Enjoy kids go free holidays

A family holiday in the sun can easily bleed your bank balance, so finding special offers for the younger members of your tribe can be a welcome relief. Whether it’s free airline seats or complimentary passes to theme parks and attractions, bagging a bargain will put a smile on your face before you even board the plane. So give your wallet a break and check out this guide to some of the most popular destinations when it comes to smart deals for holidays with your kids.

Spain still reigns with UK

When it comes to summer holidays, mainland Spain has long been the favourite destination for British travellers. Its famous coasts range from Costa Brava, near the border with France, to the wild Atlantic shores of the Costa de la Luz in the south. In between are hundreds of miles of sandy beaches and resorts, which have been welcoming UK families for decades. But there’s more to Spain than the seaside – just a few miles inland you’ll find quiet traditional villages, some lofty mountains and a true taste of the rich and historic Spanish culture.

The Algarve is Portugal’s finest

Beyond Spain lies the Portuguese holiday hotspot of the Algarve, famed for its dramatic coastline of imposing cliffs and sandy bays. But it’s more than just a beach holiday, with all sorts of family attractions and activities to keep the kids entertained. From water parks and tree-top adventures to zoos and dolphin-watching boat trips, the region is well set up to keep youngsters entertained. From busy resorts like Albufeira and Lagos to the quieter villages that dot the coast in between, you’ll find the right kind of place for your clan somewhere on the Algarve.

A different kind of holiday on the Canary Islands

Although they’re officially part of Spain, the Canary Islands feel completely different, sat out in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. And with 7 islands to choose from, there’s plenty of variety once you get there – from the lively resorts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria to the tranquil hideaways of La Gomera and El Hierro. The Canaries are volcanic islands, so the scenery features spectacular mountains and rugged coastlines, sprinkled with long sandy beaches and secluded coves. And, being so far south, the Canaries are a year-round destination – you can expect mild temperatures in the middle of winter.

Fun and sun in the Balearic Islands

The 3 main islands of the Balearics – Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza – all have their own particular charms, but what they have in common is lots of fun for families on holiday. Majorca is the largest, with popular beach resorts and a mountainous interior for those who want to explore. Minorca is a more sedate and has a greener landscape, with small beaches and quiet little bays peppering the coast. Ibiza has a reputation as Party Central, but beyond the main resorts and mega clubs you’ll find idyllic villages and relaxing beaches away from the crowds.

Spoilt for choice in the Greek Islands

Greece has more than 6,000 islands in total, 200 of which you can actually stay on. From quaint Corfu on the country’s western edge, to Rhodes just off the Turkish coast, you’ll find busy resorts, tiny villages and a mass of ancient ruins to explore. Whether you opt for the sweeping beaches of Mykonos or the soaring cliffs of Santorini, they’re all surrounded by deep blue seas – and yet more islands. And with a network of ferry routes linking them all together, it’s easy to hop over to the next island for a change of scenery.

Variations on a theme in Florida

Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate has always been a big hit with UK holidaymakers, especially families who can’t wait to experience the cluster of theme parks around Orlando. From Disney and Universal Studios to the Kennedy Space Center, there’s nowhere quite like this vibrant city for big, colourful family entertainment. Sure, It’s a longer flight than hopping over to the Mediterranean, but here you can visit a different attraction every day for a fortnight – although you’ll probably want a few days by the pool in between to recharge your batteries.