Top family destinations for the next school holidays

Once upon a time the school holidays meant staying on UK soil, with windy beaches and sandy sandwiches, and a decent amount of drizzle. But times have changed, and taking the family abroad in the school holidays is no longer considered the life of luxury – in fact, with budget airlines and online offers, there are always deals to be done!

We’ve asked our travel experts which destinations trending right now for bargain family breaks – check out the top four family-friendly destinations for those wanting to jet off from East Midlands Airport to somewhere sunny in the next school holidays.

Turkey is a firm favourite for family holidays, thanks to its sun-drenched climate, golden beaches, excellent food, and countless affordable child-friendly package resorts and hotels. There’s also a lively and friendly feel to the cities, where noise and chaos is embraced - shopkeepers and restaurant owners will coo over your children, and you’re never going to be told to keep it down.

In Dalaman kids will love exploring ancient ruins, visiting water parks or taking a boat trip along the Dalyan River. Older children might like the adventure sports on offer, like waterskiing or paragliding, and there are endless blue-fag beaches for the little ones to splash about in.

In Izmir you can lose yourself in bustling city life, with ancient history, buzzing bazaars, beautiful beaches and plenty of shops and restaurants. It’s also home to a very unique and notable attraction, but don’t be put off by the name - Nesin Mathematics Village. Initially set up by an academics professor as a place to share ideas, it now serves as a peaceful resort, but offers a number of creative summer workshops for kids.

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Cyprus may only be a small island, but it is jam packed with a huge amount of family friendly activities to make it your best holiday yet. Over on the south east coast you’ll find Larnaca, the oldest city in Cyprus known for its palm-tree lined seafront. The abundance of inflatable rides and water activities along the coastline are sure to provide the kids with hours of fun, whilst you relax beside the crystal clear waters.

Or for any animal lovers in the family, the donkey and camel farms close to the city make a great day out. Not only can you feed the animals, but you can experience a taste of traditional Cypriot life by taking them for a ride. With alfresco eateries, spectacular scenery and year-round sunshine, the island is a hit with all ages.

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Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek islands, and not just for any old reason. Combining beautiful beaches, impressive architecture and rich history, the island has something for everyone. As well as spending fun-filled days beside the sea, there are a number of charming attractions not to be missed.

The Valley of Butterflies is a magical valley surrounded by forests, setting the enchanting scene for thousands of butterflies to glide through the air. The hugely popular Seven Springs will take you on another great wildlife adventure, with peacocks, tortoises and geese all enjoying the woodland area surrounded by beautifully flowing waters. You’ll find that most hotels and resorts will offer package deals for families, so you’ll be glad to know that visiting this family approved location won’t break the bank.

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