- Holiday ideas
Exchanging your home with another family can make the basis for a wonderful family holiday or break – see our feature on a Hampshire/Long Island NY home-swap to read about the pleasures and benefits of swapping lives for a week or two.
Swapping homes can be very cheap – the price of listing your home with an agency (see below for suggestions). And if the owners of the house you’re ‘borrowing’ have kids of a similar age, you can take advantage of things like cots, toys and even their babysitter or other
support. You’ll get invaluable 'insider' tips from your exchange family about where to go and what to do, and perhaps also the use of their car. Another benefit is that your house may be less susceptible to burglary if it's inhabited, and you’ll also get a free pet-sitter.
You do need to plan a long time in advance on the basis that unless you are super flexible it will be hard to find a ‘match’ in terms a suitable property that also happens to be available when you want to travel – and whose owners are interested in your property at the same time. Note that you live in a 'sought after' family neighbourhood for other families, you’ll increase your chances of exchanging for a highly demanded location in the UK or abroad.
Reputable, well-established agencies include Home Base Holidays, Intervac, HomeLink, and the National Childbirth Trust.
Rhonda and family discover a new way of getting under the skin of the British capital.
Discovering the outsize USA by home swap.
To make the initial contact, ask friends and colleagues for possible contacts or register with a home-swap website – it’ll cost you on average £30 for a year’s sign-up.
Get to know your fellow swappers in advance – by telephone and email. If you’d feel more comfortable actually meeting the people who are
going to stay in your home, try to arrange an overlap.
Swap with people who have children roughly the same age. Their houses will be geared up to your needs, and they will probably have all the gadgets and gizmos that you make their place a ‘home from home’.
It might be time-consuming, but try to do a ‘life inventory’ – a list not only of where everything is in the house and how it works but also recommended restaurants, shops and places of local interest.
Don’t let it spoil your holiday if your hosts’ lifestyle is different to yours. Go with the flow. So what if their house is bigger or their garden is a wilderness? This is about swapping experience – and it’s only for a couple of weeks.
Contact your car insurer and ask your host to contact theirs to find out how to get a temporary ‘guest’ driver put on your respective policies if needed.
Key:
Self-catering
Hotel
Editors favourite
Kids Club
Lemnos Beach Resort, Lemnos
An ultra family-focused resort on the untouristy Greek island of Lemnos.
Holiday Village Kos, Kos
An all-inclusive holiday village on Kos, offering fun for all the family, catering especially well for kids.
Holiday Village Menorca, Menorca
An all-inclusive hotel on Menorca, ideal for kids of all ages and with activities for adults too.
Park Plaza County Hall London, London
A hotel on London's Southbank where kids are treated like royalty and facilities include in-room kitchenettes.
Levante Beach, Rhodes
A new luxury beachfront property on Rhodes, from a firm renowned for its childcare and fun family activities.
El Delfin Verde, Costa Brava
A top holiday park and camping choice for all the family on the Costa Brava, even more so for the little ones with loads of fun going on.
Les Deux Fontaines, Brittany
A relaxing holiday park by the Brittany coast, especially great with toddlers and grandparents (who stay for free).
Les Aulnes Cottages, Corsica
A collection of cottages in a secluded spot on Corsica, but ideal for family holidays if you want to be away from the crowds.
Mas Candille, Alpes Maritimes
Combining 5-star luxury and the atmosphere of a relaxing retreat with a child-friendly attitude in Southern France.
Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Crete
Luxury family accommodation in Crete, with a private beach and amazing facilites and surroundings.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
Luxurious resort in Sicily offering complete relaxation for adults and excellent children's entertainment.
Club Med Saint Moritz Roi Soleil, Valais
A busy all-inclusive hotel in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, with plenty going on to keep the whole family busy, including ski classes and kids club.
The Residence Mauritius, Mauritius
5-star hotel on Mauritius, with white sandy beaches, tropical gardens, a superb spa and brilliant kids club.
Pullman Timi Ama, Sardinia
This stylish hotel offers the ambiance and charm of traditional Sardinia, whilst being child-friendly.
Cala di Falco, Sardinia
A family favourite offering hotel or self catering holidays, plus activities for young and older kids, in north-east Sardinia.
Villa Pia, Tuscany
A stunning manor in rural Tuscany with self-catering apartments, but home-cooked communal meals are available, making meal times what they used to be.
Martinhal Beach Hotel & Resort, Algarve
Super-stylish accommodation on the Algarve, with childcare for all ages and often offering discounts for grandparents.
Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote
Luxury hotel in Lanzarote with free childcare for ages 3–16, excellent kids’ facilities, activities and entertainment and a dedicated family block with suites.
Forte Village Resort, Sardinia
A luxury village of fun for everyone in Sardinia, offering the ultimate holiday experience and regularly voted the World's Leading Resort.
Chalet Eva, Savoie
A spacious ski in/ski out fully-catered chalet in Reberty sleeping up to 21 people and with childcare included in the price.
Periyali Villas, Zakynthos
Attractive family villas in Zakynthos, in a quieter resort on this lively island with outdoor pools and close to the beach.
Sani Beach Hotel, Halkidiki
Family friendly contemporary luxury and service with sweeping views of the Aegean.
Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Fermes du Soleil, Haute Savoie
Luxury self-catering apartments with indoor pool and sauna, walking distance to amenities in the ski resort of Haute Savoie.
Holiday Club Resort (Are), Sweden
A stylish Scandinavian-designed family-friendly resort in a prime lakeside ski location in Sweden.
Fowey Hall, Cornwall
Great service and family-friendly facilities at the place that inspired Toad Hall, located on the south Cornish coast.
Moonfleet Manor, Dorset
Family-friendly, laidback and quirky, this country house in Dorset is located on the coast and is full of family treats.
Cuba Iberostar Varadero, Cuba
4-star all-inclusive modern family resort superbly located on the beachfront with lots of entertainment in Cuba.
Holiday Village Flamingo Beach, Lanzarote
An all-inclusive family resort in Lanzarote, mixing authentic Spanish charm, sun, sea, sand and so much more.
The Rosevine, Cornwall
Luxury family holidays and breaks in Cornwall with a flexible twist – stay on a B&B basis, self-cater, or do a bit of both.
The Athenaeum Hotel, London
A 5-star hotel with luxury family apartments, just a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus.
Resort & Spa Le Dune, Sardinia
Excellent family resort providing great adult and children facilities, located by a stunning beach in Sardinia.
Country Kids, Languedoc-Roussillon
A family-friendly country estate in Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France, with wonderful facilities for under-5s.
Club Med Beldi, Antalya
Catering well for young and older kids with clubs and activities, plus lots to keep Mum and Dad busy, or relaxed, at this all-inclusive resort on the southern coast of Turkey.
Club Med Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud
Ski classes for older kids, kid's club for the younger ones and everything you could need for babies so you dont have to pack it all in your luggage here to Switzerland.
Club Med Hammamet, Hammamet
Ideal for all-inclusive family holidays in Tunisia, with spacious rooms, comfy beds and great childcare and activities.
Club Med Kamarina, Sicily
Family-friendly all-inclusive bungalows for relaxing but active family holidays and breaks with children of all ages in Sicily.
Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Cumbria
Set in lovely woodland on the edge of the Lake District, popular for activity-based, weatherproof family holidays or breaks.
Movenpick Resort, Red Sea
A spacious resort on a island peninsula amidst gardens and lagoons, directly located on the Red Sea with 3km of private beach.
Helona Beach Resort, Kos
A luxury boutique hotel set on the beach in Kos, with a sister hotel close by offering all the activities, childcare and facilities you may need.
Perdepera Beach Resort, Sardinia
An intimate club for families with brilliant facilities, set on a beachfront, on the stunning island of Sardinia.
Sea Garden, Bodrum Peninsula
An all-inclusive 4-star family-friendly resort combining loads of activities for adults and children, in a quiet location on Turkey's Aegean Coast.
Ocean Club, Algarve
Spacious self-catering villas ideal for flexible family holidays with kids clubs, 2 pools and easy access to the beach, on the Algarve.
ChaletHotel Schweizerhof, St. Anton
Traditional style bedrooms, kept well maintained with a warm and friendly feeling plus a great standard of service from staff.
Anassa, Latchi
5-star hotel in Cyprus overlooking a beautiful beach with a selection of watersports and a yacht for guests.
San Lucianu, Corsica
Stunning location on the island of Corsica, excellent childcare and facilities and only a short flight from the UK.
San Agostino Resort, Peloponnese, Peloponnese
A big sandy beach, enthusiastic staff, good food and great watersports makes this family resort in the Peloponnese, Greece a sure fire hit.
Ritz Carlton Sharm el Sheikh, Sharm el-Sheikh
With something to keep everyone happy, including kids clubs and sports, this luxury hotel in Egypt is a sure fire hit.
Lakitira Hotel and Village, Kos
Excellent childcare, family-friendly facilities, activities and watersports at this family resort in Kos.
Chia Laguna Resort, Sardinia
Brilliant facilities, a stunning private beach and overall, a very family-friendly resort on the island of Sardinia.
Le Mauricia, Mauritius
A top-class family hotel in Mauritius with free childcare, family apartments and all-inclusive facilities.
Key:
Self-catering
Hotel
Editors favourite
Kids Club
Kids in the Kasbahs Family Holiday
Experience the fun of Morocco; the bustling markets, rural villages and the Atlas Mountains.
Kyrenia Trails Family Holiday
A gentle adventure holiday in North Cyprus well suited to those with younger kids and to active grandparents.
Elephants and Waterfalls Family Adventure
A private family tour in Thailand offering 15 days of an eco-holiday away from the main tourist trail.
Santa's Magic
Check out this 3 day 'Santa's Magic' break in Lapland for a family activity holiday full of fun activities and the chance to meet the main man himself.
Harriniva, Winter Wilderness - 7 or 8 day
7 day family adventure in Scandinavia with huskies, reindeers and saunas.
Kuusamo A Magical Search for Father Christmas – 5 days
A fun-filled family snow programme for children from 4 years old, including an afternoon with Santa.
Santa Spectacular
4 days/3 nights in Saariselkä - reindeer safaris, search for Santa and snowmobiling.
Galapagos - Enchanted Islands Family Holiday
This must be an family adventure holiday of a lifetime, exploring Ecuador and the Galapagos offers some stunning sites and creatures.
Slovakian Snow Adventure Family Holiday
A centre-based week of snow-filled winter sports and traditional activities.
Mallorca Holiday for Single Parents
An escorted holiday for single parent families who want a fun-filled holiday in the company of similar families in Mallorca, with prices including flights, transfers and all-inclusive hotel.
Norway Christmas at Savalen 5 day
A true winter experience in Norway where you experience the scenery as well as some activities.
Nuts About Brazil Family Holiday
The Amazon rainforest, the Iguaçu Falls and football on Rio's Copacabana beach.
Active Cappadocia Teenage Adventure
Discover an extraordinary region of Turkey on this family adventure holiday for the over 12 year olds.
Sinai and The Red Sea 7 nights
Fantastic atmosphere and top water based activities in Egypt.
Winter Wonderland - Tailormade
Tailor your own winter adventure trip with huskies, reindeer and saunas!.
Jeris Adventure - Tailormade
Tailor your own action packed family adventure on the shores of Lake Jerisjarvi.
Marvels of Morocco Family Holiday
An exciting trip for kids from 7 years old, discovering Morocco's distinctive landscapes, magical medinas and culture.
Land of The Masai Family Holiday
A family orientated lodge-based safari in Kenya with excellent game viewing in spectacular surroundings.
Nile River Adventure Family Holiday
An amazing river journey through the Land of the Pharaohs - taking in Egypt's ancient wonders.
Fun for all the Family, Sri Lanka
Family adventure of a lifetime in Sri Lanka, ideal for kids over 6 years of age and guide-led with max. 20 per group
Bali Family - Monkeys & Volcanoes
A diverse family adventure on Bali in Indonesia; visit a monkey forest, spot dolphins and trek through the jungle.
Western Discovery
A western family adventure holiday in USA, sightseeing the Grand Canyon and Yosemite.
Safari & Beach Adventure
Enjoy a perfect combination of safari and beach on this teen adventure in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Himalayan Adventure
Trek through the foothills of the Himalayas and experience a jungle safari in one of the best wildlife reserves in Asia.
Family Twist - short breaks in Paris
Tailor-make your perfect family break in Paris - just choose your favourite from a large range of family activities, your child-friendly accommodation and services and Family Twist will do the rest.
Active Family Abruzzo
Choose your own activities on this guided or independent family trip in Abruzzo, Italy.
From Ancient Mountain to Ancient City
Enjoy walking, sightseeing, culture and activities with all the family in Abruzzo, Italy.
Desert & Reef Adventure
An 8-day family adventure of a lifetime, for kids 5 and up, including snorkelling, camel rides and camping in the desert.
Iso-Syote Design Your Own Holiday
A combination of activities, superb accommodation, pristine wilderness and some of the best skiing in Finland.
Kakslauttanen Design Your Own Holiday
Tailor made holidays at Kakslauttanen allow you to experience some of the most unique accommodation in Lapland.
Nellim Wilderness Hotel Tailormade
Tailor-made programmes at Nellim allow you to design your own holiday.
Jeris Family New Year in a Winter Cottage 7 day
Cosy winter cottages, log fires, a beautiful lakeside setting, spa facilities, deep snow and a fantastic range of activities.
Jeris Family Christmas in a Winter Cottage 7 day
Your very own family winter cottage after an active day in sub-zero temperatures.
Jeris, Winter Cottages 7 or 8 day
Jeris encapsulates the family holiday Lapland dream.
Swedish Lapland The Forest Hotel Adventure and the ICEHOTEL 7 or 8 days
Unique highlights such as visiting a moose park, snow sculpting and a tour of the famous ICEHOTEL®.
Iso Syote Winter Adventure 7 or 8 day
A fabulous combination of activities, superb accommodation, pristine wilderness.
Nellim Wilderness Lodge Family Winter Adventure 7 day
Despite Nellim’s remote wilderness location you are assured of a warm and genuine Lappish family welcome.
Finland Menesjarvi Family Adventure for Older Kids 7 day
A magical winter wonderland.
Glaciers and Geysers Family Holiday
A week to explore the rugged natural beauty of Iceland, from giant glaciers to the steaming geysers.
Mountains & Tigers Family Holiday
An exciting journey into the Himalaya, with wildlife safaris, nature walks and the Taj Mahal en route.
Feluccas & Pharaohs Family Holiday
The best and most popular family adventure trip.
Active in the Med Family Holiday
An exciting week-long adventure to Malta and Gozo, the crossroads of the Mediterranean.
Galapagos & Amazon Family Holiday
A great overview of the whole of Ecuador including a land-based Galapagos Islands stay.
Gastronomic Adventures for Families
Experience cooking & eating as a family - pick, learn, eat, and enjoy! Exclusive 5% Off!.
Peru Family - Spirit of the Incas
See the magnificent sights of Peru; explore the Inca Trail, visit Macchu Picchu and head to the city of Lima.
East Africa Family Adventure
See iconic animals up close and in the wild on this family adventure through colourful East Africa.
Vietnam Family Adventure
Meet the locals, experience the cultures and swim in the South China Sea on this Vietnam Family Adventure.
Thailand Family Adventure
A combination of culture, friendly people, exciting activities, yummy food and stunning scenery in Thailand.
Alpine Elements
Summer Multi Activity Breaks & Winter Ski Holidays in the beautiful French Alps. Beautiful chalets, beginners welcome
Global Boarders Family Surf Vacations
Fully tailored & expertly guided award-winning, low impact, high quality Family Surf Trips.
