Best Family Holiday Destinations for 2026
8th October 2025
Tailor-made Family Holidays 2026
Luxury family holidays are some of the most rewarding trips you’ll ever take – a chance to step away from the everyday, explore the world together, and create experiences that everyone, from toddlers to teenagers, will remember for years to come.
At Swift Travel, we understand that planning a family trip means balancing different needs and expectations. Children want adventure, parents need time to relax, and everyone benefits from a smooth, stress-free journey. That’s why we specialise in tailor-made family holidays – from all inclusive family holidays in Europe to luxury family safaris in Africa and luxury family Maldives packages – designed to combine fun, comfort, and cultural discovery.
Looking ahead to family holidays in 2026, here are some of the destinations we believe will be top picks for families.

Orlando & Florida – The Ultimate Family Playground
Orlando remains king when it comes to family adventure. With theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND, there’s almost limitless variety – and it’s one of the few places where every day can feel completely different.
Families can choose from a wide variety of resorts, villas, and theme park hotels, making Orlando ideal for both family holiday packages and more flexible self-catered stays. Pair multi-day park tickets with rest days by the pool and you’ll find a balance of excitement and downtime that makes Orlando the benchmark for luxury family holidays in the USA.
Beyond the theme parks, Florida also offers incredible variety. Families can explore the wild Everglades by airboat, spot manatees on the Gulf Coast, or relax on the award-winning sands of Clearwater Beach. Kennedy Space Center adds a dose of education and inspiration, while charming towns like Winter Park provide cultural stops with dining and boutique shopping.

Europe – Sun, Culture and Family Style
Europe remains one of the most versatile destinations for family holidays in 2026, offering everything from beachside resorts to boutique countryside escapes. With short flights, a wealth of culture, and child-friendly infrastructure, it’s an excellent choice for both summer holidays and shorter school breaks.
Families looking for all inclusive family holidays will find plenty of options across Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where resorts combine world-class dining with extensive kids’ clubs and family-sized accommodation. Trusted luxury hotel groups such as Six Senses and One&Only have also introduced family-friendly resorts in Europe, combining sustainability, wellness, and activities suitable for all ages.
For those who prefer something more intimate, Europe is rich in boutique hotels, where service feels personal and settings range from hillside retreats to chic coastal hideaways. In Italy, Il Borgo Egnazia has become a standout choice, not only for its beautiful design and cultural character but also for the way it welcomes families. Children are fully catered for with age-specific clubs, a family pool, playground, and even a small farm experience, while parents can take advantage of family-friendly restaurants and babysitting services for evenings out.
Other highlights include vineyard retreats in Portugal, as well as stylish island stays such as the Domes Novus Santorini in Greece, or the Grecotel LUXME White Palace in Crete for all-inclusive ease in a stunning location. These properties show the breadth of experiences available across Europe – from Aegean beaches to Portuguese vineyards and Italian villages.

Dubai & the UAE – Sun All Year Round
Dubai has evolved into one of the most luxury family holiday destinations in the world. Known for its immaculate beaches and dazzling skyline, it’s also home to some of the best attractions for children of all ages. Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, KidZania, and the Museum of the Future ensure there’s never a dull moment.
The Jumeirah collection, including Jumeirah Beach and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah, is a firm favourite for families, with spacious rooms and villas, direct beach access, and world-class facilities. Alongside Jumeirah, other standouts include the One&Only resorts, where luxury meets family-friendly service; Atlantis The Palm, renowned for its iconic waterpark, marine aquarium, and varied dining options; and the Waldorf Astoria, which combines elegant comfort with amenities suited to children and families.
With flight times from London of just seven hours and guaranteed sunshine, Dubai is a practical option for both school holidays and winter escapes. Families also find Abu Dhabi – with its cultural landmarks, theme parks, and calm beaches – an excellent alternative within the UAE.

The Maldives – Tropical Fun
Long celebrated as a honeymoon paradise, the Maldives has steadily grown into a destination where families are warmly welcomed. Resorts now cater to multi-generational travellers with kids’ clubs, shallow lagoons, water parks, and flexible dining options.
For 2026, the Maldives is one of the best destinations for those seeking luxury family Maldives packages. Families can enjoy overwater villas or beachfront suites, dine in multiple restaurants, and explore lagoons filled with marine life. With clear waters and soft beaches, it’s a natural fit for a luxury family holiday where parents can relax and children can play safely.
Many renowned hotel groups operate in the Maldives, offering consistent quality and family-friendly touches. Options include Four Seasons, Constance Hotels & Resorts, LUX Resorts, Sun Siyam Resorts, and One&Only. Each brand brings its own style, whether it’s marine conservation programmes, kids’ clubs, water sports, or outstanding dining. Choosing the right luxury family Maldives package ensures every detail is taken care of, from flights and transfers to villa stays and activities.
One standout among these is Siyam World – pictured left – which features the Maldives’ largest floating water park. Set in its turquoise lagoon, it offers climbing walls, trampolines, slides, rafts, and obstacle courses, all included in the resort’s generous all-inclusive plan. Children also have access to a dedicated Kidz World club, offering creative and educational activities designed to keep younger travellers entertained throughout their stay.

South Africa & East Africa – Safari Adventures for Families
For families with older children (and adventurous spirits), few experiences compare with a luxury family safari. In 2026, combining wildlife, nature, and comfort is more accessible than ever – and with the right lodges, even younger children can be safely immersed in the magic of the wild.
Safaris offer more than just wildlife: they are educational journeys where children can learn about conservation, animal behaviour, and life in the bush. Secure lodges provide interconnecting rooms, pools, and child-friendly menus, making them an excellent choice for luxury family holidays with a difference.
Across Africa, trusted luxury lodges such as Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in South Africa, with its EleFun Centre offering engaging bush-themed activities for younger guests, and Giraffe Manor – pictured right – in Kenya, where children can hand-feed giraffes and take part in family-focused experiences, ensure that safaris are as enriching for children as they are for adults. Encounters with elephants at waterholes, lions on the plains, or giraffes wandering past your lodge are the kind of unforgettable stories that shape childhood memories.

Planning Ahead for 2026
Family holidays in 2026 work best when they’re planned well in advance. Resorts with family villas, interconnecting rooms, or specialist kids’ clubs often sell out quickly, particularly over peak school holiday dates. Booking early means you’ll have the widest choice of destinations and accommodation, as well as access to the best flight schedules and fares.
At Swift Travel, we specialise in creating tailor-made luxury family holidays that bring every detail together – from flights and transfers to villas, resort stays, park tickets, and cultural add-ons. With ATOL and ABTA protection and nearly four decades of experience, you can travel with confidence knowing that your family holiday package is in safe hands.
Call 020 8502 8300 to start planning your family adventure for 2026.
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