A Papillon Guide to: Family Summer Holidays
It’s the time of year we look forward to the most. A time for joy. A time for connection. A time for freedom.
So why then does planning your family summer holiday often come with a side serving of stress and confusion?
One of you wants to unwind and enjoy the luxury of doing absolutely nothing, while one of you is already pacing at the thought of staying in one place for more than a few days. One of you wants adventure and non-stop discovery, while another dreams of quality time, long lunches by the sea and card games on the terrace.
It may feel impossible to please everyone, but with thoughtful planning, and the occasional compromise, I promise it can be done.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the most popular styles of summer holidays I plan for families and how each can be tailored to suit even the most demanding members of your tribe.
Fly & Flop
When life feels busy and your summer holiday is the one moment of calm on the horizon, it’s not surprising that the thought of being on the move can feel like a firm no. Times like these are when a classic fly-and-flop beach stay becomes hard to beat. Even the more restless members of the family can be kept happy by choosing the right destination and planning a few extras in advance - are there nearby villages for afternoon wanders, or relaxed dinners out? Is it easy to hire a car for day trips? Are there activities within the resort; football camps, water-sports, padel courts or pilates classes? These small details make all the difference when finding the perfect hotel fit.
Here are a few of my favourite places to flop…
Borgo Egnazia, Italy
As Italian resort options go, Borgo Egnazia is hard to beat. Its village-style design captures the feeling of local life while delivering the comfort of a luxury hotel. Located in Puglia, it also provides easy access to explore the region by land or sea, while lively evenings in La Piazza keep things fun for all ages.
IKOS Resorts, Europe
IKOS resorts have exploded in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. When they say all-inclusive, they mean it. Our favourites are Ikos Porto Petro in Mallorca and Ikos Dassia in Corfu, though every property delivers the same high standard. Dining options are exceptional, kids’ activities are endless, and the Local Discovery programme - complete with a MINI Countryman for the day - makes exploring surrounding areas super easy.
Marbella Club, Spain
A timeless classic for families. The aesthetics are beautiful and the kids’ club, in my opinion, is one of the best in Europe. A brand-new beach club is set to elevate things even further this summer, while the wellness and fitness offering makes it perfect for parents who like to keep up healthy routines while travelling.
Road Trips
Do the wanderers in your family outnumber the dwellers? If so then a holiday on the road could be your match made in holiday heaven. The beauty of a road trip is the variety - the opportunity to experience many different sides of a country, or countries, in one journey. Cities, culture, history, nature and relaxation can all sit comfortably within the same itinerary, ensuring everyone’s interests are met. When designing road trips for families, pacing is everything. Every itinerary is crafted carefully so no one ends the trip feeling like they need another holiday to recover.
A few of our favourite road trip destinations for the summer holidays…
Portugal
One of Portugal’s greatest advantages is how compact it is. The drive from Porto in the north to the Algarve in the south is just over five hours. Spread across a two-week itinerary, you can cover a surprising amount of ground with very little effort. Think surfing beaches in Comporta or Ericeira, vibrant city life in Lisbon, countryside living in Alentejo and vineyard stays in the Douro Valley - where properties like Six Senses Douro Valley make an exceptional base.
France
France offers endless road trip possibilities. One favourite route begins on the Atlantic coast in Hossegor (Hortensia du Lac is a lovely spot) and Île de Ré, before heading inland via the Loire Valley, where a stay at Les Sources de Cheverny adds a gorgeous pause in the countryside. Finish just outside Paris at L’Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay for a final dose of French charm before heading home.
Canada
Begin in Calgary and spend several days in awe as you wind your way through the mighty Rocky Mountains. Continue to Whistler, where alpine summer life shines and older kids & teens can enjoy incredible hikes and outdoor adventures, zip-lining anyone? From there, take the ferry to Vancouver Island for an unforgettable stay at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, before finishing in Vancouver for a few fun days in a city that combines nature and vibrancy effortlessly.
Safari
For families looking for something truly special - those ‘wow moments’ and the ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ - a summer on safari absolutely delivers. Across the continent, from Tanzania to Zambia, Botswana to South Africa, July and August are exceptional months to explore the African plains. One destination we particularly love for families is Kenya.
Kenya
Kenya offers extraordinary wildlife sightings alongside rich cultural experiences. Begin in Nairobi, one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan capitals, where a night at Giraffe Manor (if booked well in advance) is unforgettable.
From there, journey north to Samburu, where a warm welcome from the indigenous Samburu community awaits. A trip to Kenya wouldn’t be complete without several nights in the Masai Mara, where lodges like House in the Wild and Cottar’s Camp are fantastic for families.
After early morning game drives, I always recommend finishing a safari with a few nights of R&R at the beach. Kenya’s coast offers beautiful options such as Kinondo Kwetu or Alfajiri Villas, while Zanzibar, Mauritius and the Seychelles are all easily reached for an island finale.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is one of the easiest ways to satisfy both the relaxers and the adventurers in a family. Moving between islands naturally feeds curiosity; discovering hidden coves, quiet beaches and new villages, all while allowing plenty of time for relaxed, lazy days basking in the sun.
A few of our favourite island hopping destinations…
Greek Islands
When it comes to island hopping, Greece immediately springs to mind. While there are many islands to explore, combining Crete with Santorini & Paros in the Cyclades Islands rarely misses the mark.
Minos Beach Art Hotel and Cayo Exclusive Resort are brilliant low-key options in Crete and conveniently located near the ferry port in Heraklion. Santorini is often seen as a couples’ destination, but properties like Canaves Epitome make it perfectly possible for families to enjoy this iconic island. From there, Paros offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing plenty to explore.
Indonesia
For families looking to travel further afield, Indonesia works beautifully in the summer months.
Bali provides an easy introduction to Southeast Asia, and we know the best areas to avoid the summer crowds. The wild beaches of Sumba feel wonderfully remote, and the villas at Cap Karoso are ideal for families. Wildlife lovers may also enjoy exploring Flores, while Lombok offers a more laid-back island pace.
Croatia
Croatia offers a lovely hybrid between island hopping and road tripping.
Begin with some relaxed family time at a villa on Lošinj Island before heading to the mainland to explore Croatia’s national parks. From there, continue south, hopping between islands such as Hvar - Maslina Resort is a favourite family stay here. Finish in Dubrovnik to enjoy the moment of feeling like you’ve walked on to a filmset, it truly is one Europe’s most picturesque cities.
Villas
For many families, nothing quite compares to the ease and privacy of a villa stay.
Having your own space, a private pool, plus garden or terrace for long family dinners offers a unique rhythm to a holiday. It allows everyone to relax or explore at their own pace, while still enjoying time together.
We work with an exceptional collection of villas across the world but our main focus is definitely Europe, particularly in destinations such as; The Greek Islands, Puglia, Corsica, Sardinia and the South of France. Whether you’re looking for a countryside estate, a beachfront retreat or something close to a charming village, there are beautiful options to suit every type of family.
Sign off…
At the end of the day, there’s no single formula for the perfect family holiday. Some families thrive on adventure and movement, others on slow days by the sea, and most sit somewhere in between.
The beauty of thoughtful travel planning is finding the balance that works for your family. Whether that means a sun-drenched villa stay, a journey on the road, island hopping through the Mediterranean or an unforgettable safari adventure, the right itinerary can bring together everyone’s idea of a great holiday. And when it does all comes together seamlessly, they become the kind of trips you’ll talk about for years to come.
If you’re beginning to think about your next summer escape, I’d love to help you design something that brings everyone’s wish list together - so let’s chat and curate your perfect escape.