Why are direct flights especially convenient for families?

When travelling with children, the journey matters just as much as the destination. Changing planes means extra waiting, rushing between terminals and the risk of missing your connecting flight. A direct flight avoids these inconveniences and gets your holiday started sooner.

Ryanair and Wizz Air are established European low-cost airlines with extensive route networks. They can offer affordable fares, particularly when your dates are flexible. Delays can happen with any airline, but a direct flight avoids the risks associated with connections.

• Less time travelling. Many European destinations are roughly 2–4 hours away by air.
• Easier with children. No waiting for another flight or changing terminals.
• More choice. Comparing departures from three Baltic airports gives you more routes and dates to choose from.

20 family holiday ideas: cities, beaches and adventures

Many European destinations offer more than beaches or sightseeing alone. In Barcelona, combine Gaudí’s architecture with time by the sea; in Sicily, explore volcanoes and historic towns; and in Cyprus, enjoy beaches alongside ancient sites.

We selected 20 routes from the Ryanair and Wizz Air networks and grouped them by departure airport.

From Riga — Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Malta

Riga offers options for both short European city breaks and longer Mediterranean holidays. Barcelona, Málaga, Cyprus and Malta are particularly appealing for families.

• Milan (Bergamo), Italy — Check fares for your dates

  Architecture, city walks and trips to Lake Como. Ryanair.

• Barcelona, Spain — Check fares for your dates

  Gaudí’s architecture, city beaches, parks and activities for children. Ryanair.

• Rome, Italy — Check fares for your dates

  The Colosseum, ancient Roman landmarks, beautiful squares and Italian gelato. Ryanair.

• Paphos, Cyprus — Check fares for your dates

  Mediterranean beaches, archaeological sites and relaxed family holidays. Ryanair.

• Málaga, Spain — Check fares for your dates

  Costa del Sol beaches, the historic centre and trips around Andalusia. Ryanair.

• Malta — Check fares for your dates

  Warm seas, historic towns, sheltered bays and island excursions. Ryanair.

From Vilnius — Mediterranean islands, the Riviera and Georgia

Ryanair and Wizz Air offer complementary choices from Vilnius. Fly to Italy, Spain, Cyprus or Malta, or plan a different kind of family adventure in Georgia.

• Milan (Malpensa), Italy — Check fares for your dates

  Milan’s sights and the scenic lakes of northern Italy. Wizz Air.

• Malta — Check fares for your dates

  Beaches, Valletta’s historic streets and Mediterranean relaxation. Ryanair.

• Barcelona, Spain — Check fares for your dates

  City and sea in one trip, iconic architecture and family activities. Wizz Air.

• Larnaca, Cyprus — Check fares for your dates

  Sandy beaches, seafront promenades and resorts on Cyprus’s southern coast. Wizz Air.

• Catania, Sicily — Check fares for your dates

  Sicily’s coastline, Italian food and the chance to see Mount Etna. Wizz Air.

• Nice, France — Check fares for your dates

  The French Riviera, seaside promenades and picturesque coastal towns. Wizz Air.

• Kutaisi, Georgia — Check fares for your dates

  Mountains, caves and Georgian cuisine. The Black Sea coast can be reached by road. Wizz Air.

From Kaunas — Greece, Croatia and the Italian coast

Kaunas is a useful alternative for families planning a seaside holiday. Ryanair serves several popular summer destinations, including Greek islands, the Italian coast and Croatia.

• Rimini, Italy — Check fares for your dates

  Long sandy beaches and family-friendly resorts on the Adriatic. Ryanair.

• Málaga, Spain — Check fares for your dates

  Sunny beaches, city sights and Andalusian scenery. Ryanair.

• Bari, Italy — Check fares for your dates

  Puglia’s coastal towns, beaches and traditional Italian cuisine. Ryanair.

• Paphos, Cyprus — Check fares for your dates

  Mediterranean beaches, ancient sites and island excursions. Ryanair.

• Alicante, Spain — Check fares for your dates

  Costa Blanca beaches, promenades and sunny seaside holidays. Ryanair.

• Rhodes, Greece — Check fares for your dates

  Island beaches, a medieval old town and beautiful scenery. Ryanair.

• Zadar, Croatia — Check fares for your dates

  The Adriatic Sea, nearby islands, a historic old town and lovely sunsets. Ryanair.

Why plan a family holiday in advance?

When booking for four or five people, even a small difference in the price of each ticket can have a substantial impact on the overall budget. If you know your holiday dates, it is worth looking for flights several months ahead.

Rising airline operating costs, including fuel, can affect fares. Demand for popular holiday destinations is generally higher during school breaks and in summer, so the cheapest seats on a particular flight may sell out quickly.

Booking early does not guarantee the lowest fare, but it often gives you a wider choice of flights and available seats. This is especially helpful when several people need to travel on the same flight.

What should you consider when flying with Ryanair or Wizz Air?

Low-cost airlines can work well for family trips, but it is important to compare more than the headline fare. Baggage allowances, seat selection and optional extras vary by airline and fare type.

• Compare departure dates. Moving your trip by just a day or two can sometimes save a considerable amount.
• Check all three airports. Routes and fares can differ between Riga, Vilnius and Kaunas.
• Check baggage allowances. Confirm which cabin bag is included and what extra baggage costs.
• Read the rules for seating children. Ryanair and Wizz Air have different policies for seating children next to adults.
• Calculate the full cost. Include travel to the airport, transfers at your destination, baggage and accommodation.
• Choose a convenient flight time. Very early or late departures can be difficult with young children.

To compare airlines, visit the Sky Maxxi Airlines section for information about Ryanair, Wizz Air and other carriers.

Frequently asked questions about family travel