Family Holidays
Child-friendly destinations, age-appropriate tips and family-friendly accommodation. Everything you need for the perfect holiday with the whole family.
Why Family Holidays Matter So Much
Family holidays are far more than just a break from everyday life. They are shared experiences that bond children and parents for a lifetime. Whether building sandcastles on the beach, completing a first mountain hike or marvelling at foreign cultures – these moments shape childhood and create memories that no toy in the world can replace.
At the same time, planning a family holiday presents many parents with challenges: Which destination suits which age? How do you keep children entertained on long journeys? What absolutely must go in the suitcase? And how do you keep it all affordable?
This guide answers all these questions. We present the five best destinations for families, give you tips for every age group and help you with practical packing lists and budget tricks, so your next family holiday will be relaxed and unforgettable.
The 5 Best Destinations for Families
From Mediterranean sunshine to Baltic charm – these destinations delight children and parents alike.
Mallorca
SpainFlat, child-friendly beaches, short flight time from Germany (about 2 hours), family-friendly hotels with kids' clubs and entertainment programmes. Plus a mild climate almost all year round.
Family Highlights:
Lake Garda
ItalyThe perfect mix of beach and mountains. Lake Garda offers swimming fun, hiking opportunities and the famous Gardaland theme park. Easily accessible by car from southern Germany.
Family Highlights:
Denmark
DenmarkThe land of holiday homes! Denmark was made for family holidays: your own holiday house with garden, endless sandy beaches, the original Legoland in Billund and a relaxed, child-friendly culture.
Family Highlights:
Turkish Riviera
TurkeyUnbeatable value for money at all-inclusive resorts. Wonderfully long sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean Sea, excellent childcare at hotels and rich Turkish cuisine.
Family Highlights:
Rügen
GermanyGermany's largest island combines beach holidays with nature experiences. No fear of flying, short journey for many families, the famous chalk cliffs, the Ozeaneum in Stralsund and the Rasender Roland – a historic steam railway.
Family Highlights:
Tips by Age Group
Every age has its own needs. Here you can find out what to look out for depending on your children's age.
0–2 Years (Babies)
- Prefer short journeys (max. 3 hours flight or car ride)
- Holiday apartment rather than hotel – own kitchen for baby food and bottles
- Choose travel times outside peak season (less hustle, cooler temperatures)
- Sun protection is top priority: UV clothing, SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Maintain nap routine – plan the holiday around baby's rhythm
3–6 Years (Toddlers)
- Choose child-friendly beaches with shallow entry
- Book hotels or resorts with kids' clubs and playgrounds
- Keep day trips short – max. one major activity per day
- Always have snacks and drinks on hand
- Theme parks like Legoland or Gardaland are an absolute highlight at this age
7–12 Years (School Children)
- Involve children in travel planning – it increases excitement enormously
- Plan adventurous activities: snorkelling, cycling, easy hikes
- Make cultural outings child-friendly (e.g. audio guides for children)
- Use sports offerings: surfing, climbing, horse riding
- Plan evening activities: mini golf, night markets, stargazing
13–17 Years (Teenagers)
- Create personal space during the holiday – teenagers need time for themselves too
- Offer action activities: jet skiing, parasailing, escape rooms, paintball
- Check Wi-Fi availability at the accommodation (seriously!)
- Combine city trips with shopping opportunities
- Plan shared experiences that are cool for teens too: canyoning, kayaking, cooking classes
10 Golden Rules for Family Holidays
Tried-and-tested tips from experienced family travellers that make the difference between stress and relaxation.
Don't plan too much
Plan a maximum of one major activity per day. Children need time for free play and exploration. An overscheduled day causes stress for everyone involved.
Maintain routines
Meal and sleep times should be roughly maintained even on holiday. Especially with younger children, a regular rhythm means less grumpiness.
Involve the children
Let your children participate in travel planning. Even a "Pizza or fish tonight?" gives them the feeling of having a say.
Plan buffer time
Plan a day for settling in between arrival and departure. Nothing is worse than rushing off to a trip right after arrival.
Choose accommodation wisely
Family hotels with childcare give parents a break too. Holiday apartments offer more space and a kitchen – ideal for families with small children.
Check insurance
International health insurance is a must. Also sensible: trip cancellation insurance, especially for families – children can get ill quickly.
Snacks are lifesavers
Hunger and thirst quickly lead to bad moods in children. Always have water and healthy snacks in your bag.
Stay flexible
The best holiday moments are often unplanned: the ice cream shop by the roadside, the playground in the park, the street musicians in the old town. Let these moments happen.
Take a digital break
Holidays are the perfect opportunity to go offline as a family. Put phones away, pack board games, tell stories.
Capture memories
Give older children a disposable camera or a holiday diary. Children's perspective is often the most beautiful part of the whole holiday.
Packing List for Family Holidays
So you don't forget anything important: our tried-and-tested packing list, organised by category.
Travel Medicine Kit
- Thermometer and fever reducer
- Plasters, disinfectant spray and bandaging material
- SPF 50 sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Insect repellent (child-safe)
- Motion sickness remedy
- Electrolyte solution for diarrhoea
For the Journey
- Colouring books, pens and small games
- Tablet with offline films and games (plus headphones!)
- Snacks and refillable water bottles
- Wet wipes and spare clothes in hand luggage
- Cuddly toy or comfort blanket
- Travel car seat or booster seat
Beach Holiday
- UV protection clothing and sun hat
- Arm bands or swim vest
- Beach shelter or pop-up tent
- Sand toys and beach ball
- Water shoes against sea urchins and hot stones
- Waterproof phone case
Familienurlaub zum Sparpreis
Handverlesene Hoteldeals, Kurztrips und Erlebnisgutscheine zu Sparpreisen. Perfekt zum Verschenken oder selbst Genießen.
* Weiterleitung zu we-are.travel. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Hotelgutscheine & Kurzreisen
Deals ab 29 € p.P. auf touriDat.com
Ready for the next family holiday?
Discover more destinations or use our AI holiday finder to find the perfect family destination.
