{"id":23092,"date":"2026-10-11T22:09:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T21:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/?p=23092"},"modified":"2026-10-13T07:22:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T06:22:08","slug":"tui-holidays-2027-family-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/things-to-do\/tui-holidays-2027-family-planning","title":{"rendered":"TUI holidays 2026: Planning your summer family breaks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>TL;DR: Planning in October 2026 for summer 2027 gives you time to weigh up school dates, sleeping arrangements and your wider holiday budget. TUI offers summer holidays with family holidays and destinations across Europe and further afield. <a href=\"https:\/\/tui-uk.7cnq.net\/c\/2699337\/651773\/10316?subId1=2026-10&amp;subId2=blog&amp;subId3=7114be89&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tui.co.uk%2Fdestinations%2Fdeals%2Fsummer-holiday-deals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Explore holidays with TUI<\/a> to see current holidays.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-family-of-four-stands-in-the-shallow-turquoise-waters.jpg\" alt=\"A family of four stands in the shallow, turquoise waters of a sunny beach in the Dominican Republic\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"auto\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2>What should families consider before booking a 2027 holiday early?<\/h2>\n\n<p>An October planning session can help you work out what your family needs before choosing a holiday. Rather than starting with a destination photograph, you could start with school commitments, annual leave and the amount you feel comfortable spending.<\/p>\n\n<p>For early booking in 2027, the useful question is whether your plans are settled enough to commit. A holiday that fits your routine matters more than feeling ahead of everyone else.<\/p>\n\n<p>If a particular resort appeals to you, researching early gives you time to assess it properly. You can compare the sleeping layout, meal arrangements and journey with your family&#8217;s priorities, rather than deciding from the headline description alone.<\/p>\n\n<p>Starting early need not mean making an immediate decision. A shared shortlist can give everyone time to explain what matters, including the less glamorous details that make travelling with children easier.<\/p>\n\n<h3>A shortlist built around your family<\/h3>\n\n<ul><li>Your non-negotiables might include school-approved dates, a manageable journey and a suitable sleeping arrangement.<\/li><li>Your preferences might include beach time, space to relax or opportunities to explore.<\/li><li>Your flexible choices could include the destination, departure day or style of holiday.<\/li><li>Your overall budget should leave room for spending before departure and after returning home.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p>We suggest separating essentials from preferences before comparing options. For example, somewhere that looks appealing may still be wrong for you if bedtime would leave everyone squeezed into an unsuitable space.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Which destinations can families explore with TUI holidays?<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-aerial-view-captures-the-turquoise-waters-and-white-sands.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view captures the turquoise waters and white sands of Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, featuring rows of sun umbrellas\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>TUI&#8217;s destination range gives you plenty of starting points, but a country name cannot tell you how a particular family holiday will feel. Your choice of accommodation, surroundings and things to do deserves just as much attention.<\/p>\n\n<p>For your 2027 summer holidays, it can help to compare different styles of break before settling on a destination. A beach-focused holiday, an exploring holiday and a restful stay may lead to very different shortlists.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Region<\/th><th>Destinations TUI offers<\/th><th>Questions for your family shortlist<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Europe<\/td><td>Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Cyprus<\/td><td>Would you prefer accommodation near your planned activities, or a quieter base with outings arranged separately?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Africa<\/td><td>Egypt, Morocco, Cape Verde and Mauritius<\/td><td>What balance of rest and exploring would feel manageable for everyone?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Caribbean<\/td><td>Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados and St Lucia<\/td><td>How would the journey fit around your children&#8217;s routines and your available leave?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Asia<\/td><td>Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives and United Arab Emirates<\/td><td>Which practical details would you want to understand before committing?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>North and Central America<\/td><td>United States of America, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica<\/td><td>Would you prefer a single base or a holiday involving more travel?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"uns-affiliate-disclosure\">Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.<\/p>\n\n<p>For a beach-led shortlist, useful research includes access to the shore, shade and the route back to your accommodation. With children, a beach photograph is only the beginning of the decision.<\/p>\n\n<p>If exploring matters more, you could map the outings you would genuinely enjoy. A shorter wish list may leave more breathing space than an itinerary built around something different every day.<\/p>\n\n<p>Accommodation research can then focus on the resort itself. Details about pool access, nearby places to eat and quieter spaces are worth confirming for the property you are considering, rather than assuming them from the destination.<\/p>\n\n<p>Our guide to <a href=\"\/hub\/travel\/holidays-abroad\">holidays abroad<\/a> offers further reading while you weigh up an overseas family break.<\/p>\n\n<h2>How can we choose holiday dates and room types for our family?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Dates and sleeping arrangements work best as a joint decision. A room that suits your family is only useful if the departure and return fit the commitments you cannot move.<\/p>\n\n<p>Before becoming attached to an option, you may want everyone responsible for childcare or annual leave to agree on the same date range. A shared calendar makes clashes easier to spot.<\/p>\n\n<p>Room descriptions deserve a careful read beyond the photograph. Your comparison can cover the actual beds, where children would sleep and whether adults would have somewhere comfortable to sit after bedtime.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Room details worth comparing<\/h3>\n\n<ul><li>The sleeping layout and whether it suits your children&#8217;s usual routine.<\/li><li>Whether a description refers to separate sleeping areas or a shared space.<\/li><li>Any cot arrangements you would need confirmed before booking.<\/li><li>Access arrangements that matter to anyone in your party.<\/li><li>Whether your preferred feature is part of the selected room or only a request.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p>TUI offers swim-up room holidays and accessible holidays among its holiday types. A category can help narrow your research, but the individual accommodation details still need to match your family&#8217;s requirements.<\/p>\n\n<p>For a fair comparison, your notes could record the same information for every option. The final review is easier when the dates, travellers and selected room are visible together, rather than scattered across screenshots.<\/p>\n\n<h2>What should we check before choosing summer half term dates?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Your children&#8217;s own school calendars should guide a summer half term shortlist. A general holiday calendar is useful for orientation, but your booking decision needs to reflect the schools your family actually attends.<\/p>\n\n<p>If siblings attend different schools, comparing their calendars side by side can help prevent an awkward mismatch. Training days and other school commitments are worth including in that comparison.<\/p>\n\n<p>The journey home deserves attention too. You may prefer some breathing space before school and work restart, especially if returning straight to packed lunches and the morning commute would feel stressful.<\/p>\n\n<p>A sensible date comparison includes the practical edges of the holiday. Getting to the airport, arranging care for pets and collecting anything left with relatives can all affect how manageable a departure feels. <a href=\"https:\/\/tui-uk.7cnq.net\/c\/2699337\/651773\/10316?subId1=2026-10&amp;subId2=blog&amp;subId3=7114be89&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tui.co.uk%2Fdestinations%2Fdeals%2Fsummer-holiday-deals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Explore holidays with TUI<\/a> to compare dates and hotels.<\/p>\n\n<p>Before committing, you could read the cancellation and amendment terms alongside your household plans. The important point is understanding what would happen if a commitment changed, rather than assuming you could move the holiday easily.<\/p>\n\n<p>If the dates remain uncertain, keeping your shortlist provisional may be more useful than rushing a decision. Early research can still clarify your preferences without turning an unresolved calendar into a booking.<\/p>\n\n<h2>How can local summer events fit into our family holiday budget?<\/h2>\n\n<p>A holiday abroad does not have to use the whole summer entertainment budget. Local events and days out can have their own allowance, so spending on the trip does not leave the rest of the school break feeling squeezed.<\/p>\n\n<p>For family holiday planning, it helps to separate the booking cost from the wider cost of travelling. Your own budget might need to cover airport travel, luggage choices, meals, outings and purchases before departure.<\/p>\n\n<p>A separate pot for events close to home makes the trade-offs clearer. You might prefer fewer paid outings with more spending freedom, or a broader mix of low-cost activities and occasional treats.<\/p>\n\n<p>Comparing board arrangements can help with that calculation. TUI offers all inclusive holidays, but your decision should rest on the exact inclusions for the holiday you choose and how your family likes to eat.<\/p>\n\n<p>For example, you may value knowing which meals are covered, while another family may want more flexibility to eat away from the accommodation. Neither approach removes the need to account for extras.<\/p>\n\n<p>We would keep a little flexibility in the wider summer budget where possible. An unexpected school invitation or a nearby event can be easier to accommodate when every pound has not already been allocated.<\/p>\n\n<h2>How can we leave room for summer events for kids around our holiday?<\/h2>\n\n<p>A family calendar can hold more than the holiday itself. Leaving some dates undecided gives you room for summer events for kids, visits to friends and ordinary days at home.<\/p>\n\n<p>Before filling the weeks around your trip, you could ask children which familiar activities they would miss. Their answers may help you decide where to keep some flexibility.<\/p>\n\n<p>The days around departure can stay deliberately simple. A packed run of outings may make preparations feel harder, especially when you are juggling laundry, packing and the end of a school term.<\/p>\n\n<p>After returning, some families may welcome a quiet stretch before another organised activity. Others may prefer a familiar local outing that helps everyone settle back into their usual routine.<\/p>\n\n<p>A weather-flexible list can support both approaches. Your ideas might include an outdoor activity, an indoor alternative and something relaxed at home, without committing to tickets before you know what suits.<\/p>\n\n<p>Keeping part of the calendar open is not wasted holiday time. Space for rest and spontaneous plans can be just as useful as a carefully chosen event.<\/p>\n\n<h2>What practical tips can make family holiday planning easier?<\/h2>\n\n<p>One shared set of notes can make the final decision less fiddly. The most useful version records your chosen option, unanswered questions and any arrangements another adult needs to confirm.<\/p>\n\n<p>Travel documents deserve an early place on that list. Passport validity, entry requirements, insurance and any health preparations should be checked against the destination and everyone travelling.<\/p>\n\n<p>For the journey, a small collection of familiar activities may feel more manageable than an overfilled bag. Our guide to <a href=\"\/hub\/parenting\/top-10-activities-for-kids-on-the-plane\">activities for kids on the plane<\/a> offers ideas for keeping children occupied.<\/p>\n\n<p>Children can contribute without carrying the whole decision. Asking what they would enjoy gives them a voice, while adults can keep responsibility for practical details and spending.<\/p>\n\n<p>The aim is a holiday that works for your household, not the longest shortlist. Once your essentials line up, a clear decision can be more useful than another evening of comparing very similar options.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Booking terms<\/h3>\n\n<p>Subject to availability. TUI booking terms apply. <a href=\"https:\/\/tui-uk.7cnq.net\/c\/2699337\/651773\/10316?subId1=2026-10&amp;subId2=blog&amp;subId3=7114be89&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tui.co.uk%2Fdestinations%2Fdeals%2Fsummer-holiday-deals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">Explore holidays with TUI<\/a> and check availability for your dates.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n<h3>How can families choose holiday dates and room types?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Dates and sleeping arrangements work best as a joint decision, ensuring they fit your family&#8217;s commitments. Carefully read room descriptions to understand the actual beds and whether children have separate sleeping areas. TUI offers swim-up room holidays and accessible holidays.<\/p>\n\n<h3>What should families check before choosing summer half term dates?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Your children&#8217;s school calendars should guide your half-term shortlist, especially if siblings attend different schools. Factor in the journey home to allow for breathing space before school and work restart. Understand cancellation and amendment terms before committing.<\/p>\n\n<h3>How can summer events fit into a family holiday budget?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Separate the holiday booking cost from the wider travel expenses, including airport travel, luggage, meals, and outings. Consider a separate budget for local events and days out. Compare board arrangements, such as TUI&#8217;s all-inclusive holidays, to manage meal costs.<\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How can families choose holiday dates and room types?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Dates and sleeping arrangements work best as a joint decision, ensuring they fit your family's commitments. Carefully read room descriptions to understand the actual beds and whether children have separate sleeping areas. TUI offers swim-up room holidays and accessible holidays.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should families check before choosing summer half term dates?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Your children's school calendars should guide your half-term shortlist, especially if siblings attend different schools. 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Plan family breaks to Europe and beyond, understand room types, and explore TUI&#8217;s flexible payment options.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":23090,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-23092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-things-to-do"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23092"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23126,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23092\/revisions\/23126"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23092"},{"taxonomy":"thb-sponsors","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thb-sponsors?post=23092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}