Even faced with rising living costs, British travellers are continuing to prioritise holidays in 2026. ABTA’s latest Travel Trends report states that 70% of UK adults plan to travel overseas in the next 12 months, while September has grown in popularity as travellers look for comfortable weather and better-value breaks.
For parents tied to school holidays, choosing the right destination can matter more. If you’re busy weighing up options, a smaller island could make your life simpler.
Less travel stress
Travelling with children is harder if several days involve packing bags and sitting through lengthy transfers. A small destination reduces that pressure because beaches, restaurants and attractions often sit within a more compact area.
Before booking, check journey times from your accommodation to the places your family would realistically visit. If most take 30 minutes or less, you can build your days around your little ones rather than the road.
Look for opportunities to explore on foot, too. You can then leave the hire car behind for some outings and easily return to your room if a younger child needs a rest.
Slower pace: embracing ‘island time’
A family break doesn’t need a full itinerary. With fewer major attractions competing for your attention, it becomes easier to leave gaps in the day.
You might spend the morning exploring and decide what to do next based on your group’s energy levels. Holidays to Malta work well as its size makes it easy to combine beaches and historic towns without travelling for hours between them. Menorca or the smaller Greek islands are worth adding to your list for similar reasons.
Direct access to nature and water
When surrounded by water, the coast is naturally part of everyday life. Your gang might paddle in shallow bays one day, take a boat trip the next or follow a coastal path together.
Check beach conditions and age suitability before travelling, as sandy shallows may work better for younger children while teenagers could prefer snorkelling or paddleboarding. Choosing a place to stay near the water also saves turning every activity into a full-day excursion.
Authentic local culture
These islands can make local life easier to appreciate because you repeatedly visit the same towns, bakeries and shops. Children might recognise familiar faces and feel more open to trying regional dishes or traditions.
Rather than trying to cover the whole area, consider spending time in one or two communities and visiting local markets or festivals where dates suit your stay. You may return home having seen fewer places, but your group can come away knowing the island better.
A smaller destination could be just what your family needs to slow down and spend more time together. For your next getaway, consider swapping a packed itinerary for somewhere compact enough to explore at your own pace.
Thank you for reading.
