Best Holiday Destinations for a Family Vacation

When planning the perfect family vacation, choosing a family-friendly holiday destination that suits your budget, interests, and needs (not just for young children, but also the grandparents), selecting suitable accommodation, and planning and organising enjoyable activities can ensure a memorable experience for everyone. Here are my top five recommendations for family-friendly holiday destinations.  ​

#1. Gold Coast, Australia

It’s no surprise that the Gold Coast (GC) is one of the most popular holiday destinations for New Zealand families. With its picturesque beaches, tropical weather (year-round), and endless entertainment: there’s plenty to do for adults and kids.  

Why Visit?

• Theme Parks:   The GC is the “theme park capital of Australia”. Experience the world’s tallest thrill ride at Dreamworld. Float down the lazy river at Calypso Beach or plunge down water slides at Wet n’ Wild. Visit Warner Bros. Movie World, meet the stars, and experience thrilling rides based on your favourite Warner Bro. movie characters. Or stay at Australia’s only theme park hotel and make contact with a variety of marine animals at SeaWorld.  ​​
• Beaches: The Gold Coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia: from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads.  Swim, surf, or chillax in the sun.​
• Nature and Wildlife:  Just one hour north of Brisbane in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is the home of The Crocodile Hunter, Steven Irwin at Australia Zoo. Cuddle a Koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and meet some Australia’s native wildlife.   

​Why I Love This Place:
 If you aren’t keen on flying long-haul with the kids, then the GC is a great option for families who need a getaway. You can fly direct from New Zealand to Brisbane or the Gold Coast and be relaxing by the pool on the same day.  Accommodation options range from self-contained apartments to luxury hotels and there is plenty of entertainment too. I recommend hiring a babysitter for the night and checking out Dracula’s for a fun-filled night of singing, dancing, burlesque, and cabaret.   

#2. South Pacific Islands 

The South Pacific are a slice of tropical heaven. Known for the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, the islands provides a tranquil and picturesque escape for a family vacation. 

Why Visit? 

• Stunning Scenery:   The islands' natural beauty is breathtaking, with turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and lush greenery providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Picture this. You lounging on your private deckchair, cocktail in hand, under the shade of a coconut tree, while the kids kayak or snorkel in the crystal-clear lagoon. Pure bliss! 
  
• Water Activities:   Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, rafting, and paddle boarding are just a few activities families can enjoy together. The tropical marine life and colourful coral reefs make underwater exploration a must. 
• Cultural Experiences:   Experience the warm hospitality of the island people and learn about their rich traditions and customs through dance, music, and local cuisine.  ​

Why I Love This Place: 
​The South Pacific Islands are pure heaven. The combination of stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and the array of outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for family holiday. From New Zealand the islands are just a three or four hour flight, meaning you can leave home in the morning and be relaxing barefoot on white sanding beaches that same afternoon. Most island resorts are well set up for families to allow for maximum relaxation and fun for both parents and kids, with kids clubs, swimming pools, and plenty of cultural entertainment.  

# 3. Los Angeles, USA 

No list of family destinations would be complete without mentioning Disneyland in Los Angeles, USA. But Disneyland isn’t all this iconic destination has to offer.
  
Why Visit? 

• Iconic Attractions: Known as the happiest place on earth, Disneyland offers a magical experience that captivates the hearts of visitors of all ages. From Sleeping Beauty's Castle to Space Mountain, spectacular parades, and live shows, Disneyland is filled with attractions that bring beloved Disney characters and stories to life. But no trip to Los Angeles is complete without visiting Universal Studios and Harry Potter World or getting up close with the shark from Jaws.  
• Family-Friendly: Visiting Hollywood is a magical journey into the heart of the movie industry and can be both fun and educational. Families can learn about the history of cinema and television, the process of filmmaking, and the cultural impact of Hollywood through studio tours, museums, and interactive exhibits.  

Why I Love This Place: 
Disneyland is pure magic. The joy and wonder it brings to children and the nostalgic happiness it offers to adults make it a special place. Los Angeles is a dream destination for children and an experience they’ll never forget. I recommend a fun family evening of dinner theatre with a royal banquet and tournament of jousting, sword fighting, and games of skill at Buena Park, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. 

  #4. Bali, Indonesia 

Bali is a vibrant destination. It offers a perfect blend of culture, natural beauty, family-friendly activities, pristine beaches, and delicious cuisine.  

Why Visit? 

• Beaches and Waterfalls: Bali's stunning beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, and building sandcastles. The island's beautiful waterfalls provide a picturesque setting for family adventures. 
• Cultural Experiences: Explore Bali's rich culture through visits to temples and traditional dance performances, Have fun bartering for bargains at the local markets. Relax and enjoy a Balinese massage or fish foot spa.   
• Family Activities: Get up close and personal with rare and endangered animals at the Bali Safari and Marine Park, visit The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, chill or thrill at Waterbom water park, or enjoy stunning views on a rice terrace tour.  

Why I Love This Place: 
Bali's unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation makes it a fantastic family destination. Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah, which has a lower exchange rate than the New Zealand dollar, making it very good value for money. You can stay in spectacular accommodation for a very reasonable price. It’s a great way to expose children to other cultures and broaden their understanding of the world.   

#5. Vietnam  

Vietnam is a popular travel destination for families because of its rich cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and family-friendly activities.  

Why Visit? 

• UNESCO Heritage Sites: Vietnam has eight outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover Halong Bay with its limestone mountains that rise right out of emerald waters, it’s simply jaw-dropping; or go camping and caving: wade, swim, float, climb and crawl in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and or visit the world’s largest cave. 
• Cultural Experiences: A highlight on the fourth day of the Lunar month is the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the riverbank streets and alleyways of this laid-back town with its traditional architecture and colourful lanterns. Visit during the Hue Festival when performers come from all over to dance, perform, and play music. The water puppet show is a must-see cultural experience at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi.  
• Beaches and Adventure: All good family holidays need a balance of relaxation and adventure. Immerse yourself in the history of ancient Vietnamese emperors, cycle through local villages and past rice paddies on a Hue Cycle Tour, or hit the beach and chill in Danang or Phu Quoc. 

​Why I Love This Place:
It’s great value for money and an easy destination to combine relaxation, culture and adventure, whether waving “Hi” to the locals while riding through towns or villages, taking in the stunning scenery, or chilling on the beach. Plus, no trip to Vietnam is complete without sampling the local dish Pho. Yum! 

Looking to book your next family holiday?   I can help you create the perfect itinerary, ensuring a stress-free and memorable vacation for your entire family.
Contact me today to start planning your next adventure!