Top 10 Long Haul Holiday Deals For Families in 2025

Are you looking for a family holiday with a difference? Want a little adventure mixed with beach time? Check out my top long haul holidays for families and start planning your next big trip.

Family holidays, like most travel trends, have changed dramatically in recent years. A two-week package deal to Spain is no longer the typical family holiday. Many families are taking a ‘big trip’ for milestone birthdays and searches for long haul holidays for families are on the rise.

We long for more authentic experiences and parents want to educate their children to different cultures too. We think nothing of flying ten hours to Orlando for a family holiday in Florida, so why not fly the same distance to Thailand or Mauritius?

My children (ages 17 & 14) would tell you that some of their favourite family holidays were in the Maldives and on safari in Africa. So why not push the boundaries and go long haul for your next family holiday? Hopefully these top long haul holidays for families will inspire you travel further afield this year.

I have teamed up with the long haul travel experts at Tropical Sky, who have a wide range of all long haul holidays for families. Tropical Sky can be contacted online, by phone, or you can visit their Customer Lounge in Dublin if you prefer to arrange a holiday in person. 

Flights, airport transfers and checked baggage are included in all prices below. Dates and durations below are just guidelines. Tropical Sky can price your preferred date and duration, add on a stopover, or arrange a twin or multi-centre holiday for you.

*And for a limited time you can save €100 on ALL bookings, and avail of €99 per person deposits on holidays to Florida, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and the United Arab Emirates, with children under 16 paying ZERO deposit! Make sure to quote The Travel Expert when booking*

If you are looking for hotels with family rooms and kids clubs, they will source them for you. If on the other hand you are looking to stay in a tented camp at Elephant Hills in Thailand, or take a camper van through America’s Canyonlands, they can arrange that too. These long haul holidays for families will give you a taste of the wide selection of options that are available to you.

1. Thailand

Thailand is a wonderful introduction to Asia for children. There are plenty of activities to keep the children happy at Thailand’s beach resorts, and many family hotels in Thailand will have entertainment laid on for children.

If you want to spend a few days in Bangkok, I suggest you combine the local culture with a family activity. Take a tuk-tuk tour of the city and explore Asiatique, the family-friendly open air-mall with ferris wheel.

Flights & 12 Nights Elephant Hills & Thai Beaches from €11,069 per family

If you really want to push the boundaries, try an overnight stay in Elephant Hills Jungle Camp, suitable for children from 4 years. Tropical Sky’s Elephant Hills Experience and Thai Beach holiday will allow you to do just that.

This 12-night holiday to Thailand includes four nights at Elephant Hills, four nights at the Khaolak Merlin Resort and four nights at the 5-star SAii Laguna Phuket, with all flights and transfers included.

At Elephant Hills you will be staying in a luxury tent with en suite facilities in the heart of the rainforest! Trek through the rainforest, go sightseeing on a traditional longtail boat, and enjoy a canoe safari down the Sok river, and of course you will get the chance to interact with the resident elephants, and learn all about their conservation.

There are movies, cooking demonstrations and dance performances in the evening, and all meals are included at Elephant Hills camp.

Price of €11,069 is based on a family of four departing 14th April, during Easter holidays, and includes flights, transfers, baggage, hotels on a B&B basis and full board at Elephant Hills.

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.

2. St Lucia: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Often described as of the most romantic Caribbean islands, St Lucia offers so much more! It’s mountainous terrain makes it ideal for adventure sports and rainforest adventures, and of course its beaches are a haven for water sports enthusiasts. I holidayed in St Lucia many years ago and would love to return with my family – this all inclusive holiday deal to the Coconut Bay Beach Resort might just be the persuasion I need!

Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa from €7,439 per family

The multi award-winning Coconut Bay Beach Resort is a premium all inclusive resort set on St Lucia’s beautiful south coast. There are nine restaurants, seven bars and five swimming pools. This resort is situated on 85 acres, it is safe to say you won’t need to leave!

There is a dedicated family-friendly wing, ‘Splash’, which is home to CocoLand, St Lucia’s largest water park. There is a Kidz Club that caters from babies up to 12 years, a petting zoo with feeding stations, and a host of sports activities for everyone to enjoy.

Adults can enjoy some quiet time in the intimate adult-only wing with a swim up bar. You are even provided with a local mobile phone that you can contact your kids at any time, and vice versa!

There are many rooms to choose from, including two-bedroom interconnecting rooms and family rooms. With excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and a certificate of excellence award winner, this is one of the best all-inclusive long haul holidays for families.

Price of €7,439 is based on a family of four departing 6th August, and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay on an all inclusive basis.

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.

3. Florida

 

 

 

 

 

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Orlando needs no introduction and is widely accepted as one of the top long haul holidays for families. With over twelve theme parks, four waterparks and a host of other activities on International Drive, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do in Orlando.

Flights & 7 Nights at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando from €3,749 per family

American Sky offer a wide selection of family holidays to Florida including stays at Universal Studios and Disney World hotels, as well as luxury homes and twin-centre holidays.

One of their top sellers is the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando. This centrally located hotel offers superb value for families looking to stay on International Drive and be close to Orlando’s top attractions. You don’t even need to hire a car – they offer complimentary transport to Universal Studios, and a $17 per person charge to Disney World.

Families on a budget will appreciate their Kids Eat Free programme, and hotel rooms are equipped with a fridge and microwave. The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando also boasts three pools, a games room and a children’s playground.

Price of €3749 is based on a family of four departing 5th August for 7 nights, and includes flights, hotel and checked baggage. Contact American Sky for prices on alternative dates, durations and twin-centre options.

4. Dubai

Dubai is one of the top long haul destinations for families. With daily direct flights from Dublin in 7.5 hours, Dubai is ideal if you want to introduce your children to long haul travel. It is also a good choice as a stopover destination to islands such as Maldives or Mauritius below.

The world’s largest indoor theme park is in Dubai as well as Legoland and some amazing waterparks. You can also ski indoors, take a desert safari, and go to the top of the world’s tallest building. Another must-see is the Dubai Fountain, kids will be mesmerised by the incredible display as it lights up the night sky.

Read: The top family activities in Dubai

Flights & 5 Nights Half Board JA Beach Hotel from €7319 per family

The JA (Jebel Ali) Beach Hotel is a top-rated family hotel in Dubai that boasts tons of outdoor activities and dining options. There are eight pools, four swim up bars, a 9-hole golf course with driving range, tennis courts, padel tennis, beach volleyball, horse riding, and a water sports centre!

Children will love the Pirates & Mermaids Kids Club, where children above the height of 100cm can enjoy fantastic rides, from exhilarating water slides, aqua tubes with twists and turns, a large soaker bucket, racer slides, and much more! Children under 100cm can enjoy the Just Splash splash pad with shading, fun squirters and tipper buckets as well as supervised games and creche service from 4 months to 47 months old ( extra charge ).

Price of €7319 is based on a family of four staying on a half board basis, departing 14th April during Easter holidays, with direct flights, checked baggage and airport transfers.  

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.

5. Maldives:

Featured at the top of many people’s bucket list, this 1200 island archipelago in the Indian Ocean is a blissful escape from everyday life. It is the perfect choice for a bucket list family holiday, should you wish to mark a special celebration, or take the last family trip before your children want to holiday alone.

Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive 5* Centara Grand Hotel from €11,939 per family

Centara Grand is renowned as being one of the best family resorts in the Maldives. We stayed here a few years ago and loved it. We stayed in the overwater bungalows and the beach villas, and both offered a completely different experience.

 

 

 

 

 

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The kids loved these banana boat rides and I still recall the sunset hour, we enjoyed cocktails over the water and the kids popped down an hour later to join us for dinner – it was bliss! Contrary to what you might think, the Maldives is a superb family destination, each hotel is on its own island so it feels extremely safe at all time. You can read all about our trip here:

Read: My magical stay at Centara Grand Maldives

Prices from €11,939 is based on a family of four departing 14th April during Easter holidays, and includes flights, a duplex beach villa with meals and drinks included, and sea plane transfers. 

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.

6. Sri Lanka

 

 

 

 

 

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I was seduced by Sri Lanka when I visited a few years ago and I highly recommend a visit. It is one of Asia’s most diverse countries and is packed with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wonderful wildlife, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches.

Read: My Top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka

Flights &  7 Night All Inclusive Club Hotel Dolphin from €6639

The top-rated Club Hotel Dolphin is situated on Sri Lanka’s west coast. It enjoys a beautiful beachfront location but also has one of Sri Lanka’s largest swimming pools, as well as children’s pool, and complimentary Kids Club.

There are daily sports activities, including water sports as well as an evening entertainment programme, gym and luxury Spa. When you consider all meals and drinks are included in the cost too, this is amazing value for family long haul holidays.

Prices from €6639 is based on a family of four departing 16th April during Easter holidays, and includes flights, transfers, baggage and seven-night stay with meals and drinks included.

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication.

7. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island of contrasts. One minute you can be on one of the best beaches in the world, the next, you can be trekking through rainforests and seeing remarkable wildlife.

Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive 4* Zilwa Attitude, from €8999 per family

The top-rated beachfront Zilwa Attitude is one of the best all inclusive family resorts in Mauritius. Kids clubs range from 3-12 years, and children can enjoy a range of activities in its beached boat, as well as glass bottom boat rides and treasure hunts. Family rooms have a separate area with bunk beds for two children, and children under 6 stay and eat free.

There is a wide selection of bars and restaurants, and if parents fancy some quiet time, they can spend some time in the Spa or take a trip to the nearby private islands.

Price of €8,999 is based on a family of four departing on the 9th of April over Easter holidays, and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay on an all-inclusive basis. 

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.

8. Mexico:

Mexico is one of the best long haul holidays for families looking for fun in the sun. Hotels are packed with kids clubs and entertainment, and many have water slides at the pool – like the one featured below. You can also swim, snorkel, enjoy boat trips, or take the kids to XCaret theme park.

Flights & 7 Nights 5* All Inclusive Dreams Sapphire Riviera Cancun, €6890

This luxury resort is situated on a beautiful beach in Puerto Morelos and offers a superb Unlimited-Luxury® all inclusive experience with a choice of five à la carte restaurants, as well as a buffet, grill and café, none of which require reservations or wristbands. There are seven stylish bars too, and a choice of swimming pools as well as Dreams Spa by Pevonia®.

Suites have been recently renovated and include a 24-hour room and concierge service. Children will love new family water park, kids club and teens clubs. Dreams Sapphire Riviera is a super all inclusive resort in Mexico that is perfect for a luxury family holiday.

Price of €6,890 is based on a family of four departing on the 15th of April over Easter holidays, and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay on an all-inclusive basis.

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing but above price is correct at time of issue. 

9. Dominican Republic

No list of long haul holidays for families would be complete without the Dominican Republic, thanks to the wide selection of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts and abundance of fun activities for all the family.

Although being surrounded by white sandy beaches, it’s interior is pretty special too. Take the kids on a jungle trek and see waterfalls, natural swimming pools and even some monkeys swinging from the trees.

Flights & 7 Nights All Inclusive Grand Palladium Palace Resort & Spa from €6,259 per family

Located on the beautiful Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana, the 5 Star Grand Palladium Palace Resort & Spa is one of the top recommendations for long haul holidays for families looking for a luxury beach stay.

The Kids Clubs cater for all age groups, from babies to teens, and there is a Real Madrid Football Clinic, led by coaches from the Real Madrid Foundation, which is available on selected weeks during the summer months. 

The Infinite Indulgence® 24-hour all-inclusive arrangement allows you to dine in a host of restaurants with gourmet meals included, and you can you use the facilities and restaurants in the resort’s sister hotels, Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa. Your mini-bar is stocked daily with water, soft drinks and beer too!

Non motorised water sports Including windsurfing, kayaking and catamarans, as well as tennis, fitness classes and are also included.

Price of €6259 is based on a family of four departing 11th of August, and includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay on a premium all-inclusive basis.

Note prices shown on the Tropical Sky website are based on two sharing, but family prices quoted are correct at the time of publication. Contact Tropical Sky for prices on alternative dates and durations.

10. Canada:  Exhilarating Ontario, Flights & 10 Night Family Self Drive with Niagara Falls from €4519

What child wouldn’t want to see Niagara Falls? Taking the boat ride to the foot of the falls will surely provide lifetime memories! This itinerary has been curated for families and I love that you are only staying in three different hotels over ten nights, so there is plenty of time to enjoy each destination.

Your journey starts in the lively city of Toronto, your home for three nights. After a busy few days in the city, it is time to move on to the Blue Mountains for four nights, for some outdoor family adventures. Take a gondola ride up the mountain, enjoy the Aquatic Centre and the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, or rent kayaks or paddle boards on Lake Huron. The beach is only a ten-minute drive away, so if you just want to relax and enjoy the sunshine, you can do that too.

Your trip ends with a two-night stay at Niagara Falls. There are so many different tours available. You can choose to play it safe with a cruise, or go through the famous Whirlpool Rapids on the Wet Jet tour – suffice to say plenty of family fun is guaranteed! Finish off this amazing trip on a high, with an amazing view of Niagara Falls from the Skylon Tower.

Price of €4519 is based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing, and includes flights, 8 nights SUV car rental and 10 night hotel stays, departing 11th April over Easter holidays. 

So now that you have seen my top long haul holidays for families, the only decision is where will you choose? Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Tropical Sky but all views, as always, are my own.