Family trips

For a first family holiday, it’s best to choose a destination that’s easy to get to, with a reasonable flight time, a good range of accommodation and activities suitable for children. Mediterranean cities, nearby islands or well-connected European capitals are often good choices. Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, Majorca or Corsica allow you to combine sightseeing, time spent outdoors and a relaxed pace. The key factor is balance: avoid an overly packed itinerary, allow for quiet time and choose a place where getting around is easy. For young children, a destination with a beach, parks, short walks and family-friendly restaurants makes for a more enjoyable stay. For parents, a direct or hassle-free journey helps minimise tiredness right from the start.

Preparing for a flight with children is mainly about anticipating their needs before, during and after the journey. It is advisable to check identity documents, baggage rules, which pushchairs are permitted, and any services available to families. In your hand luggage, pack a change of clothes, snacks, an empty water bottle to fill up after security checks, quiet games, headphones and any comfort items your child may need. For babies, make sure you have enough feeds, nappies and changing supplies. Planning your timing is also important: arriving early helps avoid stress, but you’ll also need to keep the children occupied. Explaining the stages of the journey in advance often helps younger children cope better with waiting, boarding and take-off.

The best family-friendly sun destinations are those that combine a pleasant climate, safety, a variety of activities and suitable facilities. The Mediterranean remains a safe bet, with destinations such as Corsica, the Balearic Islands, Andalusia, Sicily, Greece and Portugal. These regions offer accessible beaches, easy walks, family-friendly accommodation and cuisine that children often enjoy. For a more exotic holiday, Morocco, Tunisia or Cape Verde may be suitable for families seeking warmth, cultural discovery and relaxation. The choice depends on the season: in summer, it’s best to avoid the intense heat with young children or to plan activities for early in the morning. In spring and autumn, many destinations in southern Europe become particularly pleasant for travelling with children.

It is generally possible to travel by plane with a very young baby, but it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional, particularly for an infant or in the event of a specific medical condition. Apart from the child’s age, the comfort of the journey depends mainly on the duration of the flight, the timetable and the child’s routine. For a first trip, a short or medium-haul flight is often easier to manage. Parents can plan feeding times during take-off and landing to help equalise the pressure in the child’s ears. It is also helpful to choose flight times that coincide with nap times, to take a change of clothes in your hand luggage and to allow for some flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travelling with a baby requires flexible and realistic planning.

When choosing a family holiday destination, you should take into account the children’s age, level of independence and interests. With a baby, it is best to opt for a quiet, well-equipped place with few changes of accommodation and short journeys. For young children, destinations offering beaches, parks, animals, easy walks and fun activities are particularly suitable. For older children, cultural cities, islands to explore, nature reserves or holidays combining sport and discovery offer more possibilities. Teenagers will often appreciate destinations offering freedom of movement, water sports, an urban atmosphere or unique experiences. The aim is to put together an itinerary that alternates between sightseeing, relaxation and activities chosen by the children, so that everyone feels involved in the trip.

When travelling as a family, the documents required depend on the destination, the travellers’ nationality and their family circumstances. As a general rule, each child must have their own identity document: a national identity card or passport, depending on the country. For certain destinations, a visa, authorisation to leave the country or additional supporting documents may be required. It is important to check the validity of documents several weeks before departure, as administrative processing times may vary. Separated or blended families, or those travelling with a child who does not share the same surname, must pay particular attention to the supporting documents required. It is also advisable to take a digital copy of the documents, proof of travel insurance, relevant health records and any medical prescriptions.

Organising a stress-free family holiday relies on gradual and realistic planning. Start by identifying everyone’s expectations: relaxation, exploring, swimming, nature, culture or sporting activities. Then choose a destination that suits your budget, the season, the length of your stay and the children’s ages. It is best to limit changes of location, especially with young children, and to plan a flexible itinerary. Booking the essentials in advance – such as flights, accommodation, parking or transfers – helps to minimise uncertainty. During your stay, make sure you have some free time and be prepared to adjust the pace. A good family holiday isn’t necessarily the one where you see the most, but the one where every member of the family feels included.

The best activities for family holidays are those that create shared memories without wearing the children out. Beaches, parks, boat trips, local markets, interactive museums, short visits, nature reserves and outdoor activities often work very well. It’s a good idea to alternate between different experiences: a morning spent sightseeing, a quiet break, followed by a more relaxed activity. Children enjoy places where they can touch, observe, run about, taste things or get involved. Teenagers can be involved in choosing certain activities, such as a neighbourhood to explore, an excursion or a sporting activity. To maintain a good balance, avoid cramming in too many heritage visits or long journeys. A successful trip leaves room for spontaneity, breaks and unexpected discoveries.