020 3633 0653

Family on a beach during sunset at a Club Med summer resort

Reviews of winter sun family holidays in Europe and around the world

Wash-out summers followed by long hard winters can turn anyone’s mind to more exotic climes and a treat in the form of some winter sun. Our family travel specialists have covered destinations both long-haul and closer to home to help you decide on the ideal destination for your family holiday, taking into consideration flight times and transfers, jet-lag and the kind of temperatures you might expect to encounter, and ranging from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly options.

Airboat in Florida

Things to Do in Kissimmee, Florida

North America, USA, Florida, Orlando

Rhonda rates the Florida city as an alternative base for and complement to Orlando, with an array of attractions in its own right.

Teenager taking photographs on a trip to the Arctic. [copyright]© Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

The Best Holidays with Teens and Grown-up Children

Africa & Middle East, Morocco, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, Asia, Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Japan, Australia & Pacific, Australia, Northern Territory, Europe, Greece, Corfu, Kos, Iceland, Norway, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Latin America, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Mexico, Peru, North America, Canada, USA, California, Northern California, San Francisco, Florida, Florida Keys

Some fantastic trips with older children, from hiking in Peru to penguin-spotting in Antarctica and plenty more besides.

Sri Lanka © Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

The Best Small-group Family Adventures

Africa & Middle East, Jordan, Morocco, Atlas Mountains, Asia, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Latin America, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Peru

Tracey looks at why, how and where to go on a guided adventure holiday with other families.

New Orleans [copyright]© Robert H Morgan at Unsplash[/copyright]

Why New Orleans is the Perfect City With Teens

North America, USA

Rhonda deeps dive into the ‘Big Easy’ and rates it among her favourite destinations for older kids.

Rainforest Ecolodge, Sri Lanka

A Multi-Centre Family Holiday in Sri Lanka - Part 2

Asia, Sri Lanka

Rhonda carries on her adventurous tour of the island, taking in tea plantations, rainforest ecolodge and beach resorts.

An aerial view of the Heritance Kandalama in Sri Lanka.

A Multi-Centre Family Holiday in Sri Lanka - Part 1

Asia, Sri Lanka

Rhonda experiences some of the highlights of the 'Resplendent Isle' from an array of child-friendly, sustainable minded properties.

Mauritius [copyright]© Nabit Photos on Unsplash[/copyright]

Mauritius Vs the Mediterranean for Family Holidays

Europe, Croatia, Split-Dalmatia, France, Greece, Peloponnese, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mediterranean Region

We assess the Indian Ocean destination against European resorts when it comes to inclusive water sports, value for money, cuisine and other criteria.

Mexico [copyright]© Marco Murakami on Unsplash[/copyright]

Mexico or the Dominican Republic Versus the Mediterranean

Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Europe, Croatia, France, Provence–Alpes–Côte d'Azur, Greece, Halkidiki, Italy, Sardinia, Spain, Canaries, Tenerife, Ibiza, Turkey, Latin America, Mexico, Riviera Maya, Cancun

We compare the benefits of these two family-friendly regions of the world.

Hot-air ballooning in Kenya[copyright]© www.governorscamp.com, Kenya[/copyright]

Our Guide to the Best Family Safari Destinations

Africa & Middle East, Kenya, South Africa, Cape Town, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Tracey explains how there's only one real way to see wildlife and bring ‘The Jungle Book’ to life, and that’s on safari.

Aerial view of a paddleboarder following a ray. [copyright]Image: Ishan/Unsplash [/copyright]

Our Ultimate Guide to Bucket-list Family Holidays

Africa & Middle East, South Africa, UAE, Dubai, Asia, India, Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Japan, Thailand, Koh Samui, Australia & Pacific, Australia, New South Wales, Sydney, Queensland, Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Europe, Finland, Greece, Corfu, Santorini, Crete, Halkidiki, Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Lapland, Portugal, Algarve, Spain, Canaries, Tenerife, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mauritius, Latin America, Costa Rica, North America, Canada, British Columbia, USA, Florida, Orlando

We share our favourite once-in-a-lifetime holidays all around the globe, from Costa Rica to Japan.

Seychelles [copyright]© Christian Cacciamani on Unsplash[/copyright]

What is the Best Indian Ocean Destination with Kids?

Africa & Middle East, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Asia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles

We look at Maldives versus Mauritius versus Seychelles for a family holiday.

Child on a bike exploring Vietnam and meeting the local cows.

A Family Adventure Holiday in Vietnam

Asia, Vietnam

From the craziness of Hanoi to the calm waterways of the Mekong Delta, Prue recounts how she and her family fell in love with Vietnam.

Giraffe Manor [copyright]© Giraffe Manor[/copyright]

Unusual Places to Stay with Kids Outside Europe

Africa & Middle East, Kenya, Oman, Asia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia & Pacific, Australia, Sydney, Queensland, Fiji, New Zealand, Turkey, Latin America, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, North America, USA, New York

We've searched far and wide for the world’s most extraordinary places to stay with kids.

Zac on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney.

Bucket-list Australia – Our Top Picks with Kids Down Under

Australia & Pacific, Australia, New South Wales, Sydney, Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, Melbourne

Rhonda remembers some her most enjoyable experiences in Australia with kids.

Vietnam [copyright]© Oleg Yudin on Unsplash[/copyright]

Vietnam with Toddlers, School-age Kids and Teens

Asia, Vietnam

Our guide to the charming South-east Asian destination with children of various ages.

Costa Rica [copyright]© Angela Erick on Unsplash[/copyright]

Costa Rica with Toddlers, School-age Kids and Teens

Latin America, Costa Rica

We take a look at how the world's most biodiverse country enchants families with kids of different ages.

Sri Lanka [copyright]© Siarhei Palishchuk on Unsplash - Sri Lanka[/copyright]

Sri Lanka Vs Thailand: Which is Best for a Family Holiday?

Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Tracey looks at what these two popular family holiday destinations each have to offer those looking for an Asian adventure with kids.

Elephants at Elephant Hills in Thailand. [copyright]© www.elephanthills.com[/copyright]

Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand with Kids

Asia, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket

We uncover responsible places to see rescued pachyderms in the ‘Land of Smiles’.

Maldives family holidays

Maldives Vs Mauritius For Family Holidays

Indian Ocean, Maldives, Mauritius

We compare the most two popular Indian Ocean destinations with kids.

Sri Lanka [copyright]© Geoff Brooks on Unsplash[/copyright]

Best Wildlife Experiences in Sri Lanka with Kids

Asia, Sri Lanka

Discover more about the amazing array of animals in Sri Lanka and where and how to see them ethically.

Children enjoying a diving lesson in the ocean at Kuramathi Resort in the Maldives. [copyright] Learning to dive at Kuramathi [/copyright]

Best Family-Friendly Maldives Resorts (Kids, Teens & Eco Experiences)

Indian Ocean, Maldives

Rhonda Carrier shares her experiences of some of the most fun – and sustainable – resorts for families in the tropical-island paradise.

Quad-biking in Essaouira

A Beach Break with Kids in Essaouira, Morocco

Africa & Middle East, Morocco

Rhonda checks out the Atlantic port city with its kitesurfing, quad-biking, horse-riding and more.

Inara Camp, Agafay Desert, Morocco

A Desert Experience with Kids, Morocco

Africa & Middle East, Morocco, Marrakech

Rhonda finds a family-friendly oasis combining wilderness adventures with luxury touches.

[copyright]© Rhonda Carrier - Hot-air ballooning near Marrakech with Ciel d’Afrique

A Marrakech City Break with Kids, Morocco

Africa & Middle East, Morocco, Marrakech

Rhonda finds out why the former imperial city is a great bet with teens.

Tarpon and pelicans at Robbie's

A Sustainable Family Road Trip through the Florida Keys

North America, USA, Florida, Florida Keys

Rhonda finds out how green tourism is helping to save this iconic destination.

Carnival kids © Rhonda Carrier

The Tenerife Carnival with Kids

Europe, Spain, Canaries, Tenerife

Rhonda discovers that the world’s second-biggest carnival has something for both adults and children.

[copyright]© Hotels Attitude

A Sustainable Family Holiday at the Zilwa Attitude, Mauritius

Indian Ocean, Mauritius

Rhonda experiences an eco-friendly resort inviting guests to truly get under the skin of the island.

[copyright]© Rhonda Carrier

All-inclusive family holidays on the Indian Ocean islands

Indian Ocean

Our hand-picked selection of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts on the Indian Ocean islands.

Kids sailing at the Barcelo Maya

All-inclusive family holidays in Latin America

Latin America

See our recommendations for the best all-inclusive family holidays in Mexico and other parts of Latin America

Kids learning to dive

All-inclusive family holidays in the Middle East and Africa

Africa & Middle East

Our hand-picked best all-inclusive family holidays to the Middle East and Africa.

Exercise class at the Club Med on Bintan Island

All-inclusive family holidays in Asia

Asia

Check out our top all-inclusive picks for family holidays in Asia.

Kids learning to surf in the Caribbean

All-inclusive family holidays in the Caribbean

Caribbean

Explore our hand-picked selection of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Enjoy ice cream from the Gelaterie at Ikos Dassia.

Why all-inclusive holidays are great for families

Our perspectives on all-inclusive holidays around the world, with recommendations that your family will love.

The pool and restaurant at Ikos Porto Petro in Mallorca.

Luxury family holidays inspiration

Africa & Middle East, Asia, Australia & Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, North America

Get inspired by our hand-picked luxury family holiday options in Europe and around the World

Statue of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam © Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

A Family Holiday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Asia, Vietnam

Dea and family learn about ‘the American War’ and Communism on a Southeast Asia trip

Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus.

Best Winter Sun Family Holidays with Babies and Toddlers

The ideal places to take young children on a family holiday, carefully hnd selected for you

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.

Best Winter Sun Luxury Family Holidays

Our hand selected Winter Sun Luxury Family Holidays for the family.

A villa at the Gloria Serenity Resort in Turkey[copyright]Gloria Serenity, Turkey[/copyright]

Best Family Villas Within Resorts: Luxury & Kid-Friendly Stays

Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean

Explore our selection of favourite family villas within resorts, some offering self-catering and others with meals included.

[copyright] © Fossil Expeditions, Florida[/copyright]

13 Thrilling Places to Find Fossils and Dinosaur Remains

Egypt, North America, Canada, USA, Florida

Georgina digs deep to uncover the world’s most fertile fossil and dinosaur-bone hunting grounds.

Food stall in the Seychelles[copyright]© Seychelles Tourism Board[/copyright]

A Self-Catering Family Holiday in the Seychelles

Indian Ocean, Seychelles

Dea Birkett reluctantly tries a family beach holiday.

Surfing with a dog at Huntington Beach

A Family Break at Huntington Beach, California

North America, USA, California, Southern California, Los Angeles

Rhonda discovers a family surfing paradise just south of Los Angeles.

The 10-second 'stall' on HangTime at Knott's Berry Farm

A Review of Knott’s Berry Farm, Los Angeles

North America, USA, California, Southern California, Los Angeles

Rhonda revisits a theme park dear to her from her 1970s childhood.

The Petronas Towers by night.

A Kuala Lumpur City Break with Kids

Asia, Malaysia

Rhonda finds that the Malaysian capital is well worth exploring as a family.

View towards the Danna from the grounds.

A Family Holiday on Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi, Malaysia, Asia

Rhonda discovers a tropical paradise where relaxation and adventure come in equal measure.

Polar bears in Ranua Wildlife Park, Lapland © Activities Abroad.

5 Great Ideas for Christmas Family Holidays or Breaks

Vienna, Denmark, Paris, Lapland, New York

Inspiration for taking the kids away for the festive season, whether to visit Santa, hit the ski slopes or bask in the sunshine.

The Ghan © Great Southern Rail.

Top 15 Family Rail Journeys Around the World

Morocco, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Sicily, Turkey, Istanbul, Mexico, Peru, Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Scotland

Georgina scours the globe for the best family adventures by train.

IMG World of Adventures' Lost Valley[copyright]@imgworlds[/copyright]

A Theme-park Holiday in Dubai

UAE, Dubai

Rhonda takes her boys to find out if the UAE’s largest city lives up to the hype.

Wave pool and slides at the LEGOLAND® Water Park.

A Family Break at LEGOLAND® Dubai

Africa & Middle East, UAE, Dubai

We discover some of the UAE's best theme-park offerings.

© Aruba Tourism Authority

A Family Holiday on Aruba, Caribbean

Caribbean, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao

Dea and family speak in tongues on the off-the-beaten-track island.

© Baja Camp, Mexico

Top 20 Eco-friendly Places to Stay with Kids in Latin America

Latin America, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru

The best hotels, lodges and campsites for green family holidays in Costa Rica and other Latin American destinations.

Unwind on the deck of your treehouse at The Fish Hotel.[copyright]Open-air bathing at a treehouse at The Fish Hotel[/copyright]

Top Valentine’s and Romantic Breaks with Kids

Prague, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence–Alpes–Côte d'Azur, Alpes Maritimes, Greece, Rhodes, Venice, Andalucia, Mauritius, Mexico, Berkshire, Cornwall

Places where you can combine quality family time with some 'us' time.

A Powerboat Adventure and Snorkel Tour, Grenada, with Island Routes.[copyright]© www.islandroutes.co.uk[/copyright]

Best Caribbean Family Resorts: Luxury All-Inclusive & Kid-Friendly Stays

Caribbean, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Turks and Caicos

Rhonda rounds up the most family-friendly offerings in a region perfect for a dose of winter sun.

[copyright]Desert camp in Wadi Rum © Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

A Family Adventure Holiday in Jordan

Jordan

The Middle Eastern nation of Jordan is an unmissable family destination.

Dodging cacti at the Wild West themed Hotel Gold River at PortAventura.[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

8 Unmissable Theme-park Hotels around the World

Dubai, Asia, Japan, Europe, France, Ile de France, Marne-la-Vallée, Paris, Picardy, Italy, Italian Lakes, Spain, Costa Brava, USA, California, Southern California, Los Angeles, Florida, Orlando

Rhonda takes a journey around the globe in search of the best places to stay at some of our favourite theme parks.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang[copyright]Cheong Fatt Tze.[/copyright]

A Two-centre Family Holiday in Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia

Malaysia

Dea and kids enjoy Malaysia in two very different but genuinely welcoming properties.

Sea turtles in Carlisle Bay, Barbados © Crystal Cove[copyright]

A Review of the Crystal Cove Hotel, Barbados

Barbados

Rhonda discovers the family-friendly delights of the Caribbean island.

The stunning location at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

A Family Holiday at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Caribbean

Caribbean, Turks and Caicos

Coming face-to-face with rock iguanas and read to local schoolkids in the northern Caribbean.

Santa arriving at Beaches Negril, Jamaica.

Amazing Places to Take the Kids at Christmas

Africa & Middle East, Dubai, Caribbean, Jamaica, Europe, Austria, Vienna, France, Ile de France, Paris, Ardeche, Lapland, Norway, Canaries, Tenerife, North America, USA, Florida, Orlando, New York, New York, United Kingdom, England, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, London, Wales, Pembrokeshire

Great ideas for festive family holidays or breaks, whether you head to the beach, the ski slopes or the snowy wilds, or to a sparkling city.

On Negril beach[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

A Family Holiday at Beaches Negril, Jamaica

Caribbean, Jamaica

Rhonda and her 9-year-old check out the Caribbean's top-ranking hotel for families.

Ethan getting ready to tackle the bobsleigh on Mystic Mountain.[copyright]© Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

A Family Holiday at Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Caribbean, Jamaica

Rhonda and Ethan go sky-high in the Caribbean.

A boy sitting next to a turtle in Sri Lanka

A Single-parent Holiday in Sri Lanka

Asia, Sri Lanka

Georgina and son go off the beaten track for wonderful wildlife, eco camping and more.

Roman columns at Jerash © Rhonda Carrier[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

An October Half-term Family Break in Jordan

Jordan

Georgina and son discover history with a vengeance in the compelling Arab nation.

Unwind with some yoga at BodyHoliday in St. Lucia.

Top 10 Mums' Breaks Without Children: UK and Abroad

India, Bali, Caribbean, Saint Lucia, France, Malta, Mallorca, Maldives, Leicestershire, Hampshire, New Forest, London, Surrey

Rhonda asks what mums really want, and where they can get it.

Feynan Eco Lodge © Rhonda Carrier[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

Top 25 Eco-friendly Places to Stay with Kids in Africa and the Middle East

Africa & Middle East, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Rhonda hunts down the best eco safari lodges and other environmentally friendly lodgings for families.

Falconry in Dubai © Visit Dubai.

Top 10 Destinations to See Birdlife with Kids

Africa & Middle East, South Africa, Dubai, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Spain, Costa Rica, USA, Florida, Orlando

From barn owls to quetzals and hummingbirds, Georgina shares the best places to introduce kids to winged creatures.

The Pego do Inferno © VisitAlgarve.

A Winter Family Holiday in the Algarve

Algarve, Portugal

Teresa and family enjoy an out-of-season break in the family-friendly region of southern Portugal.

Water-park fun in Dubai.[copyright]© Visitdubai.com[/copyright]

7 Winter Sun Family Holidays Within a 7-Hour Flight From the UK

Africa & Middle East, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Dubai, Malta, Azores, Canaries, Tenerife

Rhonda gives us the low-down on the best winter sun destinations with the kids without a long flight.