There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to family adventure travel. The right choice depends on how your family likes to travel, how much independence you want and what you’d like to get out of your time away.

If you’re new to adventure holidays with kids, a guided trip can be a great introduction. You’ll have an experienced leader with you, as well as the reassurance of travelling alongside other families. It’s a sociable way to discover somewhere new, with the practical details taken care of so you can concentrate on enjoying the experience together.

For families who are already comfortable travelling independently, a self-guided holiday offers a different kind of freedom. Your accommodation, routes and key logistics are arranged for you, but you decide how each day unfolds. There’s no group to keep pace with, so you can stop for a picnic, linger at a viewpoint or take things a little easier when the kids need a break.

The type of experience you’re looking for may help make the decision easier.

For an active trip with plenty of variety, family multi activity holidays combine different experiences into one adventure. Think cycling, kayaking, walking, wildlife spotting or other activities that keep the whole family moving and exploring.

If walking is your main focus, a guided or self-guided walking holiday can be a great way to discover a destination on foot. And if you’re looking to introduce older children to something more challenging, there are family adventure trips designed to take you further, whether that means trekking through mountains, exploring by bike or discovering somewhere completely new.

The destination matters too. A family adventure in the mountains will feel very different from exploring a Mediterranean island or travelling through a wildlife-rich destination. Think about what will genuinely excite your family, rather than simply choosing the type of holiday that sounds most adventurous.

One of the biggest advantages of a guided trip is having someone who knows the destination with you throughout the adventure.

A good local leader does more than show you the way. They can share their knowledge of the landscape and culture, introduce you to places you might otherwise miss and help bring the destination to life for the whole family.

There’s also something special about sharing an adventure with other families. Children often enjoy having new faces to chat to and activities to experience together, while parents get the chance to meet other like-minded travellers (and enjoy a glass of wine together in the evening!).

For families who want to make the most of their holiday without having to work out every detail themselves, guided family adventure tours offer a straightforward way to travel.

Self-guided travel gives you the freedom to make the adventure your own.

You still have the reassurance of an organised trip, but without a group itinerary. Routes are planned, accommodation is arranged and the practicalities are taken care of, leaving you to decide when to set off, where to stop and how quickly you want to travel.

That flexibility can make a big difference when travelling with children. Some days might start early and be full of activity; others might call for a slower morning and a long lunch. With a self-guided trip, you can adapt as you go.

For families who like doing things their own way, these active family holidays offer a balance between independence and having the important details organised for you.

Whichever style you choose, there are a few practical things worth thinking about:

Your children's ages and abilities

Look at the activity, distance and difficulty of the individual trip, rather than assuming a holiday is suitable simply because it is designed for families.

How your family likes to travel

Would your children enjoy being part of a group, or are they happier exploring as a family? Do you like having a plan, or prefer to decide what to do as you go?

The destination

Some destinations lend themselves to a more structured experience, while others are ideal for independent exploration.

What you want from the holiday

Are you looking for a social experience, a challenge, quality family time or the chance to discover somewhere completely different? This can be more important than whether the trip is guided or self-guided.

From active escapes in Europe to bigger adventures further afield, there are plenty of ways to explore together. Whether you’re looking for adventure trips for families, a shorter family adventure break or a longer trip packed with activities, choosing the right style of travel can make all the difference.

Browse below for our selection of family trips by age group, with a mixture of guided and self-guided adventures to help you find the right fit for your family. Or, if you’d like some advice, give our office a call and speak to one of our family adventure experts – they’ll be happy to help you find a trip that works for everyone.