TRAVEL TRENDS

Inspiration for May half-term trips

Last updated 15th April 2018

With the weather getting warmer, plenty of families are thinking about turning up the heat with a sunny half-term break. Here are our favourite family trips for May half-term, from treehouses to luxury hotels, as well as a couple of staycations for those wanting to relax nearer to home. We’ve got something for all budgets, starting from total luxury getaways to more budget-friendly, family-favourites. All prices are based on a family of four.

1/10 Six days’ trekking in the Atlas mountains, Morocco

Take a walk on the wild side as you touch down on the exotic sands of Morocco for a few days spent trekking across its landscape. With your personal guide from the Berber community your family will learn all about traditional Berber life while staying in a stunning Kasbah just outside Imlil. The surrounding area that you will have the chance to explore includes peaks over 4000 metres high, including the highest peak in north Africa. You will experience village life, wander through fields full of apple and walnut trees and enjoy picnics with the most stunning countryside views. All meals and accommodation are included as well as the services of a mule for luggage and a muleteer.

What: Five days’ trekking experience is included, along with full board and the services of a guide and muleteer

When: 26 – 31 May

Price: £3200

For more information and to book visit Responsible Travel

2/10 Seven nights’ five-star luxury in Dubai

Kids will feel like rock stars when they step foot into the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah in the glamorous city of Dubai. A kids’ pool with waterslide and a kids’ club ‘The Treehouse’ with indoor and outdoor play areas will keep them entertained for the duration of the holiday while older kids and teens hang out in ‘The Hide’. The hotel features nine restaurants and bars, several lounges and no less than seven swimming pools. A complimentary shuttle services takes guests to the famous Dubai Mall and there is a Virgin Holidays Lounge exclusively for Virgin Holidays guests.

What: Seven nights in a Queen guestroom with garden access on a B&B basis

When: 26 May – 2 June

Price: £3074

For more information and to book visit Virgin Holidays

3/10 Seven days’ luxury city break in Barcelona

Take in the sights and sounds of the city with this luxury break to Barcelona. Staying at the stunning Salles Pere IV, families can enjoy elegant refurbished rooms just 2 km away from the city centre and 2 km from the beach. Wander down Las Ramblas and pick up handicrafts, stop for chocolate de caliente and churros or sip Sangria as you sample tapas with ocean views. Architecture and art lovers will enjoy visiting Gaudi’s creations or wandering around the beautiful churches and monasteries. There are also aquariums and amusement parks for child-focused days out when the weather doesn’t play ball!

What: Seven nights’ luxury accommodation on a room-only basis plus return flights from Stansted.

When: 28 May – 4 June

Price: £2317

For more information and to book visit loveholidays

4/10 Seven nights’ all-inclusive in Antalya, Turkey

Soak up the sun with this all-inclusive break to the popular resort of Antalya in Turkey. The IC Green Palace hotel on Lara Beach offers elegant surroundings with a Balinese theme and is set in lush tropical gardens. The hotel has won a GOLD Travelife award for its commitment to sustainability and good environmental practises. Guests can look forward to free-flowing drinks, an extensive international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a vitamin bar serving freshly squeezed juices. Kids aged 4-12 can enjoy making new friends at the kids’ club which parents head off to the traditional Turkish spa or take a class in archery, pilates, windsurfing or belly dancing among others.

What: Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation in a Quad family room, return flights from Manchester plus transfers.

When: 29 May – 5 June

Price: £2160

For more information and to book visit Thomas Cook

5/10 Seven nights’ all-inclusive at One Resort Aqua Park & Spa, Tunisia

Children and big kids at heart will love making a splash at the onsite water park in the One Resort in Monastir, Tunisia. There are three outdoor pools including an adults-only pool plus an indoor pool and several sun terraces with sun loungers and umbrellas. There are three age-grouped kids’ clubs where staff organise fun games, arts and crafts and talent shows for little ones; there’s even a kids’ buffet at lunch time with popular favourites. Guests can enjoy a daily programme of entertainment including sports activities or enjoy a spot of basketball, volleyball, table tennis among others. There is a top quality buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a 24-hour drinks and snacks service.

What: Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation in a Family room, return flights from Gatwick plus transfers.

When: 29 May – 5 June

Price: £1908

For more information and to book visit Thomas Cook

6/10 Seven nights’ all-inclusive at Roc las Rocas Aparthotel, Majorca

A great option for families who want a budget break with the convenience of all-inclusive, the Roc las Rocas Aparthotel in Majorca is situated on the seafront in Cala Egos. Kids can enjoy one of two children’s clubs as well as a daily organised activity programme and adults have their own programme to get involved in. Don’t forget the mini-disco, shows and games in the evenings! There are two pool bars as well as a buffet restaurant, three swimming pools and several sports courts for the perfect balance of indulgence and wellbeing. There is also a mini market, laundry facilities, bicycle rental and a games room for guests’ convenience. When you feel like exploring stroll just 400m to the beach or 500m to the local shops, restaurants and bars in the resort.

What: Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment, return flights from Bristol plus transfers

When: 26 May – 2 June

Price: £1558

For more information and to book visit Thomas Cook

7/10 Four nights in a forest treehouse, Bavaria, Germany

Step into the pages of an Enid Blyton book as you cross the threshold of your very own treehouse. This gorgeous pad in Betzigau, Bavaria, is surrounded by peaceful woodland and countryside in a national park, perfect for a relaxing half-term break. Spend your days hiking, biking, swimming, fishing or simply gazing out of your window at the nature around. The quaint treehouse has two levels over which are built two bedrooms, a living and dining area, a cosy kitchen and a bathroom. Relax on the sun loungers on the deck – wooden, of course – or grab a wildlife book and see what you can spot with the kids.

What: Four nights in a two-bedroom treehouse on a self-catering basis.

When: 26 – 30 May

Price: £1000

For more information and to book visit book a treehouse

8/10 Four nights in New York City near Madison Square Garden with breakfast included

Take in the bright lights and enjoy an iconic city in springtime with a long weekend in The Big Apple. The Hotel Pennsylvania is a family-friendly hotel set in the heart of Manhattan, near Penn Station in Midtown. For anyone who’s been before, you’ll be delighted to be so close to all of your favourite sights and have amazing links to get out and discover new locations. If you’re new to the city, this is the ideal place to see the famous landmarks from the movies for the first time so pack your walking shoes, clear space in your luggage for shopping and start daydreaming about Magnolia Bakery.

What: Four nights in a hotel in central Manhattan for two adults two children, including continental breakfast

When: 26 – 30 May

Price: £665

For more information and to book visit Booking.com

9/10 Five nights in a Eurocamp Safari tent, Brittany, France

Enjoy all the family friendly facilities of Eurocamp while staying in an Africa-inspired Safari tent. Each tent has two spacious bedrooms, wooden decking, furniture and fittings as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Kids will love the bunk beds while parents can get cosy in a luxury double; this is camping redefinited! The Pointe St-Gilles campsite is a stone’s throw from a sandy beach and just 1 km from the nearest town. Children will love meeting other kids at the Eurocamp kids’ clubs, splashing about at the indoor and outdoor pool and getting stuck into activities such as zorbing, archery and chocolate parties! Adults can take time for a spa treatment or get active on one of the several sports courts around the site.

What: Five nights’ self-catering accommodation in a Safari tent (sleeps up to two adults and three children)

When: 26 – 31 May

Price: £391

For more information and to book visit eurocamp

10/10 Seven nights’ camping in the Black Forest, Germany

Take the family to experience the beauty of the Black Forest with a half-term camping trip in Germany. The Campingplatz Kinzigtal has all the family-friendly facilities you could want including an onsite restaurant, children’s playground and washing and laundry facilities. There’s even a covered area for table tennis, a great place for older kids to make new friends. For adults there is a beer garden and the whole family will love the swimming pool that is open to camping guests. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the site so families can stay connected back home while enjoying their trip.

What: Seven nights’ camping pitch on the Campingplatz Kinzigtal in Germany’s Black Forest

When: 26 May – 2 June

Price: £180

For more information and to book visit Campingplatz Kinzigtal