While children gain free flights up until the age of two if they sit on the lap of a parent during travel, once they are two or over, you as their parent must pay full price. Soon enough the air fares add up and the holiday is already exorbitant before other expenses are even considered.

Here we look at some of the most popular destinations for families to visit:

In 2010 the cosmopolitan city of Dubai was voted the 7th most visited city in the world. Its lure of shopping outlets, modern infrastructure; beautiful sandy beaches which line the Arabian Gulf, and wide variety of entertainment and activities makes Dubai a top location for many families. The healthcare system and transport links are also very advanced and reliable.

Dubai offers tourists any activity imaginable, from skiing, swimming, diving, water sports, aquarium visits, golf, horse riding, dessert trips and sailing to camel riding and dune driving, there really is something for everyone no matter their age, interest or budget.

Dubai is hot throughout the year due to its location close to the Tropic of Cancer. It has a tropical dessert climate so you can rely on the weather which is also a bonus to many who travel here.

Dubai is a rich country due to its tourism trade and links to the oil industry; it can therefore be expensive when visiting. However as with all destinations, with some research and planning, it is possible to enjoy a reasonably priced vacation.

Overall Dubai offers safety, enjoyment and modern living. It is a fantastic destination for children however it is more of a luxury trip for those that can stretch their budget.

Australia like Dubai is an interesting destination due to its world-renowned beaches and outdoor living. The laid back way of life is also a big attraction for many. Australia is the only place in the world where you can visit two World Heritage sites in the same country, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest at Cape Tribulation which indicates just how spectacular the scenery is.

The cost of living while on vacation in Australia can be testing which can turn many off, especially after investing in the cost of the flight. Another issue for many is entertaining young children during such a long flight.

However when visiting, the strong healthcare systems, low crime rates, and wide range of entertainment such as surfing, zoo day trips, camping, swimming and shopping, it really does make a fun trip for everyone. If your family budget can accommodate such an adventure, it is certainly worth the investment.

With its Mediterranean climate, 33 National Parks, 258 beaches and 58 natural monuments Turkey is another fantastic affordable holiday destination with offers diversity. The cost of living is affordable which means families do not have to watch every penny while trying to enjoy their holiday.

There are many safe holiday resorts such as Olu Deniz where you can enjoy water sports and the beautiful lagoon in a family friendly environment; you will also find water parks and safaris.

As with all cheaper holiday destinations, make sure the resort you choose doesn’t become a party scene at night which will disturb your holiday. However don’t let this put you off, tourism is a developed industry in Turkey, there are many hotels to choose from which will suit the atmosphere you are seeking. Transfers are also easy to arrange making travelling easy.

If activities and beach days are not what you prefer to do as a family, Turkey also offers tourists culture and history if you choose to venture into some of its ancient cities. Top sites to see include the Aspendos theatre near Antalya in the south and the incredible architecture of Hagia Sophia located in Istabul.

The Greek islands are one of the best options for families looking to explore. Gorgeous sandy beaches, warm clear waters, history, culture and fine dining lure tourists to Greece each year. Not only is it safe, it is affordable, the climate is reliable, and there are thousands of beautiful islands to explore which offers something for everyone whether it is a peaceful secluded retreat you are seeking or an action packed adventure holiday, you are sure to find it.

With its developed transport links, island hopping is easy so you can keep your family entertained easily and make the most of the ancient sites and sandy beaches each island has to offer.

While Greece has recently experienced economic crisis, it still offers the landscapes, hospitality and activities it always has.

Author: Hannah loves to travel the world. She has a young family herself so she is always seeking good destinations which will be suitable for her family. Hannah works with vouchercloud and utilizes their special offers such as their hotel.com vouchers to reduce the costs of going away.