Summer is the time most families get to properly go away together and choosing the right destination makes all the difference. Whether you are after guaranteed sun, theme park thrills, lakeside days or something a little more adventurous, these four destinations are worth considering.
Orlando is the obvious choice for a reason. Disney World covers four separate parks and Universal Orlando adds the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the brand new Epic Universe, which opened in 2025. Two weeks is the right amount of time to cover everything properly and go back to the parks you want to revisit. If your children have been asking about Orlando, this is the summer to do it.
Lake Garda sits in northern Italy, backed by mountains and lined with pastel coloured towns and clear water. Bella Italia Resort in Peschiera del Garda is one of the most popular bases on the lake, with pools, slides, a private beach and kids activities all on site. Beyond the resort, Gardaland theme park is a short drive away and the town of Sirmione is worth a ferry trip across the lake.
The Algarve is one of the most reliable family holiday destinations in Europe. The coastline is dramatic, the beaches are wide and sandy and the resorts around Albufeira and Vilamoura are well set up for families. Easy to get to from Dublin, good food and a relaxed pace. It is a destination that works for every age and one that people come back to year after year.
Rhodes is one of Greece's most family friendly islands. The beaches are clean, the sea is warm from June onwards and the resort areas have plenty of options at different budgets. The medieval old town is worth a morning and the island is easy to explore by car. For a straightforward sunny family week, Rhodes delivers.
Costa Rica offers so much for such a small country. In ten nights, this self-drive trip takes you from the capital to the base of an active volcano, deep into cloud forest, and out to a quiet stretch of Pacific coastline. With a Hyundai Tucson and inclusive insurance for the full duration, you get to see all this beautiful country has to offer at your own pace.
This ten night journey blends Rome's historic landmarks with the coastal towns of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, walk Rome's key piazzas, travel south by first class train and spend a full week in Sant'Agnello, close to Sorrento's harbours, viewpoints and day trip options.
Sun, sea and a long sandy beach on the north east coast of Mallorca. Can Picafort is the quieter, more relaxed side of the island, perfect for families who want a proper week in the sun without the noise and crowds of the busier resorts. Seven nights, great weather and everything the kids could want.
Finding your match...