SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
October 2024
10 Popular Family Road Trip Destinations for a Vacation to Remember
Family vacations can be costly, and of course, the bigger the family, the higher the expenditure. But fret not. One way to create memorable family vacations without breaking the bank is to explore amazing destinations by car. We dug around and found 10 popular family road trip destinations worldwide from as little as $9 to $62* daily!
Looking to embark on a fun-filled family road trip during the year-end school holidays? Pack your bags, buckle the kids in, and let’s go!
1. Road Trip in Melbourne, Australia
The perfect destination for an easy road trip for families with kids, Phillip Island offers an endless array of attractions to see and do. Best accessed by car, this island is full of family-friendly activities such as the Penguin Parade and spectacular scenery, providing for an unforgettable family holiday. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $36* daily.
Road trip tip: Pit stops at gas stations often require a purchase, which can add unnecessary costs. Instead of stopping solely for restroom breaks at gas stations, consider visiting tourist information centres along your route. These centres not only offer clean restroom facilities, but also provide valuable local insights, maps, and recommendations for nearby attractions and dining options.
(See also: 15 Family-Friendly Wildlife Adventures in Australia that let you Help Animals)
2. Road Trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a top choice for a quick and easy jaunt from Singapore, offering a plethora of delicious food and attractions to keep your young ones entertained. Just an hour’s drive away from the city centre is Genting Highlands. The hill resort renowned for its cool climate is best reached by car. It is also home to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park with family-friendly attractions to entertain the young ones. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $32* daily.
Road trip tip: When travelling by car in Malaysia, having a Touch ‘N Go (TNG) card is highly beneficial. This handy card allows you to breeze through toll booths, making your road trips smoother and more convenient. Ensure you load your TNG card with sufficient credit before your journey to avoid any delays.
3. Road Trip in Tokyo, Japan
Renting a car to travel around the outskirts of Tokyo gives you more flexibility and allows you to visit various attractions more efficiently. Just an hour away from Tokyo, for instance, you will find the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama. Highlights include the Cup Noodles Factory, where families can create your own custom cup noodle. There’s also the Cup Noodles Park, a playground that simulates the entire manufacturing process, letting kids learn through play. This interactive museum inspires creativity while offering an engaging and educational experience. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $50* daily.
Road trip tip: When driving on toll roads in Japan, you typically have three payment options to choose from: cash, credit card, or electronic toll collection (ETC). To use ETC, it’s essential to have both an ETC card and an ETC device installed in your vehicle. Before your trip, check with your car rental provider to ensure their vehicles are equipped with ETC devices. This ensures seamless passage through toll gates, saving you time and making your travel experience more efficient and enjoyable.
“Singaporeans are known for their knack for finding great travel deals. Our data shows that over half (51.7 per cent) book their car rentals less than four weeks before their trip. Hence, we’ve curated the best times to book car rentals in that four-week window to a selection of Singaporeans’ most popular car rental countries.
– Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner destination and travel trends expert
4. Road Trip in Bangkok, Thailand
A mere two-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Khao Yai offers an abundance of fresh air. As well as fun spaces for families to explore, including vibrant sunflower fields and fun-filled hedge mazes. For example, the Rai Pround Tawan Sunflower Field is a must-visit. Khao Yai’s natural beauty and engaging activities make it the perfect getaway for families seeking adventure in a serene environment. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $27* daily.
Road trip tip: In Thailand, it’s considered impolite to use your car horn unnecessarily. Instead, locals often use the method of flashing their headlights to communicate with other drivers. By adopting this local custom, you show respect for Thai driving etiquette and contribute to a more courteous driving environment.
5. Road Trip in Jeju, South Korea
Jeju is made for self-drive family holidays, because the best way to explore the island is by car. With its diverse attractions, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions, it makes an exciting destination for all ages. Relive cherished childhood memories at Korea’s first Teddy Bear Museum, where you will find an extensive collection of unique teddy bears from all over the world. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $31* daily.
Road trip tip: Google Maps is often unreliable in South Korea. Instead, locals typically use Naver Maps for accurate directions and navigation. It also offers real-time traffic updates and comprehensive information on local attractions, making it an essential navigation tool for travellers. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, download the Naver Maps app in advance.
(See also: 5 Best Family Ski Resorts in Asia for a Dazzling Winter Holiday)
6. Road Trip in London, United Kingdom
Visiting Stonehenge is a must-do family activity when in England. The easiest and best way to reach this iconic historical site is by renting a car from London, since it affords you the flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace. The two-hour drive from London to Stonehenge is a scenic journey through picturesque English countryside. You can also make spontaneous stops at charming villages like the Cotswolds, turning your family vacation into a memorable adventure. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $61* daily.
Road trip tip: In more remote areas of the UK, you may encounter single-track roads that accommodate traffic in both directions. These roads have designated ‘passing places’ on the side, allowing vehicles to pull over and let oncoming traffic pass. When navigating these roads, it’s important to remain patient and calm. Use the passing places considerately to ensure a safe and pleasant driving experience on these narrow rural routes.
7. Road Trip in Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, yet many of its hidden gems aren’t easily accessible by public transport. For a truly immersive experience, rent a car and discover off-the-beaten-path treasures like the Tarot Garden in Southern Tuscany. This whimsical park features vibrant sculptures that captivate visitors of all ages, especially children. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $8* daily.
Road trip tip: Limited Traffic Zones (LTZ) are designated areas within the historic town centres of Italy. They are restricted primarily for residents or registered vehicles and often closed to outside vehicles during specific hours. It’s crucial to be vigilant for LTZ signs and regulations, since driving in these zones without authorisation can result in hefty fines. To avoid penalties, plan your routes carefully. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy Italy’s historic centres without any legal hassles.
“Another tip for savvy travellers is to adjust your car rental pick-up timing. Prices often peak right after major flights land, so shifting your pick-up time by just an hour can lead to significant savings. Use Skyscanner’s intuitive car rental filters as well to find the cheapest deals, ensuring your travel budget goes further.”
– Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner destination and travel trends expert
8. Road Trip in Auckland, New Zealand
Take your family on a magical journey by car to the enchanting world of Hobbiton, just a little over two hours from Auckland. This stunning location where Lord of the Rings movies and The Hobbit series were filmed brings fantasy to life. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $62* daily.
Road trip tip: When planning a family vacation in New Zealand, consider opting for a campervan instead of a car. This choice offers a unique and memorable experience, allowing you to cruise along New Zealand’s scenic roads at your own pace. A campervan not only provides flexible transportation but also doubles as accommodation, making it a cost-effective solution for family travel.
9. Road Trip in Vancouver, Canada
With a 14-hour direct flight to Vancouver now available in Singapore via Air Canada, travelling to the other side of the world has never been easier. Canada is packed with family-friendly road trip itineraries that offer the perfect escapes from city life. With the majestic sea on one side and steep mountains on the other, the most scenic and convenient way to travel from Vancouver is by car. Embark on a journey to Whistler, passing through the iconic Sea to Sky Highway, with breathtaking views awaiting at every turn. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $58* daily.
Road trip tip: The ideal time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway is from June to September when the snow has melted. During these months, you can fully appreciate the scenery without the worry of slippery conditions. However, if you plan to drive this route in the winter, prepare for significant snowfall. From 1 October to 1 March, it is mandatory for your car to be equipped with winter tyres. Failure to comply can result in fines and unsafe driving conditions.
(See also: Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to do in Vancouver, now a Direct Flight away on Air Canada)
10. Road Trip in Los Angeles, United States
A Californian road trip is a popular choice among families, because it promises an exciting family adventure. Starting in vibrant Los Angeles, embark on a scenic drive along the coast to San Francisco. Enjoy the stunning coastal views and immerse your family in the natural beauty and wonders of California’s coastline. Along the way, make a stop at the Coastal Discovery Center for an enriching and educational experience for children, complete with hands-on exhibits about the diverse wildlife. Rent your road trip vehicle from only $59* daily.
Road trip tip: Los Angeles is notorious for its heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours. To make your journey smoother, plan your drives outside of peak times whenever possible. If you’re travelling with multiple passengers, take advantage of designated carpool lanes, or High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. These lanes are designed to reduce congestion, allowing you to bypass the gridlock and significantly speed up your travel.
Stay Safe on Your Family Road Trip
Finally, with any kind of travel, it’s important to do your research before heading out. Especially when you have little ones who depend on you. For your upcoming family road trip, make sure you’re aware of traffic regulations in your chosen destination.
Besides knowing which side of the road to drive on, for example, this world map of car seat rules will help you ensure your children’s safety, avoid legal issues, and enhance protection while on the road. Happy — and safe — travels!
*Searches conducted 3 September 2024 on Skyscanner for the travel period of 16 to 17 November 2024
(See also: 12 + 1 Most Family-friendly Cities Around the World to Visit)
Featured image: jcomp on Freepik
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