Back to School, Time to Dream Ahead

Why planning ahead now really matters

If you are tied to school holidays, you will already know that leaving things until “later in the year” usually leads to compromises.

A few realities I see every day:

Families of five or more have far fewer room choices. Genuine family suites, 2‑bedroom units, villas and guaranteed interconnecting rooms are limited, and they are snapped up first for peak dates.

Easter and summer are peak periods for long‑haul sunshine. With Easter 2027 falling early and running alongside St Patrick’s Day, demand for long‑haul sun and clever “maximum time off for minimum leave” trips is already building.

Direct flights and good flight times go first. Key, popular routes, and the most desirable cabin types do not hang around once families start booking.

If you have specific destinations or standards in mind, waiting until next summer to think about Easter or summer 2027 will almost certainly mean fewer choices and higher prices.

Easter 2027: early dates, big opportunities

Easter next year is early and overlaps with St Patrick’s Day, which is good news if you plan ahead:

With smart use of the bank holidays and your annual leave, you can create a longer break for fewer days off work.  You can actually have 23 consecutive days off for only 12 days annual leave! A perfect opportunity for a long haul trip.

Because Easter is early though, classic Mediterranean favourites may still be on the cooler side, so many families are looking further afield for guaranteed sunshine.

A few long haul standouts would be:

Mexico: guaranteed sun & direct flights

Mexico, especially the Riviera Maya and Cancun region, is a fantastic option for Irish families:

Direct Aer Lingus flights from Dublin cut out connections with tired children. 

A wide choice of family‑friendly and luxury all‑inclusive resorts, many with proper family suites and interconnecting room options. 

White‑sand beaches, waterparks, eco‑parks and day trips that keep everyone happy.

The honest bit: availability on the direct flights is already limited for certain peak dates, and once you add in larger family rooms or suites, the window narrows further. If Mexico is on your Easter 2027 wish list, this is very much a “let’s talk now” destination.

South Africa: sunshine, safari and no jet lag

South Africa is another brilliant option for March and the Easter period.

For families, it has some huge advantages:

Minimal time difference from Ireland, so hardly any jet lag. You arrive, you sleep, you wake up ready to explore. 

A great choice for a first safari with slightly older children, with malaria‑free reserves available so no vaccinations are required for those areas. 

The chance to combine Cape Town or the Garden Route with a few days on safari for a trip that feels genuinely special.

Thailand: culture, adventure and family‑friendly luxury

Thailand is another fantastic option for an Easter 2027 long‑haul holiday, especially for families with older children or young adults who are ready for a bit more adventure:

Combine Bangkok or another city with a stay in the north and finish on one of Thailand’s beautiful beaches or islands.

Enjoy a mix of culture, food, soft adventure and relaxation, so there is something for everyone.

Choose from family‑friendly resorts and more boutique, luxurious options, depending on your travel style.

For families who want more than “just a beach” and are perhaps considering experiences like Elephant Hills or other wildlife and nature‑focused stays, Easter is an excellent time to go. With careful planning, you can build a route that feels like a real once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip while still being manageable with school dates.

Caribbean cruises

If you would like to get more long‑haul value from your Easter break, a Caribbean cruise is another strong option:

Direct flights to Florida

Multiple islands in one holiday. 

Entertainment, dining and kids’ clubs all taken care of. 

Easy to add a few nights before or after in a beach or city destination.

Again, the most family‑friendly cabins and suites for school‑holiday sailings are booked well in advance. Planning now gives us more choice of ship, itinerary and cabin location.

Summer 2027: securing the “right” holiday, not just what’s left

Summer 2027 might feel a long way off, but for some destinations and room types, it really isn’t.

Booking early matters if you:

Need rooms that sleep five or more in comfort. 

Have your heart set on a particular Mediterranean family resort, villa complex or cruise itinerary. 

Prefer more premium options such as family suites, club‑level rooms, private pools or better‑timed flights.

For summer 2027, I am already talking to clients about:

Mediterranean resorts and villas that work for teenagers and grandparents as well as younger ones. 

Longer, more “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” trips, such as Canadian road trips, Disney adventures and Hawaiian island escapes.

Couples and empty‑nesters who want to travel slightly off‑peak, avoiding the busiest weeks (and families!) altogether.  They are looking at Canadian self drives and Norwegian fiord explorations.

Ready to get ahead of the rush?

If you are looking at the new school timetable and wondering how on earth you will fit everything in, this is exactly the moment to start planning Easter and summer 2027 rather than leaving it to chance.

I would love to help you plan it properly.

I will do the legwork and come back with tailor‑made options, so you can secure the best flights, the right rooms and the sunshine you are hoping for, while there is still real choice available.

Get in touch via my website or email me at Jessica.anhold@travelcounsellors.com today.