Travelling is often the first luxury to disappear when couples become parents. Baby gear, fidgety toddlers and overactive older children can turn a vacay into hard work. The solution? Keep things simple and either go somewhere where it’s all planned for you, where there’s plenty to do or where it’s easy to get to. We’ve rounded up some helpful organisations and family-friendly holiday destinations offering gentle retreats in Bali and fun getaways in Indonesia to an adventure-fuelled holiday package in Malaysia – plus, an option further afield in Australia.
Leave it to the experts
From start to finish, PriceBreaker is designed to assist families organising their holiday plans. These experienced travel specialists will put together a tailored itinerary that meets your family’s interests, stays within your budget and is at a pace where young ones and parents alike can relax and enjoy a break.
Indeed, their aim is to make the whole travelling experience a breeze. And they do this through their connections with over 100 airline partners, accommodation providers, activity operators, rail and cruise companies, visa advisory services and travel insurance operators.
Moreover, if you want to sit down and figure it all out in person, there are two travel studios in Singapore located in Great World and Parkway Parade. Contact them by phone or email, or visit them to create your customised holiday.
Why consider a Malaysia holiday package?
Top of the list for families wishing to travel in 2024 according to PriceBreaker are the hidden gems of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. Not only are these destinations a direct flight and under three hours away, they’re also an opportunity for families to immerse themselves in another culture, world-renowned nature and a thriving food scene. For example, in Sarawak you can explore caves, nature and wildlife, kayaking, visiting cultural villages and going on the Kuching food trail. In Sabah, try island-hopping around Gaya Island. Or perhaps an escape into the mountains in Kundasang and a dip in the Poring Hot Spring? Visit PriceBreaker to create a travel itinerary, family hotel booking and Malaysia holiday package for your next trip!
Find out more at pricebreaker.travel.
Find the best place to stay
As all parents can understand, accommodation can make or break a family holiday, which is where Villa Finder can remove all the planning stress, time spent investigating reviews and arguing over who has to sleep on the pull out bed.
Instead, with this booking platform you can browse a selection of handpicked luxury villas across Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. After you make an enquiry or reservation, expect a call from one of their location experts within about 15 minutes. This is part of their personalised concierge service that helps you find a property within your budget and with all the creature comforts your family needs. Moreover, the team is available seven days a week. They can help organise airport transfers, parties, car rental, baby sitters and more convenient extras!
For 2024, the Villa Finder team suggests booking a family holiday in Bali. And given the company started with villas in this popular destination, they’re experts when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay on the island. Just reach out at villa-finder.com.
Why consider a getaway to Bali?
Out of thousands of islands that make up Indonesia, the one you’ll hear about most is Bali. And for good reason. This tropical paradise is surrounded by beaches washed by pristine surf. It’s also home to beautiful green rice fields, coral reefs, a lively culinary scene and many fascinating cultural traditions that tourists are invited to observe or take part in. Simply put, Bali offers a bit of everything to make an ideal location for a family holiday.
Enquire at villa-finder.com.
Travel to a beach resort by boat
One great way to minimise the hassle of family vacations is to avoid all the queues, the herding and the waiting around at airports. Telunas Beach Resort is located in a cove on Sugie Island and is a family-run eco-resort 50km from Singapore and free from the boundaries of formal hospitality. Once you’ve arrived at this family friendly holiday destination (from Singapore, it’s a one-hour ferry to Bintan, followed by a boat ride to the resort), you can relax knowing that everything you need is right at your fingertips, too.
From humble beginnings, the property has now built 18 luxurious overwater bungalows and a delicious dining facility and offers loads of activities for those keen to get in the water or explore on land. And throughout its development, the property has maintained the original dream: to create an island escape where families can reconnect to what’s important.
Why consider vacationing at Telunas?
With its mellow island vibe, you might initially be worried that Telunas won’t offer enough to keep the whole family occupied. But you’ll soon discover the exact opposite is true! Kids (and kids at heart) love jumping off the jetty and playing games on the beach. Watersports enthusiasts enjoy sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, raft building, shrimping and heading on a fishing adventure. Others will love learning traditional drumming, going on a jungle waterfall hike, trying their hand at pottery or visiting an island village to connect with the resort’s Melayu neighbours. There’s also plenty of time to relax on a white sandy beach or in a hammock enjoying the sea breeze.
The activities aren’t the only part of this resort designed with families of all ages in mind. The four accommodation options range from a room with a double bed, one bunk bed and baby cots (with extra mattresses available upon request) to three-bedroom bungalows with a loft space and room for six to 12 guests.
Book your stay at telunasresorts.com.
Stay on a yacht off Indonesia
For your next family vacation, let Barefoot Yachts design your one-of-a-kind private cruising experience in Indonesia. They will not only offer incredible cultural experiences and discoveries of the stunning and gentle Indonesian archipelago, but unforgettable memories and moments that you will never forget.
Private yachts range from single-cabin for small families, all the way to up to 8-cabin vessels for reunions with family and friends. Dining al fresco is a particular highlight. Personal chefs are available to create delicious dishes that can be tailored to your families’ requirements.
Why consider an adventure onboard?
Delight your whole family and snorkel with whale sharks in Raja Ampat, or dive in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, with flipping manta rays. Other activities include hiking and trekking to breathtaking viewpoints and kayaking or paddle-boarding through mangroves and into caves. Pick a holiday package of your choice and sail away!
Find out more at barefoot-cruising-indonesia.com.
Family-friendly group accommodation with a sea view!
In addition to the above options in Asia, there are some great places for families to stay in Australia. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly villa getaway with family or friends that’s near to the beach and dozens of wineries – and where everyone has their own space – we’ve found just the thing.
An hour’s drive south of Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria, The Outlook is a former bed-and-breakfast that has been renovated and is now available for rental. The property has five double bedrooms, a kids’ room that sleeps six in king-single bunks, five bathrooms, and a playroom with toys, books and a TV/ DVD player. The sleeping arrangements are perfect for extended families who want privacy (or quiet for small children to sleep away from the action) – a high chair, portable cot and kids’ crockery is all provided, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday too.
Spend your days visiting the wineries, exploring quaint local towns with cafés and shops selling antiques and local produce, playing golf, learning to surf, or visiting the nearby hot springs. Then come home and fire up the barbecue! Kids can run around outside, jump on the trampoline, or play boules, totem tennis or basketball.
For more information or to make a booking, visit theoutlookshoreham.com.
Like this article about family friendly resorts and holiday destinations? Find more inspiration for your next holiday in our Travel section!
This article first appeared in the February 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
