Discover Your Next Family Adventure: Unique Travel Experiences Across the UK and Europe in 2025

As 2025 rolls in and the days get longer, there's one thing on every family's mind: where to travel next. With vacation money (vakantiegeld) soon arriving for AOW recipients in the Netherlands, and summer planning in full swing, now is the perfect time to think beyond traditional package holidays. Whether you're after family-friendly destinations, off-the-beaten-path adventures, or a mix of culture, nature, and excitement, the UK and Europe have something unforgettable waiting.

In this guide, we dive into some of the most exciting, trending travel options for families this year—from coastal escapes and national park road trips, to amphibious getaways and wild camping in Europe. Buckle up—your next family adventure starts here.

1. Why 2025 Is the Year for Unique Family Travel

Travel trends in 2025 are all about authenticity, flexibility, and slow adventure. Families are ditching high-cost, over-crowded resorts for road trips, nature-based holidays, and immersive cultural experiences.

Instead of rushing from city to city, travellers are choosing to camp under the stars, explore local food, and bond over shared experiences—whether that means kayaking through Slovenian lakes, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, or crossing borders in a camper van.

And if you're one of the many Dutch families receiving your vakantiegeld in May, this is a fantastic opportunity to invest in a meaningful getaway—one that gives you quality time, open roads, and wild landscapes.

2. Top Family Travel Destinations in the UK (2025)

Cornwall: Where Cliffs Meet Coastline

Cornwall remains a top family destination in the UK, offering stunning beaches, surf schools, and seafood villages like Padstow. Families can camp near the ocean, book a holiday park with pools, or try coasteering—an adrenaline-packed mix of climbing, jumping, and swimming.

Must-do:

• Minack Theatre open-air show

• St Ives beaches

• Eden Project’s rainforest biome

Keyword focus: UK family travel, Cornwall holidays 2025, outdoor activities for kids UK

The Lake District: Nature's Playground

If you’re craving lakeside views and mountains, the Lake District is perfect for family hiking holidays, kayaking trips, and camping weekends. This national park is ideal for multi-generational trips, combining nature with child-friendly walks and excellent facilities.

Top family activities:

• Boat rides on Windermere

• Forest adventures in Grizedale

• Farm visits and alpaca trekking

  
  
  
  

  

  
  

Keyword focus: Lake District camping with kids, family nature travel UK, affordable UK breaks 2025

Scotland’s NC500: The Ultimate Road Trip

The North Coast 500 is a bucket-list drive full of coastal views, historic castles, and wild camp spots. Families seeking freedom and flexibility can rent a camper van or amphibious vehicle, explore lochs, and even spot dolphins along the way.

Tip: Avoid the summer rush by traveling in June or September.

Keyword focus: UK road trip itinerary, family campervan holidays, Scotland travel with kids

3. Family Adventures in Europe (2025)

Slovenia: Europe’s Hidden Gem

Slovenia is emerging as a top European travel destination for families in 2025. With its fairy-tale lakes, Julian Alps, and eco-friendly tourism, it’s ideal for adventure without the crowds.

Family highlights:

• Paddle boarding on Lake Bled

• Caving in Postojna

• Cycling through Triglav National Park

Keyword focus: Slovenia family holidays, eco travel Europe, adventure trips with kids

The Netherlands: Cycling, Nature & Budget Travel

With excellent infrastructure and family-friendly holiday parks, the Netherlands is a go-to for budget-conscious families. Pair that with extensive cycle routes, sand dune national parks, and campsites where kids go free, and you've got an epic summer escape.

Bonus: Dutch campsites are known for their childcare facilities, playgrounds, and heated pools.

Keyword focus: Dutch holiday parks 2025, family cycling holidays Europe, affordable travel with kids

The Balkans: Wild, Affordable, and Stunning

Think Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania—these lesser-known gems are perfect for adventurous families. You’ll find wild beaches, historic towns, and off-grid camping locations that rival anywhere in Western Europe—without the price tag.

Traveling by road lets you discover places most tourists miss, and certain vehicles even let you take to water and land without switching gears.

Keyword focus: Balkan road trip with kids, family camping in Albania, adventure travel Europe 2025

4. Rising Trend: Amphibious Travel for Families

Imagine a journey where your family car becomes your boat, and your holiday destination is both on land and at sea. This isn’t science fiction—it’s a booming travel trend in 2025.

Amphibious vehicles, such as 4x4 adventure rigs, are now being adapted for families who want a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Whether you're camping by a fjord, gliding across lakes, or setting up camp on a remote beach, this kind of travel is redefining what family holidays look like.

Several digital creators are exploring these adventures across Europe, offering a mix of homeschooling on the road, outdoor cooking, and cross-continental exploration with kids. Their stories, photos, and videos are inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious, freedom-loving families.

Keyword focus: amphibious vehicle travel, off-grid family travel, van life Europe with kids

5. Budget Tips: How to Maximise Your Vakantiegeld

Many families are looking to stretch their holiday budget without sacrificing fun or comfort. Here’s how to make the most of your vakantiegeld this summer:

• Book off-peak travel (May-June or Sept)

• Choose camping and glamping over hotels

• Look for "kids go free" campsite promotions

• Travel by road to reduce airfare costs

• Cook meals on-site or outdoors

And if you're adventurous enough, consider renting or investing in a multi-use travel vehicle that turns your family road trip into an unforgettable voyage.

Keyword focus: cheap family travel Europe, vakantiegeld ideas 2025, budget adventure holidays

6. Why Road Trips Win in 2025

Road travel is exploding in popularity thanks to its freedom, safety, and affordability. More families are investing in van life or hybrid vehicles that offer both transport and accommodation.

Combine that with a cross-border itinerary (UK → France → Belgium → Netherlands → Germany → Balkans), and your kids will be exposed to multiple cultures, languages, and landscapes in one go.

Documenting your journey—like many travel families do on social media—can turn your trip into a shared memory and even a source of income or influence.

Keyword focus: family road trip Europe 2025, van life with children, UK to Europe by car

7. Packing Essentials for Adventure Families

When planning an extended trip, gear matters. From wild camping to coastal driving, these are the must-haves:

• Roof tent or camper conversion

• Outdoor cooking equipment

• Foldable bikes or scooters for kids

• Life jackets (if traveling near water)

• Power banks, solar kits, and portable Wi-Fi

• Travel insurance that covers vehicle and adventure activities

Also consider joining online communities that share family-friendly stops and advice, especially for long-haul road trips.

Keyword focus: family camping gear 2025, Europe travel checklist, kids outdoor essentials

8. Final Thoughts: Adventure Is the New Luxury

In 2025, luxury isn’t found in 5-star resorts. It’s found in quality time, slow travel, and shared stories around a campfire. Whether you're gliding across a lake in an amphibious cruiser or cycling through Dutch meadows with your kids, these are the memories that last.

If your family craves more than just a sunbed and buffet, explore the new wave of family adventure travel—where vehicles float, roads twist through mountains, and every mile brings discovery.

So where will your vakantiegeld take you?