Coolstays and the Guardian Travel section are inviting families to share their best UK and European summer holiday experiences for a chance to win £200 in accommodation credit. Tom Hall of Lonely Planet will select the winning submission each week, with the prize redeemable at any of Coolstays' 3,000 properties globally.
The competition asks travellers to describe memorable family breaks across all age groups. Participants should detail their chosen destinations in the UK or Europe, specific activities that made their trips successful, and what factors contributed to a positive family experience. Whether you travelled with young children, older teenagers, or multiple generations together, the Guardian wants to hear what worked.
Coolstays operates a curated collection of independent accommodations ranging from cottages and villas to apartments and unique properties. The platform focuses on properties that offer character and local flavour beyond standard hotel chains. A £200 voucher provides meaningful value for a week's accommodation at many Coolstays locations across Europe and the UK.
This reader-driven competition taps into growing interest in family travel planning. Post-pandemic, many families prioritise flexible, self-catering properties over traditional hotels, and Coolstays' portfolio aligns with this shift. Independent properties often appeal to multigenerational groups seeking space and home-like amenities.
Winning tips will be published in Guardian Travel, providing selected readers with editorial exposure alongside their prize. The weekly selection format encourages regular submissions and engagement throughout the summer season.
For families planning trips across Europe or within the UK, this competition serves as both inspiration and practical resource. Reading others' experiences helps travellers identify underrated destinations and activity combinations that appeal to mixed-age groups. Submitting your own story costs nothing and offers genuine prize potential.
Submit your family holiday tip to Guardian Travel to compete. Include specific destination names, accommodation types, and activities that made your break