Where families are getting the best value in 2026
- Costa de la Luz, Spain: quieter than Costa del Sol, often £200 to £400 cheaper for the same week
- Northern Crete, Greece: family-run apartments at half the cost of the big resort strip
- Antalya, Turkey: all-inclusive 5 star resorts at 3 star European prices
- Eastern Algarve, Portugal: brilliant beaches without the Faro mark-up
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands: cheapest year-round sunshine for UK families
Real family budgets we have priced this year
- Family of 4 to Tenerife, 7 nights all-inclusive, October half term: £2,420
- Family of 5 to Antalya, 10 nights all-inclusive, late August: £3,180
- Family of 4 to the Algarve, 7 nights self-catering villa, June: £1,890
- Family of 4 to northern Crete, 7 nights apartment, September: £1,640
The travel comparisons that change the price
Flights are usually 60 to 75 percent of the total family holiday cost. Booking three to four months ahead, flying mid-week, and picking secondary airports (Beauvais over CDG, Girona over Barcelona, Faro over Lisbon) regularly knock £400 to £700 off a family trip. We check every combination when we research your report.
Savings opportunities most families miss
- Kids stay free deals at TUI, Jet2 and Easyjet Holidays in shoulder seasons
- Free child places at family-run Greek and Turkish hotels (rarely advertised, just ask)
- Self catering apartments that work out cheaper than all-inclusive once you factor in real eating habits
- Booking flights and hotel separately when package operators are charging a premium
Frequently asked questions
Are travel agent deals ever cheaper?
Sometimes, particularly with TUI and Jet2 when they need to fill capacity. But the headline 'saving' is usually against an inflated rack rate. We always benchmark the agent price against what booking direct would cost.
When should I book a 2026 family holiday?
For school holiday travel, January and February usually have the best deals. For Easter, book by mid November the year before. For October half term, book by July.
Is all-inclusive always better value for families?
Not in Europe. It usually wins long-haul where eating out costs UK prices, but in Spain, Greece and Portugal you often eat better and cheaper outside the resort.