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Autumn is the perfect time to plan a family break, thanks to ideal temperatures and fewer tourists. Instead of the typical family destinations, this year why don’t you retreat to an alternative destination, like Belize or Iceland? This way, you can make lifelong memories in unexpected locations and enjoy bucket list activities together like adventure-filled road trips, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersions. While it’s tempting to choose classic family vacation destinations, these alternative kid-friendly destinations will shake up your routine this autumn and allow you to reconnect as a family. 

Check each country’s restrictions before booking. Our travel restrictions page now lets you see individual countries’ vaccination rates, mask policies, restaurant/bar opening status and more. 

If you’re looking for extra reassurance that you’re covered if your travel plans change or get cancelled, you can look for flexible flight tickets with no change fees and stays and car hires with free cancellation on our site.

Aruba

A beach paradise for many, Aruba is a small Dutch Caribbean island dotted with many miles of pearl white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. With warm, tropical weather year-round, this azure oasis is the perfect place for families with kids to get away from it all. Take advantage of crowd-free shorelines, calm waters for snorkelling escapades, and kid-friendly resorts designed for stress-free family beach vacations. 

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Mexico

Mexico is the perfect destination for families, offering an enticing combination of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and cultural excursions. It’s both safe and affordable, with a long list of places to explore, from cities with snow-capped mountain backdrops to beautiful beach destinations. Spend your morning snorkelling on the coast, then explore ancient ruins in the afternoon and end your day dining on delicious street foods. 

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Belize

Altun Ha ancient Mayan ruins in Belize.

An out-of-the-box destination for families who love the outdoors, Belize is home to some of the world’s best snorkelling spots. Tucked between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, Belize boasts ancient Mayan caves for tubing, exotic wildlife sanctuaries, and diverse underwater marine life at the Belize Barrier Reef and Blue Hole. With year-round sunshine, families are spoilt here with swimmable beaches and tropical Caribbean landscapes.

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Iceland

Family hiking together with icebergs in Iceland.

A great spot for outdoor-loving families, Iceland is full to the brim with impressive natural wonders. Embark on a family road trip to icebergs, pools fed by thermal hot springs, and mesmerising waterfalls, then see if you can spot the magical Aurora Borealis at night. Families can take a dip in the geothermal pools, join a whale-watching cruise, or get up close to local wildlife, such as Icelandic horses and colourful puffins. Autumn here not only offers mild temperatures but spectacular seasonal foliage. 

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Puerto Rico

Turquoise waters and beautiful coastline in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a sun-drenched island known for its sandy beaches, offering a number of activities for families. In autumn, you can swim and snorkel on postcard-perfect beaches, explore historic forts in San Juan, or go for a waterfall hike in the El Yunque rainforest. Sign up for a kayaking excursion in a bioluminescent bay or stroll through San Juan’s colourful streets, then fill up on delicious local cuisines such as “chicharrones de pollo” (fried chicken). 

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Family-friendly autumn getaways

Instead of your typical family getaway, this year plan a trip to somewhere unexpected. These destinations offer endless adventures for the entire family, along with plenty of opportunities to enjoy incredible scenery without the crowds. 

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