When it comes to family holidays in Asia, we think the key to success is to consider what stage your family is at right now. What’s important to each of you, what’s the motivation for your next adventure and what is sure to get everyone excited? To inspire your plans, we've identified three holiday styles that we think every family will be able to relate to.
1. EXOTIC BUT NOT OVERWHELMING
You might be seasoned travellers looking for a beach-based escape or feeling ready to visit Asia for the very first time. If the trip is well-planned, then the whole family can enjoy a holiday that’s both enriching and relaxing.
With the right location and the right place to stay, it’s possible to experience an exciting new culture and to explore as much or as little as you like. Wonderfully exotic yet safe and easy - this is a stress-free way to ignite the wanderlust.
Magical Maldives
A brilliant place for a family holiday but with over 150 resorts that look similar on paper, it can be tricky to work out which one will suit you. From where to find the best food to the resorts with the best snorkelling, here we show you how to pick the right holiday and we suggest some top family choices.
A week in the Arabian tropics
We can’t think of a better location on our books for a family holiday that is unusual but easy at the same time. Salalah feels a little off-the-beaten-track, yet it’s a microcosm to everything Oman has to offer. This holiday has scenery, culture, adventure, and tropical beaches whilst staying in one super hotel.
Villa Holidays in Sri Lanka
With its astonishing variety, Sri Lanka is a terrific family choice and holidays based around a fully staffed private villa are both luxurious and economical. These South coast villa holidays have been created to ensure you feel immersed in the destination whilst enjoying tranquillity and togetherness.
2. BROADENING THE HORIZONS
You’re ready to embrace the opportunities travel offers - to explore beyond the typical tourist trail and enjoy immersive experiences, but you don't necessarily want to rush around. It’s great to broaden our children’s horizons by showing them another way of life - especially with an assurance that the host community and the environment have been carefully considered. Slow adventures balanced with R&R to inspire and refresh the whole family where everyone will go home wanting more.
Vietnam Highlights and Beyond
Vietnam is perfect for a first family adventure and this holiday is ideal for those who want to do more than tick off popular tourist sites. Explore the rural tributaries of the Mekong by boat and bike, discover some hidden countryside gems, take a train journey, and visit a homestay. There’s even time to kick back by the beach.
Relaxed Sri Lanka Family Holiday
The countryside of Sri Lanka is perfect for unique adventures and quality family time, and it doesn’t need to be a rush. Veer off-the-beaten-track to enjoy the islands astonishing beauty with lots of immersive activities. The accommodation is part of the interactive experience including a coconut estate, a tea estate, a farm, and beach huts.
Contrasts of Laos & Cambodia
A terrific combination for a memorable family trip. With this well-thought-through paired back route, you can discover jungles and waterfalls, learn about local life and traditions, and explore history in a fun way from three lovely hotel bases. The magic, the mystery, and the beauty of Indochina is guaranteed to impress all ages.
3. REALLY BIG ADVENTURES
You’re seeking inspiration for an intrepid adventure, or maybe there’s a destination that you’ve all always wanted to explore. What better way to bring the whole family together than to follow a wild orangutan on its journey through the forest or spend a few days living with a remote tribal community? Packed with immersive experiences, these are holidays to fulfil family dreams and make lasting memories before the children fly the nest. Guaranteed to keep the childish sense of wonder alive in all ages.
Off-The-Beaten-Track in Borneo
An unusual and special journey deep into the jungle of Borneo. Discover the tribal traditions of the Murat people and immerse yourselves in a one-off wildlife experience before spending time relaxing on unspoiled beach. From a research station in the jungle to hammocks under the stars the accommodation here adds to the adventure.
South India Family Explorer
The southwest region around Kerala and Karnataka is peaceful and beautiful making it an ideal location for a family journey. From wildlife experiences in Nagarhole National Park and a private boat trip on the northern backwaters to a homestay experience and a gorgeous beach retreat - this is an immersive yet gentle way to explore India.
Family Java, Bali and Komodo Cruise
Cruising around Komodo National Park searching for the remarkable dragon will make memories to last a lifetime. But add in beaches, cycle adventures through the exotic paddy-fields of Bali and watching the sunrise behind a magnificent temple set between volcanic peaks on Java and you have a trip that will be impossible to forget.
ASIA, FAMILIES AND A TOUR OPERATOR HOLIDAY
IS ASIA APPROPRIATE FOR FAMILIES?
Of course your first foray into Asia will feel less familiar than a trip to Europe – but that’s part of the fun! There is no reason why it should be any less safe than somewhere closer to home, and we work with some of the best family-friendly guides in the business. In the unlikely event of an emergency, you will always have 24-hour support both in-country and from the UK, so any situation can be dealt with efficiently. You can also always get in touch for casual queries or for recommendations.
Will everyone be happy and engaged?
From first-hand experience, we understand that travelling with children – from tots to teens – is different to travelling with adults. We’ve designed signature family experiences to make sure everyone is happy – getting stuck in rather than being lectured to, plenty of pool time and ice cream, and a little learning washed down with plenty of fun.
Booking with a company like ETG
If you enjoy planning holidays, we certainly wouldn’t want to deprive you – you can be as involved in the process as you would like to be. But our travel experts can save you hours of work! They’ll make tailored suggestions and can even surprise you with a few ideas you might not have thought of. You’ll get access to our guides, expert destination knowledge and exclusive experiences, as well as financial and legal protection. Essentially, we are here to save you a lot of time, effort and potential headaches.
