By Independent Travel Agent Lisa Connolly
With many families not having a holiday for the past two summers, now might just be the right time for you to start planning your 2022 holiday with my recommendations for families below.
I predict these five places will be some of the most popular destinations, with great food, beautiful beaches and family-friendly accommodation, the choice is yours:
THE BALEARICS
Like myself you might have young children wjho are yet to experience a flight. The Balearic Islands are perfect with the shorter flight times, daily flight schedules and plenty of family-friendly accommodation, depending on your style and budget. There are many hotels that I would recommend, from the budget apartments to bigger resort-type hotels.
In Ibiza my favourite would have to be Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa set on the beach front in Playa D'En Bossa, it's luxurious while also accommodating for families. In Majorca the Zafiro chain of hotels are amazing for families, many having large kids pools hosting a pirate ship with multiple slides.
If you fancy taking things at your own pace there also are many stunning villas to choose from.
THE ALGARVE
One of the world’s very best destinations for family holidays, especially with younger kids, the southernmost region of the country is blessed with year-round sunshine, Blue Flag beaches and great water parks. The Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort really have thought of everything in their ‘Baby’s First Beach Holiday’ package. This carefully thought-out deal includes a stay in a Beach room or one-bedroom garden house with breakfast included, plus a baby welcome pack.
THE GREEK ISLANDS
Greece is fantastic for children, full of history, beautiful beaches and accommodation to suit all tastes and budget. The Greek islands are just so laid back and the Greeks themselves are so welcoming that you often find once you go to Greece you keep returning.
The Ikos hotels are absolutely incredible, offering ultimate relaxation for parents while taking care of the children with organised programmes of sports, activities and fun learning indoors and out – all carefully overseen by childcare experts, operating in line with UK Ofsted standards.. The Ikos does come with a high price tag but there's so much more Greece can offer.
DUBAI
Not many people will consider of Dubai when thinking of holidays with children, Dubai is however, incredibly child-friendly. Most of the hotels have facilities for children that are out of this world. Not only is there plenty to do in the resorts themselves but across Dubai there are so many attractions to keep everyone entertained. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai is one of the most Iconic Dubai hotels. The facilities at the hotel are incredible, Waterpark, Kids club, bowling and in-room babysitting. Every aspect of a family holiday is well catered for.
BARBADOS
For those families that are happy to go further afield, Barbados is a direct flight from the UK making it accessible from even us up here in the north. Famous for its easy going outlook on life and beautiful beaches, Barbados offers vibrant entertainment as well as luxury, making it an ideal destination for families. The Crop Over Festival brings a carnival atmosphere to the streets for five weeks and it begins just in time for the summer holidays.
Families flock to Turtle Beach for tropical island fun. Spacious suites and kid-friendly amenities, including the popular Flying Fish Kids Club, a dedicated children's pool, and a jungle gym.
WRITTEN BY LISA CONNOLLY
Lisa is an independent travel agent who lives in Stockport.
She can help you find your perfect holiday - check out her Instagram @lisatc_travelexpert
