Your 2026 Family Travel Wishlist: Top Holiday Spots for SA Families

Whether you’re daydreaming over the dinner table or secretly planning while the kids sleep, having a travel wishlist can turn those dreams into memories. A family holiday doesn’t have to be the same every time – maybe a beach escape today, a city adventure tomorrow, or a local getaway when time or budget is tighter. With our holiday packages, you can mix and match experiences to suit your family’s style. 

Here’s a guide to help you decide where to go on holiday, complete with answers to all those burning questions parents always ask. 

Discovering the Best Family Holiday Destinations 

What makes a place perfect for a family trip? Great beaches, cultural sights, easy logistics, fun for kids and adults – ideally all in one. Here are a few of our top picks:  

• Mauritius: Great for families who love beach days, calm seas, and laid-back resort life. Resorts often offer meals, kid-friendly activities, and easy access to beaches – a big win for kids and parents. 
• Thailand: Exotic, vibrant, and diverse. Expect a mix of temples, markets, beaches, and culture. Great for families that want variety – a bit of sightseeing, a bit of beach, and local experiences. 
• South Africa: Sometimes the closest holiday is the best. With Pentravel packages, families can enjoy: 
  • South Coast: Perfect for safe beaches, family resorts, and easy access to water sports. Think seaside fun at places like Scottburgh or Port Edward. 
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Stunning beaches and wildlife experiences in places like Durban, Ballito, or St Lucia, with options for game drives and family-friendly nature reserves. 
  • Eastern Cape: Coastal gems like Hole in the Wall or Thompsons Bay combine relaxed beach days with small-town charm and kid-friendly exploration. 
• Europe (Portugal or Greece, for example): For families keen on history, city culture, and a shift in scenery. Older kids or teens often enjoy museums, cobbled streets, local food, and easy transport.
• Dubai / UAE: A blend of modern city facilities and family-friendly entertainment. Great if you’re after shopping, theme parks, easy travel logistics, and a change from safari/beach holidays. 

What Makes Each Destination Family-Friendly 

Mauritius 

• Calm waters, safe beaches, and resorts designed for families. 
• Packages often include meals, kid’s activities, and transfers – no stress for parents. 

Thailand 

• Balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation: explore temples or markets in the day, hit the beach or pool later. 
• Good for older kids or teens who enjoy exploring while parents soak up the scenery. 

South Africa 

• Short travel distances, easier logistics, and more control over timing and budget. 
• Coastal and inland options like South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, or Eastern Cape offer beach fun, nature escapes, and a bit of adventure. 
• Great for families who want a quick school-holiday break or a relaxed getaway. 

Europe (Portugal / Greece) 

• Combines sightseeing, culture, local cuisine, and manageable teen-friendly activities. 
• Older kids often enjoy exploring historical sites, local towns, and family-friendly tours. 

Dubai / UAE 

• Modern, convenient, and packed with family entertainment – theme parks, shopping, and indoor/outdoor activities. 
• Ideal for families who want a mix of relaxation and energetic city fun. 

Budget-Friendly Choices for South African Families 

When you’re asking, “What’s the cheapest holiday destination for South Africans?”, a few options make sense: 

• Stay within South Africa: Families have plenty of options beyond the South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape. Consider the Garden Route for coastal adventures, Mpumalanga for wildlife and mountains, Limpopo for safari lodges, or even Gauteng for city attractions and theme parks.  
• Smart trips to Thailand or Dubai: Off-peak travel, early bookings, and bundled packages (flights, accommodation and transfers) give excellent value. 
• Mid-range European deals: Especially outside peak season, for families looking for culture and city breaks. 

Pentravel’s packages help you control costs while making sure kids and adults have plenty to enjoy. 

FAQs: Family Travel Made Simple 

• Where is the best holiday destination for families? 
  It depends on your family’s priorities: Mauritius for beach resort fun, Thailand for variety, South Africa for quick local breaks, Europe for culture, or Dubai for city energy. 
• What is the best place for a family trip? 
  Choose according to age, interests, and travel style. Young kids? South Africa or Mauritius. Older kids? Europe or Thailand. 
• What is the cheapest holiday destination for South Africans? 
  Local South African destinations top the list for affordability. Budget-friendly international trips include Thailand or Dubai with well-planned packages. 
• What’s the most family-friendly country? 
  Mauritius, Thailand, South Africa, and Dubai rate highly, offering kid-friendly activities, easy logistics, and safety. 
• Where can I take my kids on holiday? 
  Beaches, mountains, city adventures, or cultural towns – it depends on your chosen destination. Pentravel has packages for all these options. 
• Which country is best for kids’ holiday? 
  Mauritius and South Africa for younger children, Thailand or Europe for older kids, Dubai for a mix of energy and convenience. 

How to Build Your Family Travel Wishlist 

1. Chat as a family: what does everyone want: beach, city, nature, adventure, culture? 

2. Pick a few destinations: maybe one local, one exotic beach, one city/culture trip. 

3. Check package inclusions: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, kids’ activities. 

4. Balance fun and convenience: make sure travel is smooth and age appropriate. 

5. Plan timing and budget: off-peak, early bookings, local holidays for flexibility. 

With Pentravel’s family holiday packages, your wish list can easily turn into a real plan, without the stress. 

Let Pentravel Make It Easy 

Whether you’re craving a South African coastal escape, a tropical island, a city adventure, or a European cultural trip, Pentravel can make it happen – from flights, transfers, accommodation and activities.  

Start building your travel wish list now and turn family holiday dreams into reality.