Get the latest on our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) response and travel information. Learn more
Your guide to family holidays
Holidays are the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your family. We want to make your holiday run as smoothly as possible so we've rounded up everything you need to know about family holidays in one place. Explore our favourite family hotels, top tips for travelling with the little ones and some of our essential hacks for holidaying as a family...
Family holidays: what you need to know...
How to pack for a family holiday in one suitcase
We've teamed up with Karen Edwards (Travel Mad Mum) to show you how to pack for a family holiday in one suitcase. Having travelled the world twice on maternity leave straight after her little ones were born, Karen now writes her top tips, product reviews and destination guides to help other travel loving families to realise they do not need to stop exploring when they become parents.
Video Transcription
Hi, I’m Karen from Travel Mad Mum and I’ve travelled the world extensively with my two kids and today I’ve been asked to show you how to pack for the whole family of four for a beach holiday for a week into one checked luggage with 20kg. So that’s the whole family in one bag and we have everything you could possibly need here. Have a look.
-
Swimming outfits (kids’ x 4)
Shoes (kids’ x 2)
Sunhats (kids’ x 2)
Tops (kids’ x 11)
Babygrows (x 7)
Dresses (kids’ x 3)
Shorts (kids’ x 5)
Jumpers ((kids’ x 2)
Trousers (kids’ x 3)
Sunglasses (kids’ x 2)
Socks (kids’ x 4 pairs)
Underwear (kids’ x 14)
Bibs (x 4)
Dresses (adults’ x 3)
Shoes (adults’ x 5)
Short (adults’ x 4)
Swimming outfits (adults’ x 4)
Tops (adults’ x 14)
Underwear (adults’ x 14)
Bras x (2)
Socks (adults’ x 4 pairs)
Trousers (adults’ x 3)
Sunglasses (adults’ x 2)
Necklace
Nappies
Baby wipes (x 2)
Cuddly toys (x 2)
Travel bags of toys (x 2)
Children’s books (x 4)
Kids eating utensils (x 2)
Beach towels (x 4)
Fan
Beach bag
Calpol
Thermometer
Hairbrush
Hair straighteners
First aid kit
Make up
Toothbrushes (x 4)
Adult toothpaste
Kids toothpaste
Shampoo
Shower gel
Body lotion
Sun screen factor 50
Sun screen factor 30
After sun
Hand cream
Lip balm
Shaving foam
Men’s razor
Women’s razor
Washing powder tablets
Menstrual cup
Insect repellent
Hair bands
Hair flower grip
Phone battery pack
SLR camera
Kindle
Tablet with charger
Laptop with charger
Phone chargers (x 2)
WiFi solace
Travel adapter
Kids’ life jacket
Pool drinks holders (x 2)
Goggles
Inflatable beach ball
- Use colour-coded packing cubes for each family member. This will create defined space for everyone’s clothes
- Tightly fold or roll clothes to save space
- Pack clothes than you can dress up or down
- Decant moisturiser or shower gel into small bottles or waterproof pouches
- Thin, quick drying towels double up as blankets and play mats
- Stuff shoes with chargers, cables, socks and sunglasses
- You can use vacuum bags for bulkier items, like jackets and baby blankets
Our top family hotels
Origo Mare, Fuerteventura
- On-site water park
- 6 swimming pools
- Daily excursion programme
Costa Del Sol, Spain
- Children's splash zone
- Large swimming pool
- Entertainment programme
Alcudia, Majorca
- 250m from the beach
- Splash park
- Kamp Katakidu kids club
#OntheBeachMCR
We recently brought the beach to Manchester, with a giant sandcastle being built at the Great Northern Warehouse. While down there, we asked the people of Manchester about their holiday habits and this is what they had to say...
For more family holiday inspiration...
For family-friendly, fun-filled holidays take a look at Barceló Hotel Group. With fantastic kids clubs, impressive locations and restaurants to suit even the pickiest of eaters, Barceló Hotels ensure you have the best possible family holiday with your loved ones.
