Family holidays abroad 2012

Here’s our guide to family holidays abroad in 2012, please leave your own travel tips for families in the comments below!

If you’re planning a holiday away with the family, it’s very important to choose the right destination and hotel to suit your requirements. Many families make the mistake of opting for the first holiday package deal that they see advertised – this can mean that they get a real bargain, however, less than ideal accommodation or a bad location can result in a lot of stress – and that’s hardly the scenario that we want while we are away.

Choosing the right destination and hotel is even more important if you have children – you need a safe location with a lot of activities to enjoy for both you and the kids.

The following are a few helpful tips to guide you when you are planning your next holiday;

Top Family Holiday Destinations

Many people get confused when they are planning their holiday – and it’s no surprise, there are a lot of options to consider. If you have children, you may be looking for short flights (long flights and hyperactive kids do not generally mix well!), family friendly child-safe beaches and resorts where there are lots of activities for the kids to enjoy (i.e. close proximity to water parks and other attractions). A lot of destinations are perfect for family holidays – e.g. Los Cristianos in Tenerife, Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, Altinkum in Turkey, Sidari in Corfu and Cala’n Forcat in Menorca amongst many other destinations.

Tip: Use this deal finder at OntheBeach.co.uk so you can find yourself the perfect tailored family holiday.

When choosing the right destination and resort for your family think about:

• Beaches – Shallow, gently shelving sandy beaches are best for young families.
• Pools – A heated pool can make the world of difference to how long kids will be happy to splash around
• Flights – What is the flight time? are they available from your local UK airport and what time are they leaving and coming back?
• Currency – Non Euro zone countries Turkey & Egypt have sold very well recently due to the favourable exchange rates.
• Things to do – Both at the hotel and in the resort. Pools, kids-clubs, mini-disco, water-parks ? what’s important for your family?

And finally before you book, check how long the transfer from airport to your accommodation will be. Don’t want the stress of a car-hire or the “package holiday” feel of a coach transfer. We recommend ResortTaxis.com - It is very important to select the best transfer option that you can, to keep costs down when you are travelling to and from the airport. If you are looking for a cost-effective transfer method – resorttaxis.com can help. It is advisable that you book your resort taxi as early as possible, in order to secure the lowest prices.

When to go?

It’s a very common question asked by many families – when exactly should we go on holiday? The obvious choice would be during the school holidays, however, it’s worth remembering that prices are generally more expensive during these periods, so if you can only get away during the holidays, it’s best to book early to get the best possible deal. If you have younger children, it may be a great idea to take your holiday during May/June or September/October, but naturally it will depend on your own requirements i.e. when you and/or your partner are able to take time off of work. Generally speaking, it’s always advisable to book well in advance (if possible) to really take advantage of the holiday deals available.

All Inclusive Family Holidays?

A lot of families will opt for all inclusive family holidays – and they can be a great way to take advantage of everything that a hotel and location has to offer. By booking an all inclusive family holiday you can factor in costs such as food and drink, hotel activities and entertainment – all of which can be very expensive if you are paying separately. All inclusive family holidays offer peace of mind – you know that the majority of your expenses are covered, from the minute you arrive until your departure date.

Ready To Book? Check out these all inclusive deals at OnTheBeach.co.uk

Don’t underestimate the expenses that can build up during a holiday – if you take your family out for a meal at a restaurant outside of the hotel each day, enjoy drinks at local bars or pay for admission to local attractions, you could end up with a very hefty bill! All inclusive holiday deals factor in a number of family requirements – you may find that you don’t need to leave the hotel/immediate area at all! From unlimited drinks at the pool bar to snacks for hungry kids and ice-creams – you could be covered under an all-inclusive deal – in short, they are a great way to budget effectively for your holiday.

Self Catering Family Holidays?

In recent years, self catering family holidays have seen a surge in popularity. There’s no doubt that the current financial climate is still very uncertain – we all want to enjoy our spare time as much as we can, but stricter budgets can mean that we have to watch our spending carefully while we are away on holiday. To this end, self catering holidays can be the perfect solution. By taking a self catering holiday you can pay for your accommodation in the right location, but pay for the majority of your food, drinks and entertainment yourself. This allows you to set even stricter budgets on your families’ expenditure.

If you are planning on taking a self catering holiday you will need to plan your daily activities. For example; you may choose to buy your food at the local shop or supermarket, and prepare the meals yourself – and this can be a great way to keep costs down. Alternatively, you may want to research the local restaurants and bars in a location to find the best value for your money. This can be a great option for families who are on tighter budgets – and it means that you won’t be paying out a huge amount in one go for the initial holiday – you can book your hotel and destination, then budget for your ongoing daily costs. Get in touch with OntheBeach.co.uk to find out more about self catering family holidays.

Who to book with?

When you are booking your family holiday, you will need to choose a travel company who has the expertise to find you the very best possible deal for your money. At OntheBeach.co.uk you can expect a wide range of benefits, including;

• The option to pay your balance 4 weeks before the holiday.
• Price guarantee – we aim not to be beaten!
• ABTA protection for peace of mind. (ABTA K0813).
• Complete financial protection for all elements of your holiday thanks to an ATOL Bond (ATOL number 10017).
• 24/7 in resort helpline.

At OntheBeach.co.uk we understand that your holiday is very important to you – and to this end, we will find the best possible holiday for you and your family. For this reason, we are the number one choice for family holidays – and half a million customers can’t be wrong!