Where to Travel During the School Holidays

Planning a family holiday is rarely just about choosing a destination. For most families, travel dates are dictated by school holidays, which means availability, weather, and the overall feel of a destination become even more important.

With limited windows to travel, choosing the right destination at the right time of year can make the difference between a holiday that feels seamless and one that feels unnecessarily complicated.

With that in mind, this guide breaks down where to travel during each of the key school holidays in 2026, with a focus on destinations that not only work logistically, but also offer the right balance of ease, experience, and quality for families.

February Half Term (Winter Sun & Long-Haul Escapes)

February half term is one of the best opportunities to escape the UK winter and enjoy guaranteed sunshine, particularly if you are open to travelling further afield.

For families seeking a truly relaxing, self-contained experience, the Maldives offers an exceptional option. While the journey is longer, the reward is complete ease once you arrive, with family-friendly resorts offering spacious villas, children’s activities, and experiences such as snorkelling, dolphin spotting, and guided excursions, all within one beautifully curated setting. Resorts such as LUX* South Ari Atoll are particularly well suited to families, combining luxury with a strong sense of fun and exploration.

Alternatively, Thailand, and in particular Koh Samui, offers a wonderful balance of value, space, and family-friendly hospitality. With private villas, attentive service, and a slower pace of life, it is an ideal destination for longer stays where families can properly unwind. Many families choose to combine destinations, perhaps beginning in Phuket before continuing to Koh Samui, allowing time to adjust to the time difference while experiencing different parts of the country.

For those looking for something closer to home, a cosy countryside escape in the Cotswolds provides a very different but equally rewarding experience, with countryside walks, fireside evenings, and a slower pace that allows for quality time together.

Easter Holidays (Spring Escapes & Short-Haul Ease)

The Easter holidays are ideal for short-haul travel, where flight times are manageable and the climate is beginning to warm.

Portugal, and in particular Comporta or the Algarve, offers a relaxed and understated setting that works beautifully for families. Comporta, just outside Lisbon, provides a sense of space and calm, with beaches, nature, and beautifully designed properties such as Sublime Comporta, where both parents and children can unwind. The Algarve, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of resorts and villas, making it a reliable choice for families seeking ease and flexibility.

Paris is another excellent option for Easter, particularly for families who would like a combination of culture and accessibility without the need for flying. Travelling via Eurostar allows for a seamless journey, while the city itself offers a surprising number of family-friendly experiences. Combining a few nights in the city with a countryside retreat just outside, such as Le Barn, creates a well-balanced trip.

For those preferring to stay within the UK, Cornwall remains a strong option during Easter, offering coastal walks, beach days, and a relaxed atmosphere before the peak summer crowds arrive.

May Half Term (Short Breaks & European Sun)

May half term is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most enjoyable times to travel, with warm temperatures across Europe and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Ibiza, often misunderstood as an adults-only destination, is in fact a fantastic option for families when approached in the right way. Outside of the party scene, the island offers beautiful beaches, family-friendly restaurants, and a selection of boutique hotels such as Hacienda Na Xamena, Nobu Ibiza Bay, and Six Senses, all of which cater to families while maintaining a refined and relaxed atmosphere.

Alternatively, a stay in London can offer a surprisingly engaging break, particularly when combined with the right accommodation. Luxury hotels such as The Dorchester or Claridge’s provide thoughtful touches for younger guests, while serviced apartments or private homes allow for more space and flexibility.

Bodrum is another standout destination at this time of year, offering warm weather without the intensity of peak summer. Hotels such as Mandarin Oriental Bodrum and Six Senses Kaplankaya provide beautifully designed spaces with tailored experiences for families, making it an excellent choice for those seeking something slightly more elevated.

Summer Holidays (July to September 2026 - Effortless European Travel)

The summer holidays are the most popular time for family travel, which makes choosing the right destination even more important.

Greece remains one of the most dependable options, particularly regions such as Halkidiki, where direct flights and a strong selection of family-friendly hotels make travel straightforward. Resorts such as Ikos Olivia or Sani offer a level of ease that is difficult to match, with all-inclusive dining, children’s clubs, and a wide range of activities designed to keep all ages engaged.

Spain, and particularly Andalusia, offers a similarly accessible option, with destinations such as Marbella providing a variety of high-quality resorts including Puente Romano and Marbella Club. These properties offer a village-style layout, excellent dining, and a balance of relaxation and activity that works well for families.

For those seeking something slightly more cultural, Sicily offers a beautiful alternative, combining Italian hospitality, incredible food, and a sense of exploration. While it requires a little more planning, the experience is rewarding, particularly for families with older children.

October Half Term (Autumn Sun & Adventure)

October half term provides another opportunity to travel further afield while avoiding peak season crowds.

The Caribbean, and in particular St Lucia, offers warm temperatures, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed pace that works well for multi-generational families. Resorts such as Windjammer Landing or Sugar Beach provide a combination of space, activities, and all-inclusive ease, making them particularly appealing for this time of year.

Closer to home, Dorset offers a wonderful UK escape, combining countryside, coastline, and cosy accommodation, ideal for a slower-paced break.

For families seeking something more active, the Dolomites provide a completely different experience, with mountain landscapes, outdoor activities, and fresh air that feels both restorative and engaging.

Christmas Holidays (Magical, Once-in-a-Year Experiences)

The Christmas holidays are often about creating something memorable, and destinations at this time of year tend to focus on experience as much as relaxation.

Swedish Lapland offers a truly magical setting, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights, meet reindeer, and experience snow-covered landscapes that feel straight out of a storybook.

Alternatively, Thailand provides a warm and vibrant escape, with Koh Samui offering a combination of luxury villas, beaches, and family-friendly resorts that allow for a more extended and immersive trip.

For those who prefer to stay closer to home, Scotland offers a festive atmosphere, particularly in Edinburgh, where Christmas markets and seasonal events create a charming and memorable experience.

Choosing the Right Time, Not Just the Right Place

While each of these destinations offers something unique, the most important factor when planning a family holiday is aligning your destination with both the time of year and the type of experience you are looking for.

At Case Travel, we specialise in designing family holidays that take all of these elements into consideration, ensuring that every detail has been thoughtfully planned so that your time away feels seamless, considered, and genuinely enjoyable.

If you are planning a family holiday and would like guidance on where to go and when, you are very welcome to get in touch, and we would be delighted to create something tailored entirely to you.