May Half Term: What Works for Families — and What’s Better Planned for Later

May half term is a popular time for family travel, thanks to lighter evenings and a welcome break in the school calendar. However, with just one week available, not every destination — particularly long-haul journeys — is a good fit.

As a specialist in long-haul family travel, with a focus on safaris and immersive cultural experiences, I always start with one question:

Will this trip feel rewarding — or rushed?

Below are the destinations and travel styles that genuinely work for families during May half term, along with guidance on when it’s better to plan ahead for a longer school holiday.

Long-haul destinations that can work in May half term

These options work best where:

• Direct flights are available from the UK

• Families stay in one base

• Cultural immersion is balanced with comfort and downtime

Morocco – Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains (4–6 nights)

Morocco is an excellent gateway cultural experience for families short on time but keen to travel beyond Europe.

• Explore Marrakech’s souks, palaces and gardens with a private guide

• Stay in a family-friendly riad or resort outside the city

• Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains for gentle walks, Berber villages or camel rides

  
  

This offers rich cultural immersion without long flight times, making it ideal for a one-week school break.

Dubai or Abu Dhabi (5–7 nights)

For families wanting a first long-haul experience, the UAE works exceptionally well in May.

• Direct flights from multiple UK airports

• Minimal jet lag

• Excellent family-focused resorts

• Optional cultural experiences alongside relaxation

This is long-haul travel without internal flights or frequent hotel changes — a key factor for half-term success.

Florida (7 nights)

Florida remains one of the few true long-haul destinations that works comfortably within a one-week timeframe.

• Direct flights from the UK

• Familiar culture reduces travel fatigue for children

• One-base stays in Orlando or on the coast

• Theme parks, nature, and downtime can be balanced carefully

  
  

This suits families wanting a big experience without complex logistics.

Caribbean (select islands, resort-based stays)

Certain Caribbean islands work well for May half term if expectations are realistic.

Best suited to:

• Barbados

• Antigua

• St Lucia

Direct flights, warm weather and resort-based itineraries make these destinations manageable within a week — but multi-island trips are best avoided at this time.

What doesn’t work in May half term — and why

Being honest about this is important.

The following experiences are far better suited to longer school holidays:

• Family safaris in Africa

• Southeast Asia

• Japan

• India

• Central & South America

These trips involve long travel days, internal flights, or multiple locations — all of which make a one-week break feel rushed and tiring rather than enriching.

May half term is often the ideal time to start planning these journeys, even if travel takes place later in the summer or at another school holiday.

Using May half term wisely

For some families, May half term is about travelling. For others, it’s about planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip properly.

If you’re considering a family safari or a deeper cultural journey, using this time to research, talk through options and secure the right lodges and flights can make all the difference.

Final thought

Half-term travel works best when expectations match reality. My role is to help families understand what truly fits the time available — and to plan extraordinary journeys when the moment is right.

If you’re thinking ahead to a longer family adventure, I’d be very happy to help you plan it properly.

Start Planning