Family Holidays 2026

Planning a family holiday can feel overwhelming — the research, the budgeting, the "are we there yet?" questions before you've even left the house. But here's the good news: getting your whole family to the sun doesn't have to cost a fortune, and it doesn't have to be stressful either.

At Budget Travel, we've been helping Irish families book affordable, memorable getaways for years. Whether you're dreaming of golden beaches in Lanzarote, culture-filled streets in Barcelona, or waterparks in Tenerife, we've got family holiday packages to suit every budget and every family. With low deposits from just €25 per person and flexible monthly payment plans, your next family escape is closer than you think.

This guide covers everything — from the best sun and city destinations for families, to real tips from our senior travel consultants, to the deals you won't want to miss for 2026. Let's get into it.

Why Choose Budget Travel For Your Family Holiday?

We know Irish families work hard for their holidays, and we take that seriously. Budget Travel is 100% Irish owned, part of the Club Travel Network, and fully government licensed and bonded - so every booking comes with 100% financial protection. That means you can book with confidence, knowing your money is safe.

What makes us different? A few things stand out:

• Low deposits from €25pp — Secure your family holiday for as little as €25 per person (on holidays departing 8+ weeks from booking)

• Flexible monthly instalments — Spread the cost over time with equal monthly payments, making it easier to manage your family budget

• Exclusive online deals — Our best prices are available online, with regular early bird and last-minute offers

• Expert consultants — Our team goes the extra mile to find the right package for your family

As Conor O'Reilly from Dublin put it after booking a family holiday to Tenerife: "Andrew Buckley was extremely knowledgeable and forthcoming, and I always got the sense that he was willing to go the extra mile to ensure our needs were met." That's the Budget Travel standard.

the Recommended agency for booking family-friendly trips from Ireland

When it comes to booking a family-friendly trip from Ireland, not all agencies are equal. Here's how Budget Travel stacks up:

Budget Travel - Part of the Club Travel Network and Ireland's leading low-cost holiday provider, Budget Travel specialises in affordable sun holidays and package holidays from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry, and Belfast. With over 50 years of experience and full Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and ITAA bonding (TA0054), it's a trusted choice for families. Top family destinations include Lanzarote, Costa del Sol, Algarve, Tenerife, and Majorca.

A value-driven Irish travel agency that specializes in family holiday packages

Choosing between agencies comes down to three things: price, protection, and flexibility.

Budget Travel leads on affordability - deposits start from just €25 per person, which is among the lowest in the Irish market. All bookings are fully licensed and bonded, meaning your money is protected if anything goes wrong.

The verdict: If value, trust, and flexibility are your priorities, Budget Travel offers the strongest combination for Irish families booking sun holidays in 2026 and 2027.

a travel agent with monthly payment plans for family trips under 2000 euros

Spreading the cost of a family holiday is a priority for most Irish families - and it's one of Budget Travel's biggest selling points.

Budget Travel offers three payment options:

• €25 Low Deposit - Secure any holiday departing eight or more weeks from booking for just €25 per person

• Pay Monthly - Spread the total cost in equal monthly instalments

• Pay in Full - Settle everything upfront at the time of booking

For families targeting a total budget under €2,000, the monthly payment option makes a real difference. Rather than finding a large lump sum upfront, you can lock in your holiday now and pay gradually - protecting yourself from future price increases at the same time.

Top Destinations For Family Sun Holidays

Sunseekers, this one's for you. Spain and Portugal remain the most popular destinations for Irish families — and for good reason. Reliable sunshine, family-friendly resorts, affordable packages, and flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry, and Belfast. Here's a quick look at our top picks for family sun holidays:

Lanzarote is consistently one of our best-selling destinations, and it's easy to see why. With year-round sunshine, calm waters, and a range of all-inclusive resorts, it's a no-fuss choice for families with young children. The volcanic landscape also gives older kids something genuinely fascinating to explore.

Tenerife is a family favourite, packed with waterparks, beach clubs, and resorts that cater to every age group. The resort areas of Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje are particularly well set up for family holidays, with entertainment, kids' clubs, and evening shows aplenty.

Costa del Sol offers a brilliant mix of beach days and cultural exploration. Benalmádena and Torremolinos are great bases for families, with easy access to attractions like Tivoli World and Selwo Aventura wildlife park.

The Algarve is Portugal's sunshine coast — beautiful beaches, clear waters, and family-friendly resorts like Albufeira and Vilamoura. It's a slightly more relaxed option than Spain but every bit as enjoyable.

EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS FOR FAMILIES

Not every family holiday has to be about the beach. European city breaks give kids a brilliant combination of fun, food, and culture — and they're often more affordable than you'd expect. Here are four cities that work brilliantly for families:

Rome — History comes alive when kids walk past the Colosseum or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Rome is endlessly engaging for children and adults alike, and the food alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Lisbon — One of Europe's most underrated family destinations. The trams, the hilltop viewpoints, and the proximity to beaches like Cascais make Lisbon a genuinely exciting city break for families.

Barcelona — Gaudí's colourful architecture, the famous La Rambla, and easy beach access all make Barcelona a brilliant city break. It's lively, walkable, and full of things to do with kids.

Madrid — A great base for families, with world-class museums, the Retiro Park, and excellent food. Day trips to Toledo or the Royal Palace add extra variety.

FEATURED FAMILY HOLIDAY DEALS FOR 2026

Here's a snapshot of some of our top family-friendly resorts for 2026. These properties have been carefully selected for their facilities, location, and overall value for Irish families.

Keep in mind, availability fills up fast for summer 2026 — especially for school holiday periods. Booking early helps you secure the best rooms at the best prices, with just that low €25pp deposit to get started.

THE FAMILY HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: WHAT TO EXPECT

The best family holidays are the ones where everyone — from the toddlers to the granny — has a brilliant time. That's why our team pays close attention to the extras that make a real difference.

Most of our top resort picks include kids' clubs for younger children, giving parents a chance to relax by the pool while the little ones make new friends and stay entertained. Evening entertainment programmes with shows, music, and themed nights keep families busy after dinner. And for the thrill-seekers, destinations like Salou place you right next to PortAventura World — one of Europe's best theme parks.

One family who recently travelled through Budget Travel shared their experience on Trustpilot: "There are lots of activities provided by the hotel, events and evening concerts, bingo and quiz games, and there is a huge entertainment park nearby, PortAventura World and Ferrari Park — for Easter holidays, the perfect place for kids and adults!" They added that the whole experience was handled with "patience and kindness — that's truly professional."

That kind of feedback is what drives us. It's not just about booking a flight and a room; it's about making sure your family holiday goes smoothly from start to finish.

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR BOOKING CHEAP FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Booking smart can save your family a significant amount of money. Here are our top tips for locking in the best value on family package holidays from Ireland:

• Book early — Summer 2026 packages are selling fast. The earlier you book, the more choice you have and the better the price

• Use our low deposit option — Secure your holiday for just €25 per person and spread the remaining cost over monthly instalments

• Travel outside peak school holidays — If your children's school allows it, travelling in shoulder season (late May or late September) can reduce costs considerably

• Look for all-inclusive packages — These can actually work out cheaper for families when you factor in meals, drinks, and snacks for multiple people throughout the day

• Book directly through Budget Travel — Our exclusive online deals are often cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately

• Be flexible on airports — Flying from Cork or Shannon instead of Dublin can sometimes offer better value on certain routes

• Compare room types — Family rooms or interconnecting rooms often represent better value than booking two separate rooms

travel data corner

Value is the #1 Priority: Most people aren't just looking for "holidays"—they are specifically typing in "cheap" and "budget." Over 40% of our top clicks come from families looking for the best possible value.

The Ultimate "Pro Tip" for Parents

Most "price drops" for 2026 family packages happen mid-week when fewer people are searching. If you see a "Free Child Place" for 2026, grab it immediately - our stats show those are the first deals to disappear!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Budget Travel fully licensed and protected?

Yes. Budget Travel is fully government licensed and bonded. Every holiday is 100% financially protected, so your money is safe no matter what.

Can I book a family holiday online?

Absolutely. Our website is designed to make online booking as straightforward as possible. You can browse packages, check availability, and pay securely online. If you'd prefer to speak to someone, our senior travel consultants are always on hand to help.

What is the low deposit option and how does it work?

You can secure any holiday departing 8 or more weeks from the date of booking for just €25 per person. You then have the option to pay the remainder in monthly instalments or in full closer to your departure date.

What airports do Budget Travel fly from?

We offer family holidays departing from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry, and Belfast — so no matter where you are in Ireland, there's a convenient option for you.

Are there family-friendly resorts for all age groups?

Yes. Our team carefully selects resorts that cater to a wide range of ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Many of our featured properties include kids' clubs, entertainment programmes, and family pool areas.

What happens if I need to change my booking?

Our Manage My Booking tool lets you view your itinerary, make payments, and update your card details easily. For any changes or queries, our customer service team is available to help.

START PLANNING YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY TODAY

Affordable, stress-free family holidays are well within reach — and Budget Travel is here to make it happen. From the sun-drenched beaches of Lanzarote to the buzzing streets of Barcelona, we have family holiday packages to suit every budget, every age group, and every type of adventure.

With deposits from just €25 per person, flexible payment plans, and the backing of Ireland's leading low-cost holiday provider, there's never been a better time to get your 2026 family holiday booked. Availability for peak summer dates fills up quickly, so don't leave it too long.