SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
January 2025
Not Your Usual Family Vacation: 10 Off-the-beaten-track Holidays to Take with the Kids in 2025
Go off the beaten track for your next family vacation and ignite a true sense of adventure in your kids. Instead of the usual crowded tourist traps, say hello to authentic encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. It doesn’t always need to mean taking your children to far-flung lands either. Every destination has its own less travelled spots, if you know where to look.
Whether you’re dreaming of exploring real-life fairytale settings, embarking on a wildlife safari, or simply disconnecting from the digital world on a remote island paradise, this curated list will inspire your next extraordinary family vacation.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
– Robert Frost
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
1. Canberra, Australia
With world-class museums, outdoor adventures, and a flourishing food scene, Australia’s capital Canberra is an ideal family short break destination. Fly into gateway cities like Sydney, and make a road trip part of the adventure. You can choose either the coastal or inland route. The slightly longer coastal route is perfect for beach-seeking families. As you follow the curling coast, stop to marvel at Kiama’s dramatic blowhole, dance upon the whiter-than-white sand at Hyams Beach, and go whale-watching in Jervis Bay.
On the other hand, the inland route takes you through the picturesque Southern Highlands. 90 minutes from Sydney is Bowral, a great base to explore heritage villages and chase waterfalls — stop by Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre for information. An overnight stay awaits at The Drawing Rooms of Berry. It features four private lodges amidst rolling hills in the South Coast hinterland. 10 minutes away in the village of Berry, active kids can let off steam at the Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park.
(See also: 15 Family-Friendly Wildlife Adventures in Australia that let you Help Animals)
2. Thimphu, Bhutan
Just a five-hour flight from Singapore and nestling amid the majestic Himalayas is ‘the happiest country on earth’. There you’ll find a blend of inspiring landscapes, unique encounters, rich culture, and smiling people. For one thing, imagine the excitement on your kids’ faces as they come face to face with the bizarre-looking takin, Bhutan’s national animal, at the Motithang Takin Preserve.
For a taste of local life, book a village homestay with a Bhutanese family. At Ugyen Village Homestay, try activities from cow-milking and archery to soaking in a hot stone bath. Visit the beautiful fortress of Punakha Dzong where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, then go white-water rafting through their pristine waters. Or stay at the idyllic Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor Heritage Farmhouse, a short hike through shady blue pine forests to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
3. Savusavu, Fiji
Escape the tourist crowds and discover the ‘hidden paradise of Fiji’. Located on the northern coast of Vanua Levu island, Savusavu offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Relax on pristine beaches and soak in volcanic hot springs, or explore lush rainforests and go snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. The nearby vibrant Namena Marine Reserve is home to diverse coral reefs, rare fish species, and diverse marine ecosystems.
Attractions aside, this charming town offers a truly authentic Fijian experience. Immerse in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, exploring local markets, and embrace the warm hospitality of the Fijian people. Set on a 17-acre coconut grove, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort provides an ideal base for your family vacation. The eco-conscious boutique resort has an excellent kids’ club, where younger guests can learn about Fijian culture and marine conservation.
4. The Peloponnese, Greece
Embark on the epic journeys of mythological figures like Hercules with trips that bring to life Greece’s storied history and the birth of the Olympic Games. A fantastic family vacation destination, Greece offers a wealth of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes in equal measure. A three-hour drive from Athens lies Costa Navarino, an unspoilt region on the Peloponnese peninsula marked by sandy beaches and ancient ruins.
Along the way, stop to explore UNESCO world heritage sites like the ruins of Sparta and Olympia, and the romantic coastal town of Nafplios. You can also discover cosy local communities still living off the land through fishing and olive oil production. Families and kids can experience these hands-on activities via the Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Club if you stay at The Westin or The Romanos hotels in Costa Navarino.
(See also: Beyond Kids’ Clubs: New Family and Kid-Friendly Activities at Hotels & Resorts)
5. Darjeeling, India
Escape the heavily populated cities and immerse in the dreamlike world of Darjeeling in the foothills of the Himalayas. Thomas the Tank Engine fans must ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Besides affording views of majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, the adorable ‘toy train’ chugs through dense forests and quaint villages on its way to the highest railway station in India, where you can visit the railway museum.
The Summit Swiss Heritage Resort & Spa offers a convenient, family-friendly base for your excursions. Get a tour of the Happy Valley Tea Estate and learn how they’ve processed the ‘Champagne’ of teas since 1854. Then work up an appetite for the eclectic local cuisine by trekking to Singalila National Park. Spot the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and the adorable pika among forests blooming with wild rhododendrons.
6. Vang Vieng, Laos
Once known as the most-bombed country on earth, Laos isn’t super far but feels worlds apart from Singapore. Just 150km north of capital city Vientiane, Vang Vieng beckons adventurous families. Embark on thrilling caving expeditions, visit Hmong villages, float away on hot-air balloons, and kayak down the Nam Song river. A stay at the Riverside Boutique Resort puts you on its banks, in the shadow of limestone karst mountains.
Vang Vieng also means that UNESCO world heritage site Luang Prabang is just four hours away. Book a homestay on the Living Land Farm, where you and the kids can weave your own bamboo hats and get hands-on planting or harvesting rice. Take an excursion to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and visit the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. There, you’ll meet sweet Asiatic black bears that were saved from the poaching industry.
7. Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
The Maldives is another great family vacation destination for those looking for some sand and sea. Despite how exotic it sounds, a direct flight from Singapore to the capital Malé takes under five hours. White sandy beaches, clear azure waters, and diverse marine life make the Maldives a perfect family playground. With littles in tow, however, the easiest way to experience the archipelago is to pick one of the all-inclusive resort islands.
Yes, one with beachfront villas and those iconic over-water pavilions. Niyama Private Islands Maldives on the Dhaalu Atoll is a Scott Dunn guest-favourite. Unsurprisingly, since the Explorers Kids Club keeps little VIPs busy with snorkelling safaris, dolphin scouting, and becoming master chefs. Other family-fun activities include leisurely paddling a glass-bottomed kayak or zooming through the lagoon on an underwater rocket among manta rays and sea turtles.
(See also: Where to Kayak in Singapore: Trips, Courses, and more for Families and Kids)
8. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
From the grassy steppes to the Gobi Desert, Mongolia offers endless experiences our sheltered Singaporean kids can’t even imagine. For starters, make your base in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Visit the huge National Amusement Park and explore its zoo, castle, and the lush expanse of Rio Tinto Park. Catch daily cultural shows featuring fascinating throat-singers and contortionists at the Children’s Palace and Red Rock Castle too.
Then take a day trip to the Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Centre, about 1.5 hours west. There, you can ride camels, cuddle lambs, get your name written in Mongolian script, see how the locals make cheese, and even learn how to build a ger (traditional yurt). They even simulate a mini Naadam, the country’s biggest national festival of wrestling, archery, and horse racing sports. If you’re having too much fun, book a ger and embrace the nomadic life overnight!
9. Aurland & Bergen, Norway
Fans of Disney’s Frozen? Visit the real-life cities and landmarks that inspired the grand kingdom of Arendelle in picturesque Norway. Fly into enchanting Oslo, before heading to the bucolic small town of Aurland via the famous Flåm Railway. One of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, it runs all year, so the scenery changes with the seasons. Stop by the Flåm Railway Museum to learn how one of the world’s steepest railway lines came about.
Stay in the fairytale setting of small family-run hotel 29|2 Aurland. Mountains and waterfalls surround the charming restored fishing lodge that sits on the floor of the Aurlandsdalen valley. If you can drag yourselves away, extend the rail journey to Bergen in the heart of Norway’s majestic fjords. Its colourful architecture and historic wooden houses offer a delightful blend of small-town charm and metropolitan energy.
10. Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an exceptional option for adventurous families who want the experience of going on safari. It’s closer to home than the great African grasslands, but no less exciting. Home to one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world, Yala National Park is a must-visit. Aside from leopards, the park boasts a sizable population of elephants, sloth bears, and deer. It also makes for the perfect all-day safari trip from Tangalle.
Besides boasting southern Sri Lanka’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, Tangalle also offers a slice of authentic Sri Lankan culture still untouched by mass tourism. Consider making the beachfront Mangrove Beach Cabanas and Chalets your base for this family vacation. Then take the kids cycling through beautiful coconut groves, gaze awestruck at the Hummanaya blowhole, and witness the rare turtle hatching season along the Rekawa beach.
(See also: 5 Things to Do on Vacation in Family-friendly Sri Lanka)
Featured image: National Amusement Park of Mongolia
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