Planning your first holiday abroad with a child can be quite a challenge. Wondering which destination will be the best for your little one? How to prepare for the trip so everything goes smoothly? Don’t worry – we’ve gathered tried-and-tested destinations and practical tips that will make your family holiday truly enjoyable.
When is the best time to take your first trip abroad with a baby?
The earliest you can plan a trip is when your baby is around 4–5 months old. That’s an optimal moment – your child is more sociable, curious about the surroundings, and generally copes better with travel. Of course, every child is different – some babies travel well even earlier, while others need more time. You know your child best, so trust your instincts.
What to consider when choosing a destination?
Flight time and distance
For the first trips, choose destinations with short flights – no more than 3–4 hours. Long journeys can be tiring both for the child and for you.
Climate and weather
Avoid extreme temperatures. The best destinations are those with mild climates – around 25–28°C. Too much heat can be dangerous for young children, especially infants.
Hotel facilities
Look for family-friendly hotels. Important amenities include:
- Family rooms with space for a cot
- Pools with paddling areas for toddlers
- Restaurants with children’s menus and highchairs
- Playgrounds and kids’ clubs
- Possibility to rent a stroller or cot
Beaches and swimming areas
Ideal beaches have shallow, sandy entry to the sea, calm waves, and lifeguards nearby. Cleanliness is also a must.
The best destinations for family holidays – proven choices
Greece – sunny islands for the whole family
Greece is a top hit among families with children. Why? Short flights (2.5–3 hours), great weather from May to October, and plenty of options to choose from.
Best islands for families:
- Crete – the largest Greek island with child-friendly beaches like Balos or pink-sand Elafonisi. Shallow, warm waters perfect for play
- Rhodes – called the island of the sun, boasting over 300 sunny days a year
- Corfu – the greenest of the islands with a mild climate
- Kos – calmer, with beautiful beaches and thermal springs
Greek hotels are well prepared for little guests – you’ll find cots, highchairs, and in many places even Polish-speaking entertainers.
Bulgaria – budget-friendly holidays on the Black Sea
If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable option, Bulgaria is a perfect choice. Flights take only around 2 hours, and summer temperatures hover around a pleasant 28°C – ideal for little ones.
Recommended resorts:
- Golden Sands – a wide sandy beach with gentle access to the sea
- Sunny Beach – the biggest resort with countless attractions for children
- Albena – quieter, perfect for families with small children
Bulgarian hotels offer excellent all-inclusive packages at reasonable prices, and the local cuisine will please even picky eaters.
Turkey – all inclusive and waterparks
The Aegean coast and Turkish Riviera are made for families. A 3-hour flight brings you to sunshine, warm seas, and hotels with outstanding facilities.
Top regions:
- Side – sandy beaches and calm waters
- Alanya – lots of children’s attractions and shallow sea entry
- Kemer – surrounded by mountains, with pristine beaches
- Bodrum – more intimate, with picturesque coves
Turkish hotels are famous for their waterparks, entertainment, and rich all-inclusive offers. Kids will love the slides and pools, while parents can relax knowing everything is close at hand.
Croatia – close and familiar
Croatia is a great choice if you’d like to stay closer to Poland. You can even consider driving – giving you more flexibility in packing and stopping as needed.
Worth visiting:
- Makarska Riviera – beautiful beaches and quiet bays
- Istria – calmer seas, perfect for young children
- Krk Island – accessible by bridge, with lovely beaches
The Adriatic is warm and relatively calm, and Croatians are very child-friendly. Many places offer playgrounds by the beaches and kids’ menus in restaurants.
Spain – sunshine all year round
Spain has something for every family – from mainland beaches to islands. The Canary Islands are especially recommended, with great weather year-round.
Best places:
- Tenerife – the island of eternal spring with a mild climate
- Gran Canaria – sandy beaches and calm waters
- Majorca – plenty of coves and beaches perfect for children
- Costa del Sol – sunny coastline with excellent infrastructure
Egypt – coral reefs and sunshine
If your family loves warmth, Egypt by the Red Sea is a fantastic option. Flights take 4.5–5 hours, but the weather is guaranteed to be perfect.
Recommended resorts:
- Hurghada – well-developed hotel infrastructure, sandy beaches
- Marsa Alam – quieter, with stunning reefs
- Sharm El Sheikh – luxury hotels with waterparks
Egyptian hotels offer extensive entertainment programs, often in Polish too. For older children, glass-bottom boat trips are a real highlight.
Tunisia – African exoticism close to Europe
Tunisia, especially Djerba island, is the perfect mix of exotic charm and accessibility. Flights take about 3 hours, and wide sandy beaches await you.
Why it’s worth it:
- Reliable weather – almost no rain in summer
- Wide beaches with gentle sea entry
- Child-friendly hotels with rich all-inclusive offers
- Sea temperatures above 27°C in summer
Italy – dolce vita with children
Italy is not only about culture and monuments but also family-friendly beaches and warm atmosphere. Italians adore children, so you’ll feel welcomed everywhere.
Best seaside spots:
- Sardinia – crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches
- Sicily – a mix of beaches and culture
- Rimini – shallow sea and lots of attractions for kids
- Tuscany – charming towns and peaceful beaches
Portugal – the Atlantic for the bold
Portugal, especially the Algarve, offers some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. The climate is milder than southern Spain, which can be a plus for families with small children.
Good to know:
- Algarve beaches are sheltered by cliffs, providing natural wind protection
- The Atlantic is cooler, but pleasantly warm in summer
- Portugal is very safe
- The local cuisine is mild and child-friendly
