Turkey takes the title of least family-friendly destination, with Portugal a close second.
Turkey has been named Europe’s least family-friendly destination, scoring just 2.7 out of 10 in the latest index that evaluated Europe’s most popular destinations based on suitable family criteria.
The research, by Go.Compare, evaluated Europe’s most popular travel destinations based on several factors geared towards families: their availability of family-friendly hotels, airport reliability, and the number of family-friendly attractions. The research also considered the cost increase for flights and accommodations during peak travel seasons, like school holidays.
The Family Scores” produced for each destination revealed the following countries as the least family-friendly:
- Turkey: 2.7/10
- Portugal: 3.1/10
- Greece: 4.1/10
Despite Turkey being the eighth most visited country globally in 2023, with over 3 million visits by UK residents, it offers limited family-friendly facilities. Turkey features only 5,500 family-friendly hotels and 2,000 attractions, significantly fewer compared to top destinations like Italy and France, which boast over 40,000 hotels and more than five times the number of attractions.
While Turkey boasts of impressive airport reliability, with 90% of flights arriving and departing on time, its biggest setback is cost. The country experiences a huge 31% average price increase during peak travel seasons, placing financial strain on families planning their getaways.
Portugal and Greece, while scoring slightly higher, also face challenges. Portugal, scoring 3.1 out of 10, offers fewer than 10,000 family-friendly hotels and less than 3,000 attractions. It also has the lowest airport punctuality rate among the destinations evaluated, standing at 62%.
Rhys Jones, travel expert at Go.Compare, said: “Turkey’s ranking as the least family-friendly destination shows just how important it is for families to plan ahead as much as possible before choosing their getaway.
“Families should consider destinations that not only offer ample family-friendly accommodations and attractions but also provide reliable travel options, and manageable costs during peak seasons. It is also essential to plan ahead and anticipate potential obstacles that could affect your family’s holiday experience, which is why comprehensive travel insurance can be invaluable.
“By prioritising both practical considerations and safeguarding measures, like insurance, families can travel to their chosen destination with peace of mind.”
