9 Amazing Half Term Getaways

Woohoo, it’s the holidays mamas! Okay, well maybe not not quite yet, but they’re definitely coming and there’s no better time to get planning than the present. We’ve found some of the most gorgeous family-friendly places we’re ticking off our bucket list below (and all within a 3-7 hour flight so the littles don’t get too restless on the plane). So grab some sunscreen, a camera and remember to pack light…oh who are we kidding, make the most of your baggage allowance!

Budapest, Hungary

Flight time: 4 hours, 54 minutes
Where to stay: Mamaison Residence Izabella, Hotel Normafa

Referred to as the Pearl of the Danube, this Hungarian city is one brimming with stunning architecture and something new to explore round every corner. While there’s certainly an awful lot that mamas and papas will love, there’s a lot for the littles as well such as the Palace of Miracles, a super interactive science museum designed for kiddos.

Crete, Greece

Flight time: 4 hours, 50 minutes
Where to stay: Ammos Hotel, King Minos Palace Hotel

This island full of mythological intrigue is one that’s surprisingly kid-friendly. This sprawling city boasts a number of flawless beaches perfect for splashing about in as well as gorgeous attractions like The Old Town of Chania, a colourful bustling city on the northwest coast.

Goa, India

Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Where to stay: Vivanta by Taj, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa

Ready to hit the beach, mamas? Goa’s renowned for its fab sands in the south of India and is always a favourite with families, both local and those hailing from over the water. There are activities to spare and we’d recommend scheduling a cheeky trip in to the Sahakari Spice Farm or Dudhsagar Falls for sights you won’t see in Dubai.

Hong Kong, China

Flight time: 6 hours, 40 minutes
Where to stay: Grand Hyatt, Cosmopolitan Hotel

China’s more than just The Great Wall mamas and amazing Hong Kong’s as good a place as any to get started exploring. There’s a number of absolutely picturesque sights to see and things to do, like take the Star Ferry across the harbour at night to see the gorgeous skyline, nip over to Disneyland for a cheeky meeting with Mickey and Minnie or visit the pandas in Ocean Park. (Of course, there’s no shortage of shopping and bustle for mama and papa.) Remember to make time for a spot of dimsum! For more ideas, why not check out our sister site Sassy Mama Hong Kong?

London

Flight time: 6 hours, 40 minutes
Where to stay: Flemings Mayfair, Park Plaza

Ah London, has it really only been a few months since I left you? This amazing city tops wanderlust lists for a reason and there’s oodles to do with the kids for free and for a few quid: the National Museum, changing of the guards, a visit to Big Ben and, of course, a day in the toy store to end all toy stores – Hamleys. (Don’t forget to catch Wicked or Anything Goes on the West End!)

Mauritius

Flight time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Where to stay: Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, One&Only Le Saint Geran

Hidden on the Indian Ocean, this gorgeous beach paradise is full of vibrant nooks and crannies for you to explore. Whether you’re coasting over the Grand Baie Reef in a glass bottom boat as the bubs take a dip with wild dolphins, you’ll want to circle the markets and nature reserves on your map when you’re not basking on a sunny beach.

Phuket

Flight time: 7 hours
Where to stay: Banyan Tree, Angsana

There’s a reason why I go back to Phuket again and again. This lush tropical island is an absolute dream with pampering to spare for mama as well as a number of things to do as a family. There’s a number of fab kid-friendly hotels with activities for children all day long, however I’d highly recommend a day spent snorkelling and visiting Phuket’s islands – Phi Phi Island and Banana Beach never fail to impress.

Sri Lanka

Flight time: 5 hours
Where to stay: Maya Villas, The Last House

Sri Lanka’s an up and coming holiday destination with a wealth of culture on offer and tourist hotspots cropping up all over the place. Aside from the stunning scenery, your tiny animal lovers will have the time of their lives at a number of their sea turtle conservations, UdaWalawe’s elephant park or the Kalametiya bird sanctuary. (Just be careful they don’t take any new friends home with them!)

Vienna, Austria

Flight time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Where to stay: Hotel Sacher Wien, Palais Hansen Kempinski

Hallo Austria! We’re totally feeling the Austrian capital as a go-to place for families and as pretty as our golden city is, there’s something about European architecture that gets my heart singing. (Methinks it’s time for a mandatory reviewing of The Sound of Music.) Mozart’s little city is full of things for your littles: head on over to Schonbrunn Palace’s kids museum for a day spent dressing up as the royal family.