Are you looking for a family holiday with a difference? Want a little adventure mixed with beach time? Check out my top long haul holidays for families and start planning your next big trip.
Family holidays, like most travel trends, have changed dramatically in recent years. A two-week package deal to Spain is no longer the typical family holiday. Many families are taking a ‘big trip’ for milestone birthdays and searches for long haul holidays for families are on the rise.
We long for more authentic experiences and parents want to educate their children to different cultures too. We think nothing of flying ten hours to Orlando for a family holiday in Florida, so why not fly the same distance to Thailand or Mauritius?
My children (ages 15 & 12) would tell you that one of their favourite holidays was when we spent two weeks travelling around South Africa a few years ago. So why not push the boundaries and go long haul for your next family holiday? Hopefully these top long haul holidays for families will inspire you travel further afield next year.
I have teamed up with the travel experts at Tropical Sky, who offer a wide range long haul holidays for families and can advise you on the best hotel options to suit your requirements.
If you are looking for hotels with family rooms and kids clubs, they will source them for you. If on the other hand you are looking to stay in a tented camp at Elephant Hills in Thailand, or take a camper van through America’s Canyonlands, they can arrange that too. These long haul holidays for families will give you a taste of the wide selection of options that are available to you.
Return airport transfers and checked baggage are included in all prices below, and if you book before 30th of September 2023 you can secure a family booking to selected destinations in 2024 or 2025 from just €99 deposit per adult!
1. Thailand
Thailand is a wonderful introduction to Asia for children. There are plenty of activities to keep the children happy at Thailand’s beach resorts, and many family hotels in Thailand will have entertainment laid on for children.
If you want to spend a few days in Bangkok, I suggest you combine the local culture with a family activity. Take a tuk-tuk tour of the city and explore Asiatique, the family-friendly open air-mall with ferris wheel.
Flights & 12 Nights Elephant Hills & Thai Beaches from €5,750 per family
If you really want to push the boundaries, try an overnight stay in Elephant Hills Jungle Camp, suitable for children from 4 years. Tropical Sky’s Elephant Hills Experience and Thai Beach holiday will allow you to do just that.
This 12-night holiday to Thailand includes four nights at Elephant Hills, four nights at the Khaolak Merlin Resort and four nights at the 5-star SAii Laguna Phuket, with all flights and transfers included.
At Elephant Hills you will be staying in a luxury tent with en suite facilities in the heart of the rainforest! Trek through the rainforest, go sightseeing on a traditional longtail boat, and enjoy a canoe safari down the Sok river, and of course you will get the chance to interact with the resident elephants, and learn all about their conservation.
There are movies, cooking demonstrations and dance performances in the evening, and all meals are included at Elephant Hills camp.
Price of €5750 is based on a family of four travelling in May and includes flights, transfers, baggage, hotels on a B&B basis and full board at Elephant Hills.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.
2. Mexico
Mexico is one of the best long haul holidays for families looking for fun in the sun. Hotels are packed with kids clubs and entertainment, and many have water slides at the pool. You can swim, snorkel, take boat trips and enjoy sunny days on Mexico’s white sandy beaches.
Most resorts are all-inclusive with unlimited soft drinks and ice creams included for children. For family fun days out take the kids to XCaret theme park or one of the many waterparks nearby.
Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive at Fives Beach Hotel & Residences from €6,350 per family
Tropical Sky have a wide range of family hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya to choose from, including the top-rated Essence at the Fives Beach Hotel, a luxury all-inclusive resort on the beachfront in Playa del Carmen.
You will be spoilt for choice with seven outdoor pools, 10 restaurants, day and night time entertainment, as well kids clubs and activities to keep the kids happy. There is a choice of rooms including spacious one, two and three-bedroom residences.
Price of €6,350 is based on a family of four travelling in June and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay in a 1-bedroom residence with pool or garden view, with all meals and drinks.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.
3. Florida
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Orlando needs no introduction and is widely accepted as one of the top long haul holidays for families. With over twelve theme parks, four waterparks and a host of other activities on International Drive, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do in Orlando.
Flights & 14 Nights at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando from €3,740 per family
Tropical Sky offer a wide selection of family holidays to Florida including stays at Universal Studios and Disney World hotels, as well as luxury homes and twin-centre holidays.
One of their top sellers is the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando. This centrally located hotel offers superb value for families looking to stay on International Drive and be close to Orlando’s top attractions. You don’t even need to hire a car – they offer complimentary transport to Universal Studios, and a $17 per person charge to Disney World.
Families on a budget will appreciate their Kids Eat Free programme, and hotel rooms are equipped with a fridge and microwave. The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando also boasts three pools, a games room and a children’s playground.
Price of €3470 is based on a family of four travelling in April for 14 nights and includes flights, hotel, transfers and checked baggage. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates, durations and twin-centre options.
4. Dubai
Dubai is one of the top long haul destinations for families. With daily direct flights from Dublin in 7.5 hours, Dubai is ideal if you want to introduce your children to long haul travel. It is also a good choice as a stopover destination to islands such as Maldives or Mauritius below.
The world’s largest indoor theme park is in Dubai as well as Legoland and some amazing waterparks. You can also ski indoors, take a desert safari. and go to the top of the world’s tallest building. Another must-see is the Dubai Fountain, kids will be mesmerised by the incredible display as it lights up the night sky.
Read: The top family activities in Dubai
Flights & 5 Nights 5* Jumeirah Beach Hotel from €4,100 per family
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Dubai for families. We stayed here when Luke was a baby and loved its beachfront location and superb facilities.
It is located next door to Wild Wadi Waterpark, which offers unlimited complimentary access to hotel guests, and its is within walking distance of The Walk – the area in Dubai where you will find a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
There are five swimming pools on site including a family pool and mini water park. The complimentary Kids Club offers exciting activities such as rock climbing, interactive gaming and a plush cinema. A free shuttle bus also operates twice daily to Dubai Parks.
Price of €4,100 is based on a family of four staying in an Ocean Deluxe Room for five nights in June on a B&B basis, with direct flights, checked baggage and airport transfers.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.
5. Maldives:
Featured at the top of many people’s bucket list, this 1200 island archipelago in the Indian Ocean is a blissful escape from everyday life. It is the perfect choice for families looking to mark a special celebration, or a last family trip before grown up kids want to holiday alone.
However, don’t be deceived, Maldives holidays are not just about stunning beaches and turquoise waters. These island resorts boast an incredible range of experiences which include world class dining and spectacular watersports, and in some cases, some excellent children’s facilities.
Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive 5* Centara Grand Hotel from €8500 per family
Centara Grand is renowned as being one of the best family resorts in the Maldives. We stayed here a few years ago and loved it. We stayed in the overwater bungalows and the beach villas, and both offered a completely different experience.
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The kids loved these banana boat rides and I still recall the sunset hour, we enjoyed cocktails over the water and the kids popped down an hour later to join us for dinner – it was bliss! Contrary to what you might think, the Maldives is a superb family destination, each hotel is on its own island so it feels extremely safe at all time. You can read all about our trip here:
Read: My magical stay at Centara Grand Maldives
Prices from €8500 is based on a family of four travelling in May including flights, a duplex beach villa with meals and drinks included, and sea plane transfers.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates, durations or to add on a stopover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc.
6. California
Driving the California Coast is one of the world’s most iconic road trips. We had the pleasure of doing this a few years ago, and loved visiting the big cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, but also enjoyed the pretty towns of Carmel and Santa Barbara.
There is such a variety of things to do, from top attractions such as Alcatraz and Disneyland, to lesser known gems such as the seal colony at San Simeon. One of the best family experiences we did was cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Flights & 11 Nights Hotels & Car Hire from €5,900 per family
This 11 night trip takes in many of California’s highlights including San Francisco, Monterey, Los Angeles and San Diego and also includes two nights in Las Vegas.
Prices from €5900 including flights, checked baggage, hotels and car hire, based on a family of four traveling in May. Tropical Sky can tailor make your trip to suit your requirements, so if you prefer to stay longer in San Diego or any of the towns, simply talk to the expert staff and they will arrange it for you.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication.
7. Mauritius
Mauritius is an island of contrasts. One minute you can be on one of the best beaches in the world, the next, you can be trekking through rainforests and seeing remarkable wildlife.
Children will love the wide range of water sports available, but you can also take them to wildlife parks. La Vanille nature park is a popular with families where kids can meet giant tortoises and many endangered animals.
Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive 4* Ravenala Attitude, from €6,990 per family
The All Inclusive Ravenala Attitude is a beachfront all-suite resort that is hugely popular with families. Kids clubs range from 3-18 years, and children can enjoy a range of activities as well as an outdoor cinema.
There are five bars and 10 restaurants, and if parents fancy some quiet time, they can sample the adult-only restaurants, and Spa.
Price of €6990 is based on a family of four travelling in June and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven night stay in a family suite on an all-inclusive basis.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.
8. South Africa
South Africa was one of our favourite family holidays. There is very little time difference, so despite the long flight, there is no jet-lag to contend with. Cape Town is such a vibrant city with so much to see and do. We loved taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and driving the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope.
Stopping at Boulders Beach was one of the highlights, where we were able to swim with penguins in the sea! We then took a car and drove along the Garden Route, stopping in some great beach resorts, before finishing off our trip at Amakhala Game Reserve.
Read: A luxury safari at Amakhala Game Reserve
Cape Town, Garden Route and Eastern Cape Safari
This trip from Tropical Sky follows the same route that we did and includes a three night stay in Cape Town, followed by an overnight stay in Franschhoek – in South Africa’s wine lands.
You will then drive the Garden Route stopping at the beach resort of Plettenberg Bay for two nights, before finishing off your stay at Amakhala Game Reserve, with all meals and game drives included.
Seeing lions walk towards you and sleeping out in the African bush are memories that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend a family holiday to South Africa, it is one of the top long haul holidays for families.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing. Contact Tropical Sky for family prices or alternative dates or to extend your stay.
9. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is very popular with families, thanks to the wide selection of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts and abundance of watersports.
Although being surrounded by white sandy beaches, it’s interior is pretty special too. Take the kids on a jungle trek and see waterfalls, natural swimming pools and even some monkeys swinging from the trees.
Tropical Sky have super deals to family hotels in the Dominican Republic including the 5-star celebrity spot, Casa de Campo Resort.
Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive 5* Casa de Campo from €6,350 per family
Sitting on 7,000 acres on La Romana coast, this exclusive hotel has seen everyone from Hugh Grant to Beyonce holiday there. It boasts its own private marina, an exclusive beach club, as well a 5000 seat Grecian-style amphitheatre. Casa de Campo is also home to the number one golf course in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog.
The children’s facilities are superb too with kids clubs ranging from age 1 up to 17 years. Complimentary non-motorised water sports, treasure hunting, beach Olympics, tennis facilities and horse riding are included in the All Inclusive arrangement.
The resort feels more like a village than a hotel and many rooms and suites come with complimentary golf cart to help you get around.
Price of €6350 is based on a family of four travelling in June and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay in an Elite Patio Room with garden or golf course view on an all-inclusive basis.
Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.
10. New York
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New York is a super choice for a family city break. Older kids will want to shop while younger kids will think they are in the movies. Climb to the Top of the Rock, go ice skating in Central Park, take a tour of the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, and visit the massive Lego or Harry Potter Stores. You can see lots more family attractions here:
Read: 12 things to do with kids in New York
New York is a great choice for a short break, as there are daily flights from Dublin and Shannon airports, but it is also popular as a springboard to visit other US States. New York combined with Florida or Mexico are popular choices for families and Tropical Sky can tailor make any itinerary to suit you.
Flights & 3 Nights New Yorker Hotel from €2996 per family
There are many different hotels to choose from but The NewYorker has always been a popular choice. Located in Midtown, with Macy’s on its doorstep and Times Square just 15 minutes walk away, this is a great value option for a central stay in the city. Rooms are spacious and the onsite diner serves up great breakfasts!
Price of €2996 is based on a three night stay in a Metro Room for a family of four travelling in February. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates, durations and twin-centre options.
So now that you have seen my top long haul holidays for families, the only decision is where will you choose? Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Tropical Sky but all views, as always, are my own.
