When does the excitement of a family holiday begin?
Imagine your child's smile when you tell them you’ve already chosen your summer destination. That excitement, that sparkle in their eyes, and those endless questions about when the big day will come. Planning a family holiday is much more than booking dates; it’s planting the seed of an experience that will become a lifelong memory.
But when is the ideal time to start booking holidays with children? The answer may surprise you: early planning not only ensures better options but also builds excitement and turns the wait into part of the magic.
In the following lines, you’ll discover why families who plan in advance enjoy better experiences, how to avoid the most common mistakes, and when the perfect time is to turn your summer dreams into reality.
When do families start planning?
The data shows a clear trend: the families most satisfied with their holidays start planning between January and March. It's not just a practical matter but also about creating a joyful ritual that brings the whole family together.
During these early months of the year, when the cold still makes us dream of sunny days and splashes, it's the perfect time to sit down together and choose the destination that awaits in summer. Children join in enthusiastically, imagine the adventures they’ll have, and count down the days until departure.
This early planning has tangible benefits that go beyond emotions. Booking holidays with children in advance means accessing the best accommodation options, finding dates that match your school plans perfectly, and of course, enjoying better prices.
In family destinations like the Costa Dorada, where holidays with small children are a specialty, demand starts to increase as early as February. Families who’ve done it before know that the best accommodations get booked quickly.
The key is finding the perfect balance between planning and spontaneity. Set the dates and destination in advance, but leave room for the adventure to take shape as excitement grows.
Mistakes of waiting too long
Waiting until May or June to plan a family holiday is one of the most common mistakes made by first-time families. What initially seems like a practical decision becomes a source of stress and unexpected limitations.
The first mistake: limited options. By late spring, the best family accommodations are already booked. Apartments with views, bungalows near pools, and the most in-demand dates disappear quickly, leaving only less attractive options.
The second mistake: higher prices. Resorts specializing in family experiences adjust prices based on demand. Booking late can cost up to 40% more than the same stay reserved in January or February.
The third mistake: family stress. Leaving the planning to the last minute turns the process into a race against the clock. Parents feel pressured, options shrink, and excitement gives way to anxiety over finding something available.
The fourth mistake: missing the magic of anticipation. Children need time to build excitement. When holidays are planned in a rush, that delicious feeling of expectation that makes the months before part of the experience is lost.
Experienced families have learned that booking holidays with children is a process that takes time, thought, and most importantly, everyone’s involvement. Early planning is not just practical; it’s part of the ritual that makes holidays begin long before reaching the destination.
The perfect time to start
January is the magic month for planning a family holiday. After the Christmas season, when kids are back at school and routines are re-established, it’s the perfect time to open the map, find inspiration, and start dreaming of summer.
During these early weeks of the year, families have time to reflect without rushing. Parents can research destinations, compare options, and evaluate what kind of experience they want. Children can actively participate, share their preferences, and feel involved in the decision.
In February, early bookings are at their best. Family resorts offer special conditions for early birds, and the most coveted dates are still available. It’s the ideal time to book holidays with children and secure that special spot that will be your summer home.
At Cambrils Park Resort, each type of accommodation offers a unique experience: the Mediterrània apartments stand out for their convenient access to shared areas and the option to request a cot and highchair, perfect for families with babies. The Aloha bungalows offer an intimate tropical setting, ideal for small families wanting to disconnect among greenery. The recently renovated Bonita villas accommodate up to 6 people and feature private terraces with gardens—perfect for large families, with parquet floors and enhanced soundproofing for everyone’s rest.
March marks the recommended cut-off for those seeking the best mix of availability and good prices. From April onwards, while there are still possibilities, options become limited and prices start rising towards high-season levels.
The key to success is turning planning into a special family moment. Choose a Sunday afternoon, prepare a nice snack, and sit down together to explore options. Let the kids see pictures of pools with slides, imagine the adventures they’ll have, and take part in the final decision.
This family planning ritual creates bonds, generates excitement, and turns the wait into a part as thrilling as the stay itself. Because the best holidays don’t start when you arrive—they start the day you book them.
Your family oasis awaits on the Costa Dorada
Already feeling that flutter of excitement thinking about your next holiday? Now is the perfect time to turn those dreams into reality. At Cambrils Park Resort, we’ve created a universe where every family finds their rhythm, their space, and their own way to connect.
Our accommodations are designed to make you feel at home from the very first moment: Mediterrània apartments with views made for relaxation, Aloha bungalows among palm trees where waking up is an adventure, and Bonita villas where colour and joy are present in every corner.
Book your family retreat at Cambrils Park Resort now. Because the best memories are made when planning turns into excitement, and excitement becomes experiences for a lifetime.
