Trips and Adventures
Best Places to Travel with Kids: Safe and Fun for the Whole Family
Travelling with children is wonderful, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Between extra luggage, unexpected stops, and the classic "Are we there yet?”, choosing the right destination is halfway to a memorable family trip. Ready to discover the best places to travel with kids with Xtracars? Let’s go.
What Should a Family Destination Offer?
Before choosing the destination for your family trip, consider the following:
- Safety – Look for calm, well-kept places with nearby pharmacies. Travelling with children is much more relaxing when everything around you feels under control.
- Accessibility – Choose destinations with easy, quick routes for a hassle-free journey. The fewer complications, the better for everyone.
- Guaranteed fun – Calm beaches, easy trails, and museums where kids can touch and explore are always a good choice. The key? Learning and having fun at the same time.
- Family-friendly infrastructure – Accommodation with a kitchen, restaurants with children’s menus, and easy snacks make all the difference. It helps keep routines in place and reduces the chaos that can come with a family trip.
Suggestions for the Best Places to Travel with Kids
Holidays with children are the perfect time to make memories, strengthen bonds, and break the routine. And choosing the right destination is halfway to making everything run smoothly. Get ready to explore our suggestions:
In Portugal
Algarve
A classic that never fails. The mild weather, even outside high season, and calm waters make the Algarve ideal for a family trip. Praia do Barril, with its tourist train, is always a hit with children. Don’t miss waterparks like Zoomarine or Aquashow. And if you want total relaxation, resorts like Vila Galé Náutico or Jupiter Albufeira Hotel offer all-inclusive options and activities for kids.
Serra da Estrela
Perfect for those looking for a mix of nature and adventure. Fresh air, accessible trails, and plenty of waterfalls to explore are on the daily menu in Serra da Estrela. Kids will love the Covilhã cable car and the cheese factory in Celorico da Beira. Look for places like Luna Hotel Serra da Estrela, which offers spacious family rooms and an on-site restaurant.
Lisbon
The capital always has lots to offer for families. The Oceanarium and Children’s Museum are must-visits, and you can also enjoy green spaces like Parque dos Poetas or Tapada das Necessidades. For accommodation, check out Martinhal Lisbon Chiado, designed with travelling families in mind, featuring kitchenettes, babysitting, and even toys in the room.
Abroad
Andalusia
Sunshine, great food, and contagious energy. Andalusia is a colourful, vibrant destination perfect for families. Watch flamenco shows, visit cities like Seville and Córdoba, and cool off in waterparks like Aquopolis. For accommodation, consider Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort, which offers children’s activities and direct beach access.
Paris
Kids and grown-ups alike love Disneyland, but Paris offers much more: the Luxembourg Gardens with swings, ponds, puppet theatre, boat rides on the Seine and, of course, plenty of crêpes. For accommodation, the Explorers Hotel near Disneyland is a hit with families and even has an indoor waterpark.
Amsterdam
Flat, safe, and organised. Perfect for cycling or canal cruising as a family. But there’s more. The NEMO Science Museum is interactive and ideal for children. For a break, visit Vondelpark, with its playgrounds and open space to run around. For comfortable accommodation, Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is relaxed, central, and great for families.
Tips for a Smooth Family Trip
With kids, flawless holidays don’t exist—but these tips can help:
- Start with a plan – A light itinerary with built-in breaks helps avoid tantrums and unnecessary stress. Include time for snacks, play, and even doing nothing.
- Choose the right car – Space makes all the difference. Subscribe to a car with a large boot, safe child seats and efficient air conditioning to make your trip more comfortable.
- Pack an SOS kit – Nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks, water bottle, sunscreen, and a bag for dirty clothes. Keep everything handy and sorted.
- In-car entertainment – Fully charged tablets with films, activity books, games, upbeat music and the favourite cuddly toy can work wonders.
- Don’t underestimate breaks – Travelling at a slower pace, with stops at parks or service areas with space to run around, can save the journey.
- Pack by theme in backpacks – One for food, one for clothes, and one for distractions. Simple but effective.
More Freedom for Your Family Trip with Xtracars
Xtracars lets you choose the perfect car for your family trip, for exactly the time you need it. Yes, that includes models with room for toys and even that "just in case” bag. And there’s more:
- Insurance? Included.
- Maintenance? We handle it.
- Extras? From GPS to child seats, you can add what you need to your car subscription without complications.
How it works? You can even change cars if your plans change. Say goodbye to traditional car hire and hello to commitment-free freedom.
Good Memories Start with Smart Choices
Family holidays call for special destinations, comfortable travel and thoughtful planning. With Xtracars, you choose the right car, add essential extras like a child seat or booster, and hit the road stress-free. Have you picked your next family trip destination?