Travelling with family is not a bigger version of solo travel but a completely different trip in its rules. Children who tire from waiting, older relatives who need rest, and a mother and father who want to enjoy it too. When you plan on the basis of "what pleases the adults" only, you come back with an exhausting trip, and when you plan on "what pleases the kids" only, the adults come back bored.
In this guide we give you clear criteria for choosing a family destination, then compare the best destinations for Saudi families, and give tips by children's ages, what to book in advance and the mistakes that repeat. Our aim is that your family returns satisfied, not worn out.
Quick answer:
- Best nearby destinations for families: Turkey and Egypt, and for mild summer weather: Georgia and Azerbaijan.
- Malaysia and Thailand are excellent options with varied activities and services but a longer flight.
- Choose a destination with two or three cities at most, and split days between active and calm.
- The hotel, family room and transfers make the trip comfortable more than the number of sights.
- Book early for holidays and summer.
What makes a family trip different?
A family trip stands on two elements: comfort and balance. Comfort because children and older relatives cannot bear constant moving and tight schedules. And balance because each family member has a different interest, and you must give each a share.
That is why we always say: a successful family trip is not the one covering the most sights, but the one everyone returns from with a good memory and a good mood. If you are looking for a destination for a first family trip abroad, also read best summer destinations from Riyadh.
Criteria for choosing a family destination
Before you compare destinations, answer these questions:
- Flight length: small children tire on long flights, so closeness is an advantage.
- Activities suited to their ages: theme parks, gardens, calm beaches and zoos.
- Hotels: family rooms or serviced apartments, closeness to services and suitable food.
- Ease of getting around: do you need a driver? Is transport suitable with luggage and children?
- Weather: avoid extreme heat or harsh cold with children.
- Budget: the number of people multiplies every item, so calculate carefully.
The most suitable destinations for families
Turkey: variety and closeness
Turkey is among the most popular family destinations. It has theme parks, gardens, Antalya's beaches and all-inclusive resorts that relax children and adults. Istanbul for shopping and sights, and Trabzon for green nature. Its flights are many. Read the Turkey guide.
Georgia: mild weather
A calm destination with nature, cable cars and gardens, and mild summer weather. Suitable for small and medium families. It needs a driver for mountain roads. Read the Georgia guide.
Azerbaijan: city and mountains
Organised Baku and mountain Gabala, with a calm atmosphere and family activities. Distances between stops are relatively long. Read the Azerbaijan guide.
Malaysia: services and varied activities
Kuala Lumpur with its malls, gardens and theme parks, and Langkawi for the beach and cable car. Halal food options are widely available. The trip is longer but rich. Read the Malaysia guide.
Thailand: resorts and islands
Family resorts, islands, zoos and malls, with a longer flight. It needs a calm beach and a suitable hotel. Read the Thailand guide.
Egypt: closeness and resorts
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh beaches and their family resorts, and a relatively short trip. If you want a cultural side, Cairo and the Nile cruise with a flexible schedule. Read the Egypt guide.
Want us to suggest a destination to suit your children's ages and budget?
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Family comparison table
| Destination | Closeness | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Near | Varied | Most families |
| Georgia | Relatively near | Mild in summer | Families who like nature |
| Azerbaijan | Relatively near | Calm and organised | Families who like cities and mountains |
| Malaysia | Far | Services and activities | Families wanting variety |
| Thailand | Far | Resorts and islands | Families who like the beach |
| Egypt | Near | Resorts and culture | A short trip |
Tips by children's age
Small children (roughly under five): choose a hotel with good facilities and a light schedule, short tours and respected nap times. All-inclusive resort hotels relax parents a lot. Avoid long tours and crowded sites.
School-age children: these love activities: water games, zoos, cable cars and short tours with simple adventure. Spread activities between active days and calm ones.
Teenagers: involve them in choosing some activities, and give them free time for shopping or water sports. They value relative independence.
With older relatives: choose a hotel near transport with fewer stairs, tours by air-conditioned car, enough rest time, and avoid sites requiring long walking or climbing stairs.
The hotel and room: the most important family decision
A good hotel changes the trip. Look for:
- Family rooms, suites or serviced apartments: enough space and a small kitchen relieves you a lot.
- A pool suitable for children and a kids' club: activities that give parents time.
- A location near transport and restaurants: without being in the middle of the noise.
- Board type: all-inclusive simplifies the maths, especially with children who eat a lot.
- Children's policy: ask about extra beds and the age for free or discounted children.
When asking the agency, state children's ages precisely, as they determine room type and price.
Flying with children
- Choose suitable times: avoid departure at children's sleep time if possible.
- A direct flight is better: stops tire the little ones and older relatives.
- Book adjoining seats: and check child meals.
- Prepare hand luggage: small toys, comfort items, basic medicines and spare clothes.
- Ask about baggage: a family with lots of bags needs careful calculation.
For general booking tips read 10 tips for booking flights from Riyadh.
Health, food and comfort
Carry children's essential medicines and their prescriptions, a thermometer and first-aid supplies. Drink bottled water in destinations that advise it. And ask about food suited to your children, and take light snacks from home if your children are picky. Watch the sun: sunscreen, hats and suitable outing times. And do not forget travel insurance.
For the full list of what to carry see our packing checklist.
What to book in advance
- In advance: hotels at holidays and summer, flights, a driver if needed and tickets to major sites.
- A few days before: tours by weather and children's energy.
- On the spot: restaurants, parks, shopping and beach sessions.
Common mistakes in family trips
- A schedule crowded with sights: ends with everyone tired.
- Not leaving calm days.
- Choosing a hotel far from services: tires the parents.
- Ignoring the destination's weather: extreme heat with children is exhausting.
- Not telling the agency the children's ages.
- Booking everything at the last minute.
Prefer a travel consultant to arrange a family trip with a comfortable schedule?
Who is this guide for?
It suits you if you: are planning a family trip, travelling with children or older relatives, or comparing destinations.
You may need detail if you: travel with children who have special needs, so contact us and we arrange suitable services. And see our packages.
FAQ
What is the best nearby destination for families?
Turkey and Egypt for short distance, and Georgia for its calm summers.
Should I book hotels with family rooms?
Yes, and we help you choose suitable rooms and suites by children's ages.
Do you organise trips for large families?
Yes, we prepare programmes for groups and large families.
Is all-inclusive suitable for a family?
Usually yes, because it simplifies the maths and relaxes parents, especially with children who eat a lot.
When should I book for summer holidays?
At least two to three months ahead for better options.
Do children need a visa?
Requirements differ by destination, and we confirm what is needed for each member when you book. Read the documents checklist.
How do I book from Riyadh?
Send us your dates, number of travellers and children's ages on WhatsApp or visit the Riyadh branch.
Start planning with Asrar Altyar
We arrange flights, family hotels, transfers and tours, and give you a clear price in Saudi riyals before any payment. See our reviews.
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