travels.
Dream getaway in the Dordogne
If you’re longing for a week in France, La Maison Lemaitre (sleeps 10), in the heart of Riberac town, will hit the spot. When you’re not taking a dip in the heated pool, playing in the games room, relaxing in the rose garden or dining al fresco in the cobbled courtyard, you can stroll into town to browse the antique markets and buy yet more freshly-made baguettes. C’est bon. Available to hire for the week beginning 27 July for £5,280, through CV Villas.
Soak up the sunshine in Spain
Casa Familia is a Sitges-based bargain. Sleeping up to eight across four bedrooms, there’s also a large private garden with pool, three terraces, table tennis and outside dining, though it you don’t fancy cooking every night, the bars and restaurants of Mas Mestre are a short walk away. Best of all, Barcelona’s a mere 40-minute drive away. Available to hire for seven nights from £1,643, based on a 13 July arrival, through Sitges Hills Villas.
Marvellous Mallorca
Sitting between the enchanting medieval towns of Pollenca and Alcudia, encircled by sprawling Mallorquin countryside and a glorious backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains, Les Roques de Ca’n Guixe (sleeps 10), is the ultimate family fly and flop destination. Long, hot, sunny days can be spent lying around the pool, cooking up a storm in the open-plan kitchen and eating lengthy lunches on the outside terrace. A week’s rental costs from £4,248 on selected dates in July and August, with Vintage Travel.
EURO HOLIDAYS
Family-friendly in France
Country kids is a brilliant concept: you’re one of seven families able to roam around a sprawling French house, where everything, from delicious food to babysitting and activities (think arts and crafts, music, storytelling, feeding farm animals and film nights), is included. It’s ideal for families with kids aged 2-12 years and is run by a couple who know exactly what parents need - some quiet time and a glass of excellent French wine. Seven nights all-inclusive for a family of four costs €7,837, arriving on 20 July, available through Tots Too.
Watersports galore
Mark Warner effortlessly creates a memorable family holiday, particularly at Paleros Beach Resort in Greece, where you’ll find watersports on tap (learn how to waterski, wakeboard, row, sail and SUP), three swimming pools, tennis tuition, luxe spa and epic bike rides by the sea. At night, fill up on Greek fare at the main restaurant or eat by the ocean al fresco at the friendly taverna. Seven nights half-board from £5,996 for a family of four, based on a 21 July arrival and including flights, with Mark Warner.
Family-friendly Corfu
MarBella in Corfu has been voted one of the top ten family-friendly resorts in Greece, and that’s unsurprising when you take a deeper look at what’s on offer. Not only are the family rooms stylish, spacious and private, the sheer choice of things to see and do is enough to make you want to bundle the kids onto a plane pronto, from kayaking, aerial yoga and French fine dining to tennis, meditation, kids’ club, three pools and live entertainment every night. Seven nights from £1,249pp including flights in July, with Tropical Sky.
FAR-FLUNG SUN
Magic in Mauritius
If you’re fantasising about jetting off to a tropical island, the “kids go free” offer at Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort might just tempt you. Lying on the blissful Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, there’s something for everyone here - older kids will appreciate the teens club (everything from quad biking to jungle hikes), younger kids will adore the white sand beach, pools and kids’ club, while you make a beeline for the spa and fine dining restaurants. Aaaand relax. Seven nights from £6,199 per family in August including flights, transfers, accommodation and breakfast, with Turquoise Holidays.
Caribbean cool
All-inclusive Beaches Negril in Jamaica knows exactly what families want from a holiday: sun, warm sea, soft sand, a massive waterpark, ice cream on tap, comfy rooms, entertainment and plenty of other kids to play with. Sitting on the widest stretch of Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, this place really gives you the chance to relax and have fun whether you’re two or forty two. I particularly recommend the Sesame Street Kids’ Club, the abundance of free water sports and top end restaurants. Seven nights all-inclusive costs from £9,440 for a family of four (two adults and two children aged 2-11) sharing a Tropical Oceanview Concierge King. Price includes flights, entertainment, free kids’ camps, land and water sports and resort transfers. Book with Beaches.
STAY IN THE UK
Welsh wonder
We live in hope the weather’s going to improve this summer, and, when it does we’ll be ready for it in Premier Lodge 41 at the Marian Resort & Spa in Wales. Book now then spend your days exploring the glorious surrounding countryside, beaches, and seaside town of Prestatyn, before returning back to base to spread yourselves out in the open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge, taking a dip in the onsite heated pool and lazing around in the Jacuzzi. Seven nights for a family of four costs £882 arriving on 27 July, available through Sykes Cottages.
Escape to Cornwall
There’s still availability this August at Valley View in Cornwall. The family bolthole close to the golden sands of Perranporth is perfect for four (plus a pooch!) and comes complete with wraparound terrace and hot tub, two bedrooms, sun-trap garden and snug, ideal for little ones to curl up and watch their favourite film after a day of salty air and sandy toes. Five nights in August from £1,113.75, available through Classic Cottages.
By Amanda Statham