Family Trips Reviews: Tested Picks for 2026

Travelling with children is a different kind of trip, and it rewards different choices. This section covers family-friendly hotels, packing lists and simple plans that keep both children and parents happy without the theme-park prices.

What this category covers

We look at stays with connecting rooms or family suites, safe pools, early food and locations near a park or beach. We also cover the practical side of a family holiday: what to pack, what to leave behind and how to keep the day simple.

How we judge family stays

We filter for hotels that families return to, checking recent reviews for noise, food and whether the kids' club, cots and breakfast cost extra. A hotel that solves the children's day but leaves the parents exhausted is not a family hotel, and we say so.

Where to start

Start with the best family-friendly hotels for 2026, then use the family trip packing checklist to take the stress out of the first morning. Book family rooms early, because they are the first to sell out in the school holidays.