Luxury May half term breaks 2024

Best for: missing the summer tourism crowds

Greece

Flight time from London: Thessalonik 3 hours 25 minutes,  Heraklion, Mykonos, Santorini & Kalamata 4 hours,  Zakynthos & Athens 3 hours 35 minutes

Ever-popular due to its mix of iconic blue and white stone buildings, picturesque beaches and proximity to the UK, Greece is an ideal May getaway. The many family-friendly resorts dotted across Crete, and the many other islands and mainland beaches, are ideal for families who wish to spend a week relaxing before the big crowds and excessive heat in the summer.

Greece’s diverse history and unique culture seeps from every whitewashed stone and ancient monument with each island and area embracing its own way of laid-back living. And by the end of a week spent indulging on freshly cooked gyros while strolling through cobbled streets you’ll be reluctant to leave.

Lounge by the pool or on a stretch of private beach as a family or let the little ones get involved in Greek cooking classes. If you’d prefer a big family outing, take a boat ride to and tour the Cretan island of Spinalonga, parents and grandparents will love learning about its history while children will relish the opportunity to explore its Venetian castle.

Best for: half term city breaks & authentic exploration

Italy

Flight time from London: 2-3 hours depending on destination

Settle into la dolce vita during a week away in Italy this May half term. Summer crowds are yet to descend and you can experience home-from-home Italian living in village-like resorts that sit nestled in the renaissance countryside, just moments from some of Europe’s most striking coastlines. For the ultimate cultural immersion, begin your trip with a city break in Rome or Venice and soak up everything these ancient icons have to offer before escaping to rural Italy.

Spend days strolling around stone pathways, relishing the scent of fresh rosemary and zesty lemon that floats through the air. Italy comes into its own in late spring, earthy olive trees sway lightly in the soft breeze and the ocean is warming up after the cold winter months.

This authentic feel transcends the resorts too, meaning you'll still get that same Italian atmosphere even when afternoons are spent playing by the kid's pool. Better still, let your little ones have a taste of Italian culture and cuisine at their own kids-only restaurant.

Best for: families who have a week or more for half term

Barbados

Flight time from London: 8 hours 35 minutes

For children who have more than one week for half term, going further afield shouldn't be out of the question. Nothing makes kids and grown-ups want to switch off like the golden beaches of Barbados; spend your time off lounging in one of the island’s covetable resorts and quickly learn that  every comfort is provided and any needs you have will be catered to by attentive staff.

The many interconnecting rooms and spacious suites available ensures there is ample room for all of the family on a multi-generational holiday. Parents and grandparents can spend a morning playing golf on one of the many world-class courses that pepper the island, while children practice sailing.

Rent your own boat and spend the day snorkelling as a family around the various beaches and coves on the island; take the chance to teach your little ones about the importance of conservation work when you encounter turtles roaming freely in their natural home. Finally, when all the excitement of the day is over, spend warm evenings snuggled as a family watching a movie under the stars.

Best for: an adventure-filled half term destination

Africa

For those families looking for some excitement and adventure during their May half term break, few things compare to the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Africa. Forget back-to-basics tented accommodation and set up camp in a luxury lodge with high class service, a la carte dining and playgrounds that look out across the boma.

Nothing compares with the experience of watching the excitement on your little ones’ faces as a guide helps them spot one of the Big 5 on a safari through the vast wildlife reserves of Kenya and South Africa. As the truck cruises through the reserve, you won’t know which to look at first, the rare animals running wild in their natural habitat or your children’s reaction to them.

On the days you’re not out on a game drive around the reserve, let your private guide take you out on a marine walk to explore local caves and share the area’s customs and traditions before your little ones join a dance class with local children.