Things to Consider When Planning a Family Holiday for 2026

Why planning ahead makes all the difference

When travelling with children, especially young ones, a little forward planning can transform a holiday from stressful to truly memorable. Thinking about your 2026 family holiday early gives you time to align destinations, budgets, school calendars and expectations, and to choose a trip that genuinely works for everyone.

Planning ahead also helps families make the most of school holidays, bank holidays and annual leave, reducing stress and avoiding last‑minute compromises.

UK School Holiday Dates

UK school holiday dates vary by local authority, so always check your own school’s confirmed calendar. The dates below reflect typical England school holiday patterns and are useful for early planning.

Key school holiday periods:

• Spring Half Term:
  Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 2026
• Easter Holidays:
  Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April 2026
• May Half Term:
  Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2026
• Summer Holidays:
  Friday 24 July – Tuesday 1 September 2026
• Christmas Holidays:
  Monday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027

UK Bank Holidays 2026

• Good Friday: 3 April 2026
• Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
• Early May Bank Holiday: 4 May 2026
• Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May 2026
• Summer Bank Holiday: 31 August 2026

Using bank holidays strategically can help you extend a break while using minimal annual leave, ideal for city breaks, short‑haul travel or long weekends away.

1. Consider your children’s ages and stages

Children change quickly, and travel that feels difficult now may be much easier in as little as six months.

Ask yourself:

• Will naps still be part of your day?
• Will they be walking confidently or need carrying?
• Will they enjoy activities independently?

Planning with future stages in mind helps you choose destinations and travel styles that grow with your family.

2. Think about your family’s travel style

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all family holiday. Some families thrive on busy itineraries, while others prefer slow mornings and flexible plans.

Consider:

• Relaxation vs adventure
• One base vs moving locations
• Hotel, villa, apartment or camper‑style stays

Understanding your travel style makes decisions far easier.

3. Make life easier with the right travel accessories

Travel accessories aren’t about having more, but about choosing items that genuinely support your family. What works will look different for everyone.

Entertainment on the move

For long car journeys or flights, consider:

• Tablets or portable entertainment devices
• Colouring kits, quiet games or activity books
• Audiobooks or playlists tailored to your child’s age

The right entertainment can turn travel time from stressful into calm.

Comfort, sleep & nap support

Sleep can make or break a travel day, especially with little ones. Helpful items might include:

• Inflatable plane beds or leg‑rest cushions
• Lightweight travel blankets
• Familiar comfort items from home

These can help children rest on the go and arrive happier at your destination.

Space‑saving & multi‑use essentials

When space is limited, multi‑purpose items are key:

• Organised backpacks or packing cubes
• Clothing that mixes and matches easily
• Compact travel accessories that serve more than one purpose

Reducing bulk makes moving between destinations far simpler.

The best travel setup is the one that works for your family, there’s no universal checklist.

4. Plan smart around school breaks & annual leave

Use school holidays for your main trips and bank holidays to extend shorter breaks. For example:

• A spring break around Easter
• A longer summer holiday with no school days missed
• A May bank holiday escape using minimal annual leave

Planning around these windows gives you more time away without extra pressure.

5. Choose destinations that work for everyone

The most successful family holidays balance adult enjoyment with child‑friendly experiences.

Look for destinations offering:

• Easy transport links
• Access to nature and outdoor space
• Walkable areas and relaxed pacing
• Activities suitable for multiple ages

When children feel comfortable, everyone enjoys the trip more.

6. Slower travel often works better with kids

With children, less really can be more.

Instead of seeing everything, consider:

• Staying longer in one place
• Building rest days into your itinerary
• Leaving space for spontaneity

Slow travel creates calmer days and deeper family memories.

7. Think about the memories you want to create

Beyond destinations, ask:

• How do we want this holiday to feel?
• What moments do we want to remember?
• What experiences will our children talk about later?

Let these answers guide your planning.

Final thoughts

Planning your 2026 family holiday early isn’t about locking everything in, it’s about creating space to dream, prepare and choose experiences that truly suit your family.

With school holidays, bank holidays and thoughtful travel choices in mind, family travel becomes less about logistics and more about connection, discovery and shared adventure.