Let’s face it – once tiny humans enter your life, those carefree backpacking dreams
often get swapped for all-inclusives with kiddie pools. But who says family holidays
have to mean sacrificing adventure? These far-flung destinations prove you can
have your exotic cake and eat it too.
But before you jet off to these truly off-the-beaten-path destinations, make sure to
talk to a trusted visa partner like OnTrailVisa. You don’t want to be dealing with
wrangling kids AND explaining yourself to border guards while on holiday!
Japan
Japan might seem an unlikely family travel destination, but it’s actually kid heaven
wrapped in an exciting cultural package. This is a country where toilets have buttons,
cartoons are religion, and train conductors bow when they enter your carriage.
Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea offer familiar touchpoints with unique Japanese
twists, while animal cafés let kids hang out with everything from cats to hedgehogs.
The ubiquitous vending machines dispensing everything from hot chocolate to toys
will keep little ones entertained between sights.
Japanese people adore children, meaning yours will be welcomed rather than
tolerated. The spotless streets, incredible safety record, and efficient public transport
make navigating with kids surprisingly stress-free. Even better, most railway stations
have clean family restrooms and nursing rooms.
Costa Rica
“Mum, I saw a SLOTH!” Those magic wildlife moments are what family memories
are made of, and Costa Rica delivers them in spades.
This Central American gem has perfected family eco-tourism, with lodges designed
for families who want adventure without roughing it. Kids can spot monkeys swinging
through trees at breakfast, watch turtles nesting on beaches, and search for red-
eyed tree frogs on guided night walks.
The country’s compact size means less “are we there yet?” misery – you can go
from rainforest to beach in just a few hours. Many lodges offer family suites and kids’
activities that educate while entertaining, and the legendary Costa Rican hospitality
means your little monsters will be welcomed with genuine warmth.
Thai Islands
Thailand has graduated from backpacker paradise to family favourite, and for good
reason. The southern islands offer that perfect balance of exotic cultural immersion
and familiar comforts.
Koh Samui and Koh Lanta lead the pack for family-friendliness, with shallow, calm
beaches perfect for nervous swimmers and resorts designed with kids in mind. Many
offer kids’ clubs with Thai cultural activities like fruit carving or traditional dance,
giving parents a chance for that massage they’ve been dreaming about since, well,
since having children.
Thai people’s legendary love of children means yours will be fussed over, with
restaurant staff happily entertaining babies while you actually eat a meal while it’s
still hot. Food-wise, even picky eaters can usually find familiar options, while more
adventurous mini-foodies can discover milder Thai dishes.
Beyond the beach, families can ride elephants at ethical sanctuaries, take longtail
boat trips to hidden lagoons, or explore night markets filled with weird and wonderful
treasures. Older kids might enjoy Muay Thai (kickboxing) lessons, while younger
ones can feed fish at temple ponds for good luck.
Sri Lanka
If you designed a country specifically for family adventures, it might look a lot like Sri
Lanka. This teardrop-shaped island packs wildlife, beaches, culture and amazing
food into an area you can drive across in a day (though you’d be mad to rush it).
The train journey through tea plantations from Kandy to Ella has been voted one of
the world’s most scenic rail trips, and kids will love peering out the doors as you pass
waterfalls and mountains. Wildlife safaris in Yala or Udawalawe National Parks offer
excellent elephant spotting and the chances of seeing leopards are surprisingly
good.
Ancient sites like Sigiriya (Lion Rock) turn history into adventure as families climb
this massive rock fortress together. The coastal town of Galle offers walkable
colonial charm, ice cream shops, and rampart walls perfect for sunset strolls.
Accommodation-wise, many colonial tea planter bungalows have been converted
into family-friendly hotels where kids can explore gardens while you enjoy a
sundowner. Beach resorts on the south coast often feature kids’ clubs and shallow
lagoons perfect for safer swimming.
Malaysian Borneo
“But can we see orangutans?” If that’s your kids’ reaction to suggested holiday
destinations, Borneo needs to be on your radar. This island offers wildlife experiences that rival Africa, beaches to compete with Thailand, and a fascinating
cultural mix of indigenous, Malay, Chinese and colonial influences.
Sabah, Malaysia’s eastern state, is particularly family-friendly. The Sepilok
Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre lets children witness these incredible creatures up
close during feeding times, while the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
introduces kids to the world’s smallest bears.
River cruises along the Kinabatangan River become incredible floating wildlife
safaris, with proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and hornbills regularly spotted
from the boat. Many lodges offer family rooms with air conditioning (a blessing in the
humid climate) and swimming pools for cooling off.
After jungle adventures, head to the beaches around Kota Kinabalu for downtime.
Resorts here cater well to families, with kids’ clubs often featuring cultural activities
like batik painting or traditional dance. Offshore islands with marine parks offer
gentle snorkeling over coral reefs teeming with Nemo lookalikes.
