Child-friendly destinations, age-appropriate tips and family-friendly accommodation. Everything you need for the perfect holiday with the whole family.
Particularly family-friendly destinations are Mallorca, Lake Garda, Denmark, the Turkish Riviera and the island of Rügen: short journeys, shallow beaches, child-friendly accommodation and plenty to do for all ages. Short flights or travelling by car are ideal for toddlers, while older children enjoy activities and adventure.
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.
From Mediterranean sunshine to Baltic charm – these destinations delight children and parents alike.
Flat, 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Unbeatable value for money at all-inclusive resorts. Wonderfully long sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean Sea, excellent childcare at hotels and rich Turkish cuisine.
Germany'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.
Every age has its own needs. Here you can find out what to look out for depending on your children's age.
Tried-and-tested tips from experienced family travellers that make the difference between stress and relaxation.
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.
Meal and sleep times should be roughly maintained even on holiday. Especially with younger children, a regular rhythm means less grumpiness.
Let your children participate in travel planning. Even a "Pizza or fish tonight?" gives them the feeling of having a say.
Plan a day for settling in between arrival and departure. Nothing is worse than rushing off to a trip right after arrival.
Family hotels with childcare give parents a break too. Holiday apartments offer more space and a kitchen – ideal for families with small children.
International health insurance is a must. Also sensible: trip cancellation insurance, especially for families – children can get ill quickly.
Hunger and thirst quickly lead to bad moods in children. Always have water and healthy snacks in your bag.
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.
Holidays are the perfect opportunity to go offline as a family. Put phones away, pack board games, tell stories.
Give older children a disposable camera or a holiday diary. Children's perspective is often the most beautiful part of the whole holiday.
So you don't forget anything important: our tried-and-tested packing list, organised by category.
4 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Holiday Finder, Budget Calculator, Packing List and Travel Roulette. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Among the best destinations for families are Mallorca (flat, child-friendly beaches, short flight time), Lake Garda (beach, mountains and Gardaland), Denmark (holiday homes, Legoland, endless sandy beaches), the Turkish Riviera (all-inclusive with childcare) and Rügen (Germany's largest island with chalk cliffs and a steam railway).
Babies can technically fly from 2 weeks old, but a short journey of maximum 3 hours is recommended. For babies (0-2 years), holiday apartments with their own kitchen are ideal. Toddlers (3-6 years) benefit from hotels with kids' clubs and shallow beaches. From 7 years, adventurous activities like snorkelling and easy hikes can be planned.
The best money-saving tips: Travel in the off-season (September or late May/June are 30-40% cheaper), use early booking discounts (up to 25% savings when booking by February), book all-inclusive in Turkey from €60 per person/night, or choose a self-catering apartment and shop at local markets. Many museums also offer free days or family discounts.
A family travel medicine kit should include: thermometer and fever reducer, plasters, disinfectant spray and bandaging material, SPF 50 sunscreen and after-sun lotion, child-safe insect repellent, motion sickness remedy and electrolyte solution for diarrhoea. Also important: UV protection clothing, arm bands and a beach shelter.
The most important rules: Plan a maximum of one major activity per day, maintain meal and sleep times even on holiday, involve children in travel planning, plan buffer days for settling in and always have snacks and drinks on hand. Staying flexible is key – the best holiday moments are often unplanned.
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If you like Family Holidays, you may also enjoy Camping, Beach Holiday and Cruises. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
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