Last Updated January 2026
As soon as Christmas is over, I usually start thinking about a Summer holiday. It always feels like the best time to begin researching destinations and gathering costs for the months ahead. Last year we enjoyed Winter Sun in Tenerife and we are hoping to squeeze in some Winter sun again this year too. Planning family holidays abroad can take a lot of time, so I’ve put together top tips for booking a family holiday abroad to help make the process easier for you.
Do Your Research Before Booking a Holiday
One of the most important tips for booking a holiday is to dedicate time to research. I’ve always found it stressful to find a holiday that suits everyone in our family. Our first holiday with a baby was when he was just 1 year old, and we spent months searching for the perfect destination. It hasn't got any easier now he's an adult as we are now planning family holidays that are suitable for three adults and a child.
When researching, I always consider these factors
- Family-Friendliness
- Weather Conditions
- Available Activities
- Cleanliness and Amenities
Remember, holidays are a big investment, often costing thousands of pounds. Doing the research ensures you’re making the right choice for your family.
Choose A Destination That Suits The Whole Family
Another key tip for booking a holiday is ensuring it caters to all family members. If you have children, a beach holiday with a hotel pool might sound ideal. However, consider whether there are additional amenities.
- Kids’ Clubs or Teen Clubs
- Play Areas
- Daytime Activity Programs
- Evening Entertainment
These extras can make a huge difference in keeping everyone entertained and happy throughout your stay.
Set a Realistic Budget Before You Start Searching
Before you fall in love with a destination or hotel, it’s important to set a realistic holiday budget. When planning family holidays abroad, costs can quickly add up once you factor in flights, accommodation, transfers, food, activities and spending money. Having a clear budget in mind from the start helps narrow down your options and avoids disappointment later.
I always find it helpful to decide where we’re happy to spend more and where we can cut back. For example, we might prioritise a family-friendly hotel with great facilities, but choose standard flights or travel slightly outside peak dates to keep costs down. Setting a budget early on makes booking a holiday far less stressful and keeps expectations realistic for everyone.
Think About the Best Time to Book Your Holiday
Timing can make a huge difference when it comes to booking a family holiday. Booking too early or leaving it too late can impact both availability and price. For popular destinations and school holiday travel, booking in advance often secures better choice and peace of mind. However, if you’re flexible with dates or travelling outside peak periods, late deals can sometimes offer excellent value.
When planning our family holidays, I keep an eye on prices over several weeks to spot trends. This gives a better idea of whether prices are rising or likely to drop. Being patient and doing a little price monitoring can help you feel confident you’re booking at the right time. Personally I like to start researching in January, it's just after Christmas and a great way to help beat those January blues.
Tips for Booking a Holiday Using TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a great tool when booking a holiday, but don’t let negative reviews overshadow the positives. Recently, we were considering a fantastic hotel for some Winter sun. Despite its high 82% rating in excellent and very good reviews, the 3% negative comments deterred us.
Most of the time, negative reviews reflect personal opinions rather than deal-breaking flaws. For example, complaints about food preferences or entertainment might not even apply to your family. Focus on the majority’s opinion for a balanced view.
Ask Family and Friends For Recommendations
When it comes to planning family holidays, personal recommendations are invaluable. If someone you trust has visited a hotel or resort and loved it, chances are it’s worth considering. Recommendations from family and friends can save you hours of research and provide peace of mind.
Why Rebooking a Favourite Holiday Destination Works
While trying new destinations is exciting, there’s nothing wrong with returning to a place you love. For example, we’ve visited the same hotel in Majorca three times and Cyprus twice. If a location ticks all your boxes, why risk disappointment elsewhere? Choosing your favourite holiday destinations can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday.
Final Thoughts on Tips for Booking a Holiday
Planning family holidays can feel overwhelming, but with these tips for booking a holiday, you’ll find it easier to choose a destination that’s perfect for your family. Whether you’re revisiting a favourite spot or exploring somewhere new, the key is to plan ahead and prioritise what’s most important to you.
Have you booked your holiday this year? Leave a comment below and share where you’re heading—we’d love to hear your travel plans!
Michelle
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