Fantastic travel ideas for a family getaway

Telegraph

02-05-2025

Where should you go on holiday? With quite literally a world of choice out there, we've handpicked some dreamy destinations to ignite your wanderlust.
Make your holiday a highlight reel in Detroit
Detroit, home of America's legendary car industry, is the perfect place to set off on a great American road trip. Whether you're into music, art, sports or the great outdoors, this dynamic cultural hub has something for every age and interest. Take a deep dive into Motown's rich musical tapestry or connect with today's vibrant artist communities, discover the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) or hang out in the revitalised downtown core. Catch a game, as all four major American sports are represented here, or relax in nature on romantic Belle Isle or beside placid Lake St Clair. With elegant accommodations that go above and beyond when it comes to dining, Detroit blends contemporary flair with classic Midwestern hospitality. Whether it's the first stop on a grand tour or the main event, don't miss the city that redefined itself and then did it again. visitdetroit.com
Savour the ultimate Maldives all-inclusive escape
Set on the gorgeous, private Furanafushi Island, the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa delivers five-star Maldivian luxury with zero hassle, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Stay in idyllic beachfront cottages or spectacular over-water villas, with direct access to the soothing cerulean sea. Families will adore the Side By Side programme, kids' club and family-friendly dining across seven restaurants. Best of all? Parents can slip away to the private-island Shine Spa, while their little explorers dive into marine adventures, beach games and cultural workshops. Relish free water sports, wellness classes and marvel at the Green Globe-certified coral adoption programme. With unlimited drinks, top-tier cuisine and discounted spa perks, this is barefoot luxury with every box ticked and none of the stress.
Take the road less travelled in Central America
Adventure beckons in Nicaragua, an oft-overlooked land of soaring peaks and sun-kissed shores. The northern highlands, Estelí, Matagalpa, Jinotega and Madriz, enjoy a spring-fresh climate and are steeped in world-class coffee culture and enchanting folk traditions. Hike cloud forest trails wreathed in mist, explore friendly hill towns and visit eco-reserves that are buzzing with birdlife. Want more? Head south to Nicaragua's magnificent Pacific beaches. San Juan del Sur and Las Peñitas are renowned for golden sands, laid-back vibes and sensational surf, perfect for a classic summer escape. So, whether you're a nature lover or culture vulture, Nicaragua is all about authentic, off-the-beaten-track adventures in one of Central America's most welcoming destinations.
Plan your once-in-a-lifetime voyage of discovery now at visitanicaragua.com
Find inner truth in the Himalayas
Sacred, soulful Bhutan isn't just another destination to tick off your bucket list. 'The Land of the Thunder Dragon' offers a journey of the spirit, a blessed once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. Hike to hidden monasteries for enlightening audiences with Buddhist masters, cook spicy momos (steamed dumplings) with a farmer's wife, try your hand at traditional archery or join monks for morning prayers and a game of football. Take to the skies in a helicopter, soaring over epic mountain passes, navigate winding bicycle forest trails and string prayer flags in honour of absent loved ones. From holy festivals to quiet meditative walks and traditional hot stone baths, Bhutan blends sublime serenity with soul-stirring adventure. Whether fireside dancing in the forest or crafting a sand mandala in the company of a lama, this is an adventure your family will cherish for many lifetimes.
Discover your true path at guidesofbhutan.com
Soak up the sun in style across coastal Croatia
Private Villas of Croatia offers handpicked retreats for families seeking space, privacy and a splash of indulgence in beautiful settings — from the pine-scented hills of Istria to the sparkling shores of Hvar, Brač and Dubrovnik. Each villa is carefully selected for its setting, style and comfort, with options to suit every mood, whether that's a romantic hideaway, a multigenerational family base or a sun-soaked gathering of friends. What really sets this service apart? Tailored experiences – think private chefs cooking local dishes poolside, yacht days exploring secret coves and guided tours that reveal the country's rich and fascinating history. With concierge care every step of the way, from booking to departure, the team promises your holiday will unfold exactly how you want it to.
For Croatian escapes with extra magic, visit privatevillasofcroatia.com
Relax in style among the villages of Cinque Terre
Fancy an Italian escape that's as unforgettable as it is easygoing? At Cinque Terre Riviera, family relaxation is the number one priority. Its curated collection of private rentals, from stylish central apartments to roomy, fully equipped villas, are the ideal places to stay when exploring Cinque Terre, Porto Venere and La Spezia. Whether you have toddlers, teens or grandparents in tow, every property is designed for comfort and convenience, presented with a dash of local charm. Enjoy family-friendly experiences from gentle hikes to hands-on cooking classes and cultural tours tailored to curious travellers of all ages. With transport options, a dedicated concierge team and even chef-at-home services, Cinque Terre Riviera properties offer a seamless way to connect with both the region's rich traditions and each other.
Receive a 10% discount on the stay price (city tax and cleaning fees excluded) with code CINQUETERRE10 at cinqueterreriviera.com. Offer valid from 30 April to 10 December 2025.
Make marvellous memories in the heart of Provence
Picture sun-drenched lunches under vines and the kids splashing in your very own private pool. Crafting magical family holidays in Provence is Pure France's raison d'être. With over 20 years of experience and a portfolio of handpicked properties, from rustic farmhouses to elegant countryside villas, the company makes it easy to live the Provençal dream. Expect garden games, al fresco suppers under the stars and enough space for everyone to unwind. Whether you're exploring medieval hill towns, dipping into the Med or simply indulging in a long, lazy afternoon with nothing in particular planned, this is France at its most authentic and joyful. With expert local knowledge and warm, personal service, Pure France takes care of the details so you can focus on the moments that matter. Visit purefrance.com
Hike, splash and relax in Italy's majestic Dolomites
Craving fresh air, big skies and carefree family-friendly vibes? Set in the heart of Val Gardena, within the Dolomites Unesco World Heritage Site, Family Hotel Posta is a peak mountain experience. Part of South Tyrol's Familienhotels group, this four-star stay blends breathtaking scenery with a genuine understanding of what it's like to travel with little ones. Think spacious chalet-style suites, two-storey indoor play zones, pirate ships, outdoor pools with summit views and a team of childcare professionals on hand when you need them. Situated just a short walk away from the Monte Pana lift, it's a great base for hiking, biking and exploring Alpe di Siusi and the Sella mountains. While the children dive into outdoor adventures, parents can unwind in the wellness area or savour Alpine flavours in the restaurant.
Book your mountain escape now at familyhotelposta.com
Feel inspired by Austria's lake-dotted heartland
On the serene shores of Lake Fuschl, the Waldhof Fuschlsee Resort offers a refreshed take on a family getaway. With dreamy Alpine views and direct lake access, it's the kind of place where you can paddleboard at breakfast, ride horses in the afternoon and end the day with a sunset sauna, starlit swim or dining on regional fare at Gütl Stub'n, toasting another day well spent. Children will squeal with joy at the tubing track, adventure playground and mini-golf, while parents relax in the 43,000 sq ft wellness area with seven pools and a sauna. Whether hiking with alpacas or drifting across turquoise water in a rowing boat, this is what holiday freedom feels like: relaxed, unscripted and full of shared joy.
Enquire now for a 50% child discount at waldhof-fuschlsee.at
Get acquainted with Aunt Frida in her Alpine paradise
Step into a world where imagination runs wild and adults rediscover their inner child. At Hotel Eder Frida in Maria Alm, Salzburg, the whimsical spirit of Aunt Frida (the hotel's friendly character) infuses every corner, from jungle-themed rooms with treehouses to a 260 ft slide in the mountains. This fun family hotel offers over 70 weekly activities, including escape rooms, soft play zones and creative workshops. While children head off on adventures, parents can unwind in the spa or enjoy regional cuisine with options for dietary needs. With themed suites, a cinema and even e-kart racing, Eder Frida transforms family holidays into stories worth telling. Meet Frida at ederfrida.com
Find freedom and family fun at a Lyons Holiday Park
Looking for a staycation that ticks all the boxes? With 20 locations across Wales and Cumbria, Lyons Holiday Parks has been a family favourite for generations. From the peaks of Snowdonia to the sandy shores of Prestatyn and the Lakes, each park offers a mix of adventure, entertainment and space to unwind. Choose from hot tub lodges with sleek interiors, cosy cottages or classic caravans and camping pitches. On site, you'll find everything from entertaining shows to splash zones and there's plenty to explore nearby too. Whether you're after action-packed days or peaceful evenings, there's a spot for everyone.
Save 25% on summer holidays with code SUM25 at lyonsholidayparks.co.uk. Offer valid until 29 August 2025 for stays between 21 July and 29 August.
Unwind in sunlit splendour on Crete's golden coast
There's a quiet magic to Grecotel Caramel Boutique Resort, where island soul meets retro-chic elegance. Just outside Rethymno, this beachfront escape offers grown-up glamour with a laid-back vibe. Sunlight dances through eclectic suites and bungalows, each filled with vintage charm and soft, sea-swept colours. Wander barefoot across the golden beach, dine beneath jasmine-scented skies or sip cocktails by the Confetti Pool. While you indulge in spa rituals or countryside bike rides, little ones can explore Grecoland, a joyful kids' club filled with crafts, games and farmyard adventures. With baby essentials on hand and menus designed for even the pickiest eaters, this is a place where families can truly exhale and just be. Learn more at grecotel.com/caramel
Wake up to wonder on Corfu's exclusive coastline
Rising above the twinkling Ionian on its own private peninsula, Grecotel Corfu Imperial offers a truly spellbinding setting. With marble walkways, quiet coves and sea views in every direction, this refined resort blends aristocratic flair with barefoot ease. Adults can unwind among olive trees or dine above the waves at Yali, while children run wild at Grecoland, a colourful haven of crafts and outdoor play. The Il Boschetto family enclave offers space and calm, with bungalows and villas tailored for comfort and connection. From snorkelling trips to sunset cruises, cooking classes to creative workshops, each day here feels like a chapter from a summer storybook. Every age is invited to take part. See for yourself at grecotel.com/corfuimperial
Breathe in the beauty of one of Corfu's greenest getaways
Tucked between olive groves and the sapphire sea, Grecotel Eva Palace is a resort of quiet luxury and fragrant stillness. On the lush Kommeno Peninsula, mornings begin with the scent of cypress on the breeze and birdsong echoing through jasmine-draped gardens. This beachside haven celebrates Corfu's natural beauty, with palm-fringed pools, private coves and Belle Epoque elegance at every turn. While the setting feels like a secret paradise, it lies just a short drive from Corfu Town. Families are especially well looked after here, with GrecoBaby amenities, free dining and stays for children up to 12 years old and an imaginative Grecoland kids' club filled with crafts, cooking and adventure. Whether paddling in the shallows or picnicking beneath the trees, you'll find space to breathe and reconnect together.
Find your happy place at grecotel.com/eva-palace
Pack more in with family-ready luggage
Sleek, sturdy and designed for modern travellers, Level8's Voyageur Collection makes every journey a breeze. Crafted from lightweight polycarbonate with ultra-quiet spinner wheels and a spacious, thoughtfully organised interior, these stylish cases are built to handle everything from quick city breaks to far-flung family adventures. A wider ergonomic handle frees up even more packing space, making it easier to fit in everyone's essentials – and a few souvenirs too. Whether you're navigating airports with little ones or heading off on a multi-generational escape, the Voyageur Collection blends durability, function and elegance in one effortless package.
Until 31 August 2025, enjoy 15% off any product at Level8 with the code Family15 and explore the full collection for your next family trip at Level8 cases
This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.
An advertiser provides this content and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.