The August bank holiday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a few extra days away with the family before summer comes to an end. While many families choose Europe’s biggest capitals, there are plenty of smaller cities offering fascinating history, local traditions and memorable experiences without the busiest crowds.
When planning a holiday during peak travel seasons, knowing when not to travel can be just as important as knowing the best times to travel. For solo travellers, couples and adults travelling without children, UK school half term periods often bring busier airports, higher prices and longer queues.
Whether you’re working around school schedules, annual leave, or different age groups, February half term suits families looking for a manageable trip that still feels like a proper break. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and good availability across many destinations, it’s a practical time to travel with children and teenagers.
Sunshine Saturday is known as the biggest holiday booking day of the year — when thoughts of sunshine, beaches and city breaks finally start becoming real plans.
To celebrate, we’re giving you the chance to boost your next adventure with our Sunshine Saturday Competition 2026, offering a chance to win £1,500 in holiday vouchers to one lucky winner, plus ten £50 Amazon Gift Cards for runners-up.
Holidays are evolving, and 2026 travel trends are reshaping how we take a break. Remember when a family holiday meant Spain in July, a resort pool, and toast for breakfast every morning? Those days are slipping away — and quickly. If you’re planning to travel in 2026, here’s what’s really happening in the world of holidays.
Whether you’re searching for the best October half-term family holiday or simply want a calmer, more affordable trip, this period in the school calendar offers a unique opportunity to plan a trip focused on spending quality time together.
Travelling in October also means you get to enjoy autumn in many destinations. From quieter cities to relaxed beach escapes, it’s the mix of better value and fewer crowds that makes this break so appealing.
Gone are the days when Brits could simply jump on a plane and head to Europe for some sun and sangria. A new timeline has now been announced for the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). The post-Brexit system was supposed to launch in 2022, but was rescheduled for May 2023 and then pushed back again.
The EES is set to launch on 12th October 2025 and will affect the majority of British holidaymakers heading into Europe and the four Schengen countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The implementation will be phased over a six-month period, meaning until April 2026 you may encounter different border requirements at different borders where you enter and exit across the Schengen area. It is important to note, there is no charge for using the EES.
As kids get older, holidays naturally start to look different. It’s not just about a pool and a kids’ club anymore, it’s about activities that feel a bit more grown up, places they’ll be excited to explore, and finding the balance between family time and letting them have a bit of independence.
With the right planning, it is possible to have a great family holiday where everyone would be happy to experience. Here’s a guide to what you should consider when planning your next summer holiday.
Summer is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the summer sun with your loved ones. Whether you’re travelling with young children, teens, or grandparents, there are many beach holidays in Europe for families that offer something for everyone. From gentle waves for paddling to fun seaside towns with family attractions, these destinations are ideal for relaxed days and memorable evenings.
We’ve picked ten family-friendly beach spots across Europe, each in a different country. All of these have soft sand, calm waters, fun things to do, and places where both kids and older adults can enjoy their time.
The summer holidays are just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your family summer holiday. Whether you’re heading to sandy beaches, cultural cities, or exploring a new country, travelling with children (whatever their age) can bring joy and a few extra challenges.
To help you prepare for the most from your holiday abroad this summer, we’ve put together the Ultimate Summer Survival Guide for Parents, filled with practical advice, smart packing tips, and ideas to keep your little ones, tweens and teens happy while you enjoy a stress-free holiday.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has up-to-date advice on staying safe abroad, see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. FCDO Travel Advice can change so check regularly for the latest information and sign up to email alerts for your destination. For more general travel information, visit the FCDO Travel Aware website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.
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