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Big family holidays can be the best of times – if you know how to plan them. From toddlers to grandparents, getting everyone on the same page (and in the same place) takes a bit of strategy. Whether you’re splitting a villa, booking an all-inclusive resort or jumping on a cruise, here’s how to make your next big family trip all fun, no fuss.
How to plan a family holiday for big groups
Determine everyone’s priorities
Ocean dippin’ and poolside sippin’? Historic streets and foodie feasts? On-the-go or take it slow? Figuring out what everyone wants from the trip is vital when it comes to choosing the right accommodation – whether it’s an all-inclusive resort where everything’s taken care of, a private villa perfect for family dinners or a cruise packed with activities for every generation. Once you’ve locked in the style of stay, the next big decision is where to go. The sweet spot for multi-generational holidays? Same place, different pace. Look for destinations where some can flop-and-drop by the pool while others stay out and about.
Book early
Coordinating everyone’s schedules and agreeing on a budget is hard enough; securing interconnecting rooms, family suites or seats together on a plane can be even trickier. Booking early gives you the best pick of accommodation and flight options, while travelling in the shoulder season (between peak periods) can help cut costs.
Be flexible
Don’t feel like you need a rigid itinerary. Pre-book key activities like day tours or fine dining, but leave room for lazy mornings, spontaneous beach days or solo adventures. Everyone will appreciate the breathing space.
The best family holidays for big groups
Family-friendly resorts
A tip when looking at resorts: keep an eye out for rooms with two double beds – they sometimes sell at the same price as a king room, meaning children stay free while everyone still gets a comfortable spot to sleep. Otherwise, interconnecting rooms are the way to go – ideal for families with teenagers or young adults, as each room will have a separate ensuite bathroom for extra privacy.
Queensland is a destination for all ages, boasting beaches, theme parks (like Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and more) and grown-up entertainment (like The Star and Top Golf). Picture a family holiday at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, where little cousins splash in the one-acre lagoon pool while adults catch up over cocktails at the Lagoon Beach Club. With world-class golf nearby, some might head out for a round while the kids lose track of time at Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club.
Nusa Dua in Bali is also worth considering, home to calm waters, spacious family-friendly resorts and a sense of exclusivity. Merusaka Nusa Dua sits in the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) complex – a gated community of luxury hotels. The Deluxe Family Room has plenty of space for a family with two little ones, while the all-inclusive package takes care of meals, snacks, free-flow drinks and island adventures.
Villas for big groups
When you’ve got a large group, villas are a smart, flexible way to holiday together. You can do everything at your own pace – cook when you feel like it, head out when you don’t and stay up playing games or chatting into the early hours. There’s room for everyone to spread out, and when you split the total cost between families, it often works out to be great value.
Some Pacific countries – like Samoa or the Cook Islands – offer peace and quiet you won’t find in more tourist-packed spots. Somewhere like Return to Paradise Resort & Spa in South Samoa transports the whole family to a secluded slice of paradise. Villas sleep up to nine guests, airport transfer packages make travel a breeze and the experience is steeped in Samoan culture – think village tours, night-time spearfishing and a weekly cultural show.
Alternatively, Waterfoot House in the Cook Islands offers an exclusive private villa stay in Rarotonga for up to eight guests, made up of four separate beachfront suites. With a shared infinity pool and open-air lounge and dining areas, it’s ideal for families travelling with grandparents or adult kids, offering the privacy of separate suites without missing out on shared moments.
Short cruises
A short cruise might not be your first thought, but it’s one of the easiest family breaks – no planning, no logistics, just board and go. Everything’s in one place, from Broadway shows and kids’ lounges to multiple pools and waterslides.
Named the most-loved family-friendly escape in the 2024 LuxList Travel Awards, Disney Cruise Line turns the ship into your own floating fairytale, with character sightings, immersive themes and exclusive shows. Kids and teens are kept busy with age-specific clubs, while grown-ups can relax with quiet pools, fine dining, spa time and adults-only bars. The Disney Wonder offers three- and four-day itineraries departing from Melbourne and Sydney.
Royal Caribbean cruises are also worth a look, known for amusement park-style thrills at sea – think ice-skating rinks, bumper cars and surf simulators. Carnival cruises offer similar fun, with ships like Carnival Panorama featuring an indoor trampoline park where guests of all ages can bounce, flip and slam-dunk on the basketball court.
Discover Family-Friendly Escapes
Feature image: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
