There’s no doubt about it that school is an important aspect of your child’s education. But, there’s nothing like an overseas adventure to expand their horizons and excite their imaginations! Family holidays can amazing way to create lasting memories and tighten that family bond. Whether you’ve still got a baby in a carrier or they’re young adults about to leave home, check out these top 5 school holiday travel destinations for a guaranteed great time!
1. Disney Adventure: Los Angeles, USA
Whose kid isn’t going to enjoy visiting the happiest place on earth?!? Thrilling rides, Disney characters brought to life and American-style food will keep the kids entertained for days… But, don’t think you won’t enjoy it too! If you’ve never been to Disneyland before, parents are often surprised when they find themselves enjoying the adventure and enchantment of LA’s best theme park just as much as the kids.
A trip to Disneyland Anaheim isn’t complete until you’ve spent a few days enjoying LA’s other sites as well. World-class shopping, people-watching on Venice Beach, strolling down Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and eating candy floss on Santa Monica’s pier. LA truly is a destination the whole family will enjoy.
Perfect for: Tweens and teens
When to go: For warm weather that’s not too hot, aim for the Australian autumn or spring school holidays
Top things to do:
- Disneyland Anaheim
- Universal Studios
- Enjoy rides and food at Santa Monica Pier
- Marvel at the wax wonders of Madame Tussauds
- Devour pancakes at IHOP
Currency to use: United States Dollars (USD)
2. Beachside Bliss: Fiji
If you have young kids and just want a chance to relax, Fiji is the holiday for you! Most Fijian resorts have free kids clubs where you can check them in for non-stop, all day, supervised fun. And, while the kids are getting their hair braided, having flipper races and learning to cut coconuts open with their hands, you can sit and relax beach-side while the palm trees sway in the gentle wind. To sweeten the deal even more, Fijian resorts often promote kids stay or eat free deals.
Once you’ve had your R&R time, there’s plenty of family-friendly activities to do too! Go snorkeling, cruise to a nearby island or visit a traditional Fijian village.
Perfect for: Babies up to teens
When to go: To avoid wet season, aim for the Australian winter or spring school holidays
Top things to do:
- Visit a local village
- Enjoy free traditional resort nightly entertainment
- Be pampered at a luxury day spa
- Cruise the islands
- Take part in free resort activities
Currency to use: Fijian dollars (FJD)
3. Winter Wonderland: Queenstown, New Zealand
Entertaining energetic kids during the cold and wet winter school holidays is easy! If your kids won’t sit still, take them for a winter holiday where they can embrace the cold and learn to love it.
One of New Zealand’s most idyllic locations, Queenstown, makes for the perfect winter adventure base. Keep it inexpensive and easy by booking a house with a fireplace, get out there and enjoy Queenstown’s adventure activities and hit the slopes for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere. Once you’ve worn the kids out, head into town to feast on some warming comfort food in one of the town’s atmospheric restaurants.
Perfect for: Tweens and teens
When to go: For optimal skiing, aim for the Australian winter school holidays.
Top things to do:
- Shotover Jet
- Bungy-jumping
- Ski or snowboard Coronet Peak and the Remarkables
- The luge
- Indulge in the world’s best burgers at Ferg Burger
Currency to use: New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
4. Asian Discovery: Thailand
Give the kids a taste of true Asian food and culture by taking them to this tropical paradise. With stunning beaches, delicious food and lots of fun family-friendly activities, this country has something for everyone. From the bustling city of Bangkok (which is an experience to be had) to the white sand beaches of the south and the lush rainforest to the north. The kids will love patting tigers and spotting monkeys while you hang out for market shopping and amazing temples.
Best of all, Thailand is a great value for the budget-conscious family!
Perfect for: Toddlers to teens
When to go: For cooler dry days, aim for the Australian spring and summer school holidays
Top things to do:
- Be a firefighter, doctor or sushi chef at KidZania
- Visit Dinosaur Planet
- Cruise the islands
- Elephant Nature Park
- Relax on pristine beaches
Currency to use: Thai Baht (THB)
5. Wildlife Wonder: Western Canada
Any wildlife loving, outdoor, adventurous kid will love taking a self-guided trip to Western Canada. Fly into Vancouver, explore the city and then hire a car or take a train to some of North America’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes. Because the distances aren’t great and there are plenty of towns to stop at on the way, the kids won’t be bored. Be sure to tick off the ever-popular Banff and Jasper National Parks in search of grizzly bears, bald eagles, moose and even Rudolph!
Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking and white-water rafting. Whether you’re on a budget or not, the Canadian National Parks have well-equipped campsites so you can finish off your days the right way with some S’mores and campfire antics.
Perfect for: Tweens to teens
When to go: To ensure the parks and trails are open, aim for the Australian winter school holidays
Top things to do:
- Visit the Space Museum
- Kids market on Granville Island
- Ride the iconic Grouse Mountain Super Skyride
- Soak in hot mineral springs with a view
- Get up close to wildlife in Banff and Jasper National Parks
Currency to use: Canadian Dollars (CAD)
Taking the Family on a Trip of a Lifetime!
If you’re planning a family-friendly trip to one of these top school holiday travel destinations, make sure you check out our money saving tips.
And, when it comes to organising your foreign currency, travel insurance and international TravelSIM, visit one of our Crown Currency Exchange locations for the very best rates and friendliest service.
