Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-10-02
Flying with kids during the Dutch May break requires a different approach than a quick city trip. Most families want a comfortable flight time, limited transfer hassle, a destination where outdoor time is realistic in spring, and an airport that makes sense from their home region. From the Netherlands, that usually points to Spain, the Canary Islands, Greece and Turkey. The best choice depends on your children’s ages, the school holiday timing in north, central or south regions, and whether your priority is sunshine, calm surroundings or the easiest travel day.
Where to go with children in the May break
For families, the most useful options in this period are destinations with generally more reliable weather and flight times that are not unnecessarily long. Southern Spain and the Balearics work well if you want a manageable flight combined with beaches, apartments and family-oriented resorts. The Canary Islands make more sense if you want a stronger chance of genuinely warm weather. Greek islands and the Turkish coast suit families looking for space, resorts or family rooms, but availability can vary sharply by airport and by week.
Which Dutch airport is the most practical
AMS usually offers the widest choice of direct flights and the best spread of departure times, which is often the safest option with younger children. EIN can be useful if you live in the south and are mainly looking at Spain or the Canary Islands. RTM is attractive because it is smaller and easier to move through, although the route network is more limited. MST can work well for families in Limburg and nearby areas, but you depend on a smaller selection. Look beyond airfare alone and compare airport access, parking and workable departure times.
How holiday peaks affect fares and choice
The May break is not the same pressure point everywhere in the Netherlands. Because school holidays can differ by region, the demand peak shifts between north, central and south. You notice this most on popular sun routes. If you are flexible on departure day or airport, you may be able to travel just outside the busiest wave. Always check the official school holiday calendars for your own region and then compare several departure options. For families, leaving one day earlier or later can matter more than changing destination, especially if you want direct flights.
Destinations by family type
With toddlers and preschoolers, a short to medium flight with as few moving parts as possible is usually best. In that case, the Spanish costas, Mallorca or a compact Canary Island destination are often practical choices. With older children, it is easier to choose larger islands or places where you plan more outings, such as Crete, Rhodes or the Turkish Riviera. If your main goal is a calmer trip, do not focus only on the best-known beach towns. Smaller family resorts with apartment hotels can work better. A city with a beach is possible, but usually needs more planning than a classic resort stay.
Booking separately: what families should check
Because flights, hotels and any cruise are booked separately, the planning needs to line up properly. Check baggage rules, transfer timing and the kind of accommodation that genuinely fits your family, such as a family room, kitchenette or a pool that is already operating. Cruises from Amsterdam or Rotterdam can be a useful option in May for families who prefer not to fly, but it is still worth comparing the full route and cabin layout carefully. For fly-and-stay trips, it is often smarter to secure the best flight combination first and choose the accommodation after that.
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