CLUB INSIDER • October 2015

The Gurus

Claire
Claire Bentley

British Airways Holidays

Claire Bentley, managing director of British Airways Holidays, gives her tips on where, when and what to book to keep everyone smiling on your next family holiday

When’s the best time to book a holiday?
Our holidays go on sale 350 days in advance, so you can easily plan ahead. School holidays book up quickly for popular family destinations, so I’d recommend booking nine months in advance for Europe, and a year when travelling further afield.

It’s our first holiday away with our baby. Where should we go?
Almyra in Cyprus lets you pre-order nappies, formula, toys and chairs. You can also order fresh, puréed meals throughout your stay. At Hard Rock Riviera Maya in Mexico, the Ultimate Playtime package (free if you book by 31 October 2015) includes nightly babysitting, toy kits, nappies and baby food.

Which hotels have great clubs for children and teenagers?
Beaches Ocho Rios Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort in Jamaica has been the World’s Leading Family Resort Brand, awarded by the World Travel Awards, for 15 years in a row. An Xbox 360 play lounge and breakfast with Sesame Street characters keep kids happy. Meanwhile, Dubai is great for holidays with teens. Stay at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and enjoy the water park, sand-boarding and indoor skiing.

I want to treat my family to a magical holiday. Where should we go?
The Four Seasons Orlando makes the perfect base for exploring. Kids will love the water slides, climbing wall and activity centres, while adults will appreciate the incredible location (inside Walt Disney World), golf course, spa and restaurants.

How can I reduce the cost of a family holiday?
Try a lesser-known emirate, such as Ras al Khaimah, where prices are more attractive. If sharing a room with your children isn’t an option, look for a hotel offering a discount on an adjoining room, such as Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Barbados. Many Caribbean hotels run offers where kids stay free.

What’s new from BA Holidays?
BA Holidays recently teamed up with James Villa Holidays to offer a wider choice of good-value summer holiday accommodation. Choose from new locations in southern Europe and Florida. There are deposit payment options to make holidays more affordable, and a customer service team for advice.

This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips