The annual family holiday is a fantastic opportunity to forget work, school and college for a while and spend some quality time together. But with modern families still feeling the effects of the credit crunch, it has become more important than ever to secure cost effective family holidays!
We’ve put together a guide to some the most affordable family destinations for 2014 so that you won’t break the bank while enjoying yourselves.
Spanish Mainland
Spanish coastal resorts like Marbella on the Costa del Sol and Benidorm on the Costa Blanca are great destinations for budget-minded families. With beautiful beaches and family-oriented entertainment options, these two Spanish resorts are located just a couple of hours plane ride from the UK.
If a beach holiday isn’t up your street then why not consider a Spanish city break? Madrid and Barcelona both offer great value for money and boast everything from cultural attractions such as art galleries and museums to white-knuckle thrill rides.
Balearic Islands
Ibiza may carry a stereotype that suggests ‘party, party, party’ but nowadays it is becoming an increasingly family friendly European holiday destination. The other Balearic Islands of Majorca and Minorca are also great places for families to visit and have earned themselves reputations for being both safe and entertaining.
You need not worry about long flights or awkward changes as there are many direct flights departing the UK every single week. With mouth-watering local cuisine, beautiful scenery and a wonderfully sunny climate, it’s no wonder that so many families choose to return to the Balearics year after year.
Algarve
Portugal is Spain’s closest neighbour and offers a lot for families looking to get the most out of their budgets. Extensive beaches, reliable summer sun and family friendly resorts make the Algarve a great destination for 2014.
Furthermore, the huge choice of accommodation means that even families looking for real value for money can find something to suit their needs. A great example of a family-friendly resort is Albufeira. It boasts beaches, restaurants and even theme parks – perfect for both big and little kids alike!
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa. Popular with families, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer year-round sun and lots of family activities.
Each island offers its own individual personality but Fuerteventura tends to be favoured by families looking for a quieter holiday. For people with younger children, Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Los Cristianos in Tenerife are great choices.
UK
Often overlooked, staying in the UK is an extremely budget-friendly family holiday option that affords many opportunities for fun. Whether you’re interested in relaxing walks in the Lake District or sandy beaches and cute cottages in Cornwall, there’s something for everyone embarking on a ‘staycation.’
Why not consider holidaying with another family or two and renting a private villa amongst yourselves? This is a great option for watching the pennies and one that will see all the kids have a fantastic time. Many villas also boast private pools, so the kids can feel like they’re a thousand miles away from home.
Photos: Reka Kalman.
