Travelling with children is an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. I know, I know, aside from the stress. The right destination can balance excitement with relaxation, offering experiences that keep kids entertained while letting parents unwind. When you choose wisely, your holiday becomes more than just a break – it transforms into a shared experience that strengthens family bonds and inspires curiosity. Get the kids in on choosing the destination, the itinerary and make sure there’s a pool involved somewhere along the way; we all know kids love a good pool!
Italy: a blend of history, culture and culinary delights
Rome’s ancient ruins bring history books to life. Walk through the Colosseum and let your children imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators where gladiators fought 2,000 years ago. Visit the Roman Forum and discuss how emperors once ruled an empire. Your child can even train as a gladiator at a specialist school, learning sword skills and ancient battle techniques in full costume.
The photogenic city of Florence is stuffed with churches and world-class art, but also entices with its world-renowned delicious gelato. Instead of simply sampling flavours, take a gelato-making class where your child can mix ingredients, churn their creation and taste the sweet rewards.
Art workshops inspired by Renaissance masters provide another creative outlet, allowing kids to paint or sculpt in the footsteps of Michelangelo. Down south in Naples, a guided hike up Mount Vesuvius offers a thrilling encounter with one of the most famous volcanoes. A visit to nearby Pompeii is fascinating for all ages.
Greece: sun-kissed beaches and mythological adventures
The Acropolis in Athens isn’t just an impressive ruin, it’s the backdrop to the tales of gods and heroes. A visit with a family-friendly guide turns the experience into an immersive storytelling adventure, where every column and carving has a tale to tell.
Away from the mainland, luxury family holidays in the Greek islands offer world-class resorts that cater to both children and adults. Many hotels have dedicated kids’ clubs, private beaches, and expert-led activities like snorkelling or sailing lessons.
On islands such as Crete or Rhodes, families can explore ancient palaces and medieval fortresses before cooling off in crystal-clear waters. Water parks, boat trips, and guided sea cave explorations provide the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.
Iceland: natural wonders and thrilling expeditions
Iceland delivers dramatic landscapes and thrilling outdoor experiences. Encounters with geysers and waterfalls along the 190 mile Golden Circle route, that loops from Reykjavík to the southern uplands and back, are unmissable. On the way, there are awe-inspiring stops, where your children can watch hot springs explode into the air in the Geysir geothermal area, or feel mist on their faces from the powerful Gullfoss waterfall.
For families seeking even more action, white-water rafting down glacial rivers adds an adrenaline rush, while horseback riding on Iceland’s unique short-statured horses offers a gentler, scenic way to explore the countryside.
If your family enjoys cinematic landscapes, head to locations used in Game of Thrones and stand where dragons once soared on screen. At night, wrap up and step outside to witness the Northern Lights streaking across the sky – a natural spectacle that no child or adult will forget.
South Africa: wildlife safaris and scenic beauty
Guided by experts who bring the experience to life, safaris in reserves like Kruger National Park let you spot lions, elephants and rhinos up close. Many lodges cater specifically to families, offering child-friendly game drives and engaging bushcraft activities.
South Africa’s coastline is an adventure.
Drive along the Garden Route, stopping at beach towns, hiking trails and nature reserves teeming with penguins and seals. In places like Plettenberg Bay, you can kayak alongside bottlenose dolphins or watch whales breaching just offshore.
If you prefer a slower pace, relax on the country’s stunning beaches, where golden sands and warm waters make the perfect setting for a laid-back afternoon.
Where’s your next adventure?