Family holidays

A good family holiday works for the youngest and the oldest in the group at the same time. That means fewer early starts, shorter drives, a pool at the hotel and at least one activity each day that the children will remember.

What makes a trip family-friendly

• Short transfers. We keep daily drives to two or three hours where possible and break longer ones with stops.
• Interconnecting or family rooms. We look for hotels with family rooms, extra beds or connecting rooms and confirm them in your quote.
• One big day, one easy day. Theme parks and long sightseeing days are followed by a slower morning.
• Food that works. Vegetarian and Indian food is easy to find in most of our destinations; we note where it is harder.

Destinations that suit families

Singapore and Dubai are the easiest international family trips, with theme parks, aquariums and very short flights from Chennai. Paris has Disneyland, and Bangkok mixes shows, safaris and markets. In India, Ooty, Munnar, Srinagar and the Andaman Islands are long-time favourites.

Travelling with grandparents too? See Senior-friendly holidays for gentler routes.