Affordable family holidays are currently best found in Turkey, Egypt, and the Spanish islands (Canaries/Balearics), often featuring all-inclusive deals with free child places via TUI. Other budget-friendly options include Portugal, Greece, Morocco, and Eastern European cities like Budapest, with packages from providers like EasyJet.
For a 3-day UK trip, focus on a specific region like Edinburgh & Scottish Highlands for history/scenery, the Lake District for mountains/lakes, the Cotswolds for charming villages, or Bath & Bristol for Roman history and vibrant city life, allowing enough time to explore without rushing, combining iconic sights with local culture.
10 UNBELIEVABLY CHEAP & SAFE Family Vacation Destinations in 2026
Where is the cheapest place to go on holiday in the UK?
Cheap holiday destinations in the UK
Northumberland: Home to popular attractions like Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island, Northumberland still manages to feel like a hidden gem, especially for overnight stays. ...
Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has a wide range of affordable accommodation to choose from.
The best country to visit with family depends on your interests, but top contenders often include New Zealand, Japan, Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica, offering diverse experiences from stunning nature and safety (NZ, Japan, Costa Rica, Finland) to rich culture, delicious food, and kid-friendly activities (Italy, Greece, Malaysia, Japan). Consider factors like safety, budget, and activities your family enjoys, with options ranging from adventurous safaris (South Africa) to cultural immersion (Malaysia, Japan) or beach relaxation (Greece).
For cheap island holidays, consider destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, or Bali for budget-friendly Caribbean/Asia options, or islands in the Gili Islands (Indonesia), Thailand (Koh Samui/Phi Phi), or the Greek Isles (Corfu/Crete) for good value with flights and local costs. Look for deals in the Caribbean (Curacao, Jamaica) or Asia (Thailand, Bali, Gili Islands) for affordability, focusing on local food, guesthouses, and off-season travel for maximum savings.
For a 2-night break in the UK, consider scenic countryside escapes in the Lake District (Cumbria) or Cotswolds (Gloucestershire), historic city breaks in Bath or York, coastal towns like St Ives (Cornwall) or Whitby (North Yorkshire), or unique glamping/treehouse experiences in Wales (Powys) or Northumberland, with many options offering deals including dinner and luxury touches like hot tubs, say sites like Virgin Experience Days and Great Little Breaks.
Where is the safest place to go on holiday with family?
1. FINLAND. This Nordic country tops the “Safety and Security” index in the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, and ranks 15th in the IEP Global Peace Index. With bustling cities and vast countryside, you'll only have to worry about how many experiences you can fit into a single trip!
For hot weather not far from the UK, consider Southern Spain (Costa del Sol, Balearics), Portugal's Algarve, Croatia (Dubrovnik), Greece, or the Canary Islands for reliable warmth, all with flight times under 4-5 hours, offering beaches, culture, and nightlife. For something slightly different, Morocco (Marrakech) or Malta also provide warmth and history with short flights.
