Planning a family holiday is a rewarding task for the whole family, and the benefits will last far longer than the days you'll be away. There's a lot of different things you'll need to think about, and our handy guide will help you cover all the essential steps!

From setting a budget and choosing your accommodation, to managing the travel logistics, we’ve got you covered to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Steps to booking a holiday

1. Start early

Whatever kind of holiday you’re planning, booking early may help to secure your preferred dates and accommodation - and sometimes at a better price. Booking in advance can often mean you pay a deposit or in installments, if paying in installments watch out for credit agreements here which may mean you end up paying more. Only do it if there’s no interest charged and you’re confident you’ll save to pay the installments. Many booking platforms or holiday providers allow you to book from 1-2 years in advance.

2. Set a budget

Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall on your holiday. This should include things like accommodation, travel, any new clothing or holiday equipment depending on the type of holiday you choose, for example swimwear or camping equipment, meals, activities, and holiday treats like ice creams. Having a budget and sticking to it can help narrow down your options and avoid unexpected expenses. 

More advice on budgeting coming soon.

3. Choose your location

Think about what you and your family enjoy and want to do on your holiday. Whether it’s the beach, countryside, city attractions, or outdoor adventures, choose a location that offers activities and areas nearby that match your interests.

More advice on holiday locations and what might work for your family coming soon.

4. Choose your accommodation and facilities

This step is important for thinking about what facilities you need in your own accommodation, for example cooking facilities, Wi-Fi or number of beds. You'll also need to think about what type of holiday you want to book, for example a lodge in a holiday park with everything on-site or a room in a hotel.

It’s important you think about anything your family might need, like child-friendly features or wheelchair accessibility. This is particularly important for self-catering holidays where you’ll prepare your own meals.

More advice on holiday types coming soon.

5. Research thoroughly

Compare different accommodation options and read reviews from other families. Look for feedback on cleanliness, facilities, customer service, and the overall experience. It’s best to use independent third-party sites to check you’re getting a truthful review. You can use sites like Google Customer Reviews or TripAdvisor.

You’ll also need to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking, including cancellation policies, check-in and check-out times, and any additional fees.

6. Travelling

Think about what transport options you have to get to your holiday destination, and how you’ll get around once you’re there. Staying centrally or near public transport can save money and make it easier to explore the area.

More advice on travel coming soon.

7. Booking safely

Book through trusted websites or agencies that offer customer service support. This provides peace of mind in case you need assistance or encounter issues.

More advice on different ways to book, and booking safely online coming soon.

Other things to plan once you’ve booked your holiday

8. Planning your meals

Planning your meals helps manage your budget and ensures you have everything necessary for a comfortable stay. This may vary depending on what type of holiday you have booked and if you have any meals included in your stays.

For self-catering holidays, plan your meals in advance and make a shopping list of what you’ll need. You should also plan for whether it’s best for you to buy this before you leave if you can bring it with you – for example if you’re travelling by car. Or if there’s anywhere nearby that you can buy this from, it’s good to be aware that shops on some holiday sites might be more expensive than what you’re used to.

More advice on eating on holiday coming soon.

9. Prepare for the weather and packing

Depending what time of year you’re travelling, you might know in advance that you need to pack the suncream or the winter coats – or sometimes even both! Checking the weather forecast a little closer to your holiday dates means you’re more likely to pack what you'll need.

More advice on packing tips coming soon.

10. Create an itinerary

You might have an idea of the kinds of things you want to do on your holiday, as you’ll likely have chosen your holiday type and location based on this. You could plan your activities and attractions in advance, including making reservations for popular sites or experiences to avoid long waiting times or disappointment.

More advice on things to do coming soon.

11. Look for family-friendly offers

Sometimes accommodations, train companies and attractions may offer discounts or special rates for families. These might include family passes for multiple attractions or kids-eat-free deals at certain times or days in restaurants. It’s worth looking into these, and checking with staff before ordering or booking to make sure you’re able to access the deal.