Planning a summer family holiday can feel overwhelming: where to book, what type of property to choose, and what style of holiday to pick. To make it easier, start by identifying the non-negotiables. For my family, sun and water are essential — big pools, water slides and easy beach access. I use holiday websites to filter specifically for waterparks, pools and beaches, then stay flexible on location and package. That way you can find unexpected deals and destinations you might not have considered. I found our perfect trip using a site that let me save hotels and refine searches quickly.
Another approach is to book flights first and sort accommodation later. It’s less certain, but it can turn your trip into an adventure and sometimes leads to great bargains — especially if you’re open to local discoveries. For example, on a trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, we hadn’t pre-booked and ended up finding a beachfront tree house for about £5 a night — a stay we would never have known about in advance.
Make sure the holiday has something for everyone. Decide the essentials for each family member, then apply those filters when searching. Being too vague or too rigid makes the process harder, so aim for a balanced search: use any nearby airport, allow for a few days’ flexibility on travel dates, and apply must-have filters such as All-Inclusive or Water Park. This narrows options while still showing unexpected offers.
When you arrive, compare hotel excursions with local operators before booking. We’ve often saved a lot by booking trips directly with local companies rather than through the hotel — for example, a boat trip in Turkey that was far cheaper when booked in town and was just as enjoyable for the kids.
With the number of cancellations this season, it’s important to know your rights. Check reliable advice on refunds and alternatives so you can protect your family if your flight is cancelled.
One useful money-saving trick is to recheck your hotel’s price closer to departure and rebook if it’s cheaper — but only if your original booking has no cancellation fee. Many people save significant amounts this way.
If you have tips for booking a family holiday, please share them in the comments or on social media. Every tip helps — and don’t forget to look through other travel posts for more ideas and inspiration.
