Thinking of where to bring the entire family for a big trip in 2016? Lightfoot Travel recommends the best child-friendly vacations from Singapore
If you could only go on one big family holiday next year, you’ll want to the trip to be epic and unforgettable for the entire brood. To help you plan your dream vacation with the kids, we asked our favourite travel designers at Lightfoot Travel for their recommendations on the ultimate child-friendly trips from Singapore to take in 2016 – whether you’re after cultural journeys, adventurous voyages or nature getaways. Get excited!
New Zealand
For families that are outdoors enthusiasts, New Zealand is one the first places that comes to mind. The sheer variety of landscapes – from vineyards, glaciers, fjords, lakes – is tantamount to travelling through various countries in just one holiday. The North Island offers more cultural experiences than the South, which is known for its soul-stirring scenery.
Favourite activities:
- Cycling through vineyards (while the kids play, mom and dad can go on a wine tasting)
- Hunting for gold nuggets in Arrotown’s river
- Quad biking through the stunning countryside
- Swimming with dolphins and seals in Kaikoura
- Fly fishing in Rotorua
- Helicopter rides over Milford Sound
Hotel splurge: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay is the epitome of countryside living, where kids can experience life on a working farm. Don’t miss the gannet colony and the kiwi walk for a great intro to the country’s native species.
South Africa
For an introduction to safaris, South Africa is arguably the best place to start. Not only can you spot The Big Five in Madikwe Game Reserve, you can mingle your wildlife holiday with a great self-drive along the Garden Route. And let’s not forget a city escape to Cape Town, which offers a fascinating blend of culture and nature. It truly is the most family-friendly country on the continent.
Favourite activities:
- The highlight will be the safari, and you can experience the Madikwe Game Reserve by foot or on a game drive.
- When in Cape Town, head to Boulders Beach to see the penguin colony; enjoy an afternoon at Two Oceans Aquarium; and have a wild time at Ratanga Junction theme park with its thrilling rides, animal shows and petting zoo.
- Along the Garden Route, stop for whale watching; go on a horse riding expedition; explore the beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest; and go air ballooning.
Hotel splurge: One&Only Cape Town is a great option in the colourful city with lots of complimentary daily activities for kids at the KidsOnly club.
Best lodge: Madikwe Safari Lodge is the ultimate lodge experience. Not only is the setting stunning with an abundance of wildlife, the lodge keeps the kids entertained. And with kids below the age of 5 staying for free and at 50% off for kids aged 6 to 15, it’s a no-brainer.
Myanmar
Definitely one to put on the list next year before it sees an influx of tourists making their way to this beautiful country. It’s impossible to visit Myanmar and not stay a couple of days in Bagan, a truly phenomenal cultural site. Shwedagon Temple in Yangon and Inle Lake ranks highly on our ‘must-experience’ list, as does Kalaw for a glimpse into village life. And of course, some R&R on the coast in Ngapali is an awesome way to end your trip.
Favourite activities:
- Sunrise over Bagan aboard a hot air balloon – which is nothing short of spectacular – followed by a bike tour through the temples
- Cruising on Inle Lake and watching fishermen go about their day
- Visit Green Hill Valley, a sanctuary for elephants in Kalaw
- Ride Yangon’s Circular Railway, allowing you to glimpse into daily life in Yangon
Hotel splurge: Aureum Palace Hotel offers spacious villas and an infinity pool that overlooks the temples. Perfect for some sight-seeing from the comfort of your hotel!
Galapagos
With virtually a non-existent human footprint, the Galapagos is like no place on Earth – and with every intention of staying that way. The wild islands are inhabited by curious and rare creatures, lots of which are endemic to that region.
It’s one of the few places in the world where you can swim with playful sea lions, watch 100-year old giant tortoises slowly roam through the island, watch colourful iguanas sunbathing and observe the revered blue-footed booby.
Favourite activities:
- Snorkelling and admiring the incredible flora and fauna is something that is impossible to miss
- Hike through the various islands and uncover unique landscapes
- Take a kayak or hop aboard a zodiac to explore the islands
Cruise splurge: Lindblad Expeditions offers incredible experiences aboard their National Geographic Islander. With an on-hand Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, you’ll get invaluable tips on getting the best pictures of the abundant wildlife. Science projects and nature lessons with naturalists will keep the kids entertained, engaged and educated.
Peru
The Latino fondness for children means that kids are welcomed everywhere. While in Peru, kids will be enthralled by the myth, the ruins, the folklore and the abundance of fun things to do – it’s a sublime land of wonders.
Favourite activities:
- A trip to Machu Picchu is unmissable. If you are travelling with active teenagers, try a three-day hike up to Machu Picchu – otherwise opt for the train for an easier and faster commute.
- Visit an alpaca farm and get up close to these endearing creatures
- Learn about their traditional weaving and dyeing techniques in the Sacred Valley
- Visit floating villages on Lake Titicaca
Hotel splurge: Be warned – Skylodge Adventure Suites is not for the faint of heart, but what an experience it will bring. For kids aged over 9, sleeping in the world’s first ever hanging lodge will give them bragging rights for a very long time. First, you will need to climb up the 400-metre rock face before making it all the way to your pod, towering over the Sacred Valley.
Sweden
We love Sweden throughout the year, but our fondness for this Scandinavian country grows during the winter months. When the country is covered in a sheet of white and turns into an enchanting frozen world, that’s when the fun starts!
Favourite activities:
- Chase northern lights in the Abisko National Park with the help of a professional photographer who will give you tips on capturing these magical colours
- Go dog sledding and relax on your wooden sled as you explore the spectacular scenery
- Visit a local Sami reindeer herder and make friends with these delightful creatures
- For the more adventurous, whizz through the snow-filled countryside aboard a snowmobile
Hotel splurge: As its name implies, Treehotel is set up high in the trees in a pine forest in Harads. The concept is unique and allows everyone to experience nature from atop in comfort and style.
Jordan
A safe haven in a region of conflict (what some refer to as the “Switzerland of the Middle East”), Jordan has delighted and will continue to delight visitors thanks to its incredible world heritage sites, friendly locals and breathtaking deserts. Getting around Jordan is very easy and safe, and a self-drive is the way to go.
Favourite activities:
- Go hiking in the Dana Nature Reserve and admire the spectacular views of the Sharah Mountains, abundant plant and wildlife
- Pretend you’re Indiana Jones uncovering the impressive pre-historic city of Petra
- Roll around in mud and wash it all away in the Dead Sea – baby soft skin guaranteed!
Hotel splurge: Feynan Eco Lodge in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, is hailed as one of the top ecolodges in the world. Herds of goats often drop by during breakfast and the staff are from the surrounding Bedouin villages and are always happy to entertain guests with stories. In the evening, head up to the rooftop for some gorgeous star-gazing.
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.
