Domestic or International Holiday with Two Kids

L4Flowers on 02/03/2025 - 21:15

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad I recently found OzBargain. For context I have two kids and would like to take them on a holiday for 2-3 weeks early next year OR we could maybe have a 1 to 2 week holiday the middle of this year. I would have loved to take the children to England, but the flights alone would cost $7,500.00 return so I'm looking for other reasonable options for a holiday in Australia or overseas. Please share any ideas for destinations, flights, or airlines to try for 1 adult and two kids. Thank you so much.

Travel Holiday

Comments

  • MS Paint on 02/03/2025 - 21:18
    +24

    I hear Logan in QLD is where it's at.

    • life is suffering on 02/03/2025 - 22:36
      +1

      Hurricane season

      • AMofOz on 03/03/2025 - 09:53
        +2

        wabbit season, duck season.

      • MrThing on 05/03/2025 - 14:13
        -1

        Eshay bashing season

      • csi-lk on 05/03/2025 - 18:43

        I thought the hurricane season was ovah

  • Tiredman on 02/03/2025 - 21:32
    +35

    Japan. Safe and fun and plenty of things to see and do.

    • aussieplip on 02/03/2025 - 21:37
      +3

      Japan is heaps cheaper and no jetlag. Kids will love the theme parks

        • Caped Baldy on 03/03/2025 - 15:35
          +23

          The cashed up bogans are ruining everything again.

        • sauce2k on 04/03/2025 - 09:28
          +3

          you saw one video LOL, bet you have never been to Japan

          • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 09:43
            -2

            @sauce2k: One video? Try months of articles form reputable media here and in Japan. And statements from Japans own tourism dept and orgs. So yeah, it's fake news(to you)

            • Caped Baldy on 04/03/2025 - 09:50
              +2

              @Protractor: Whilst I don't think it's as bad as the articles suggest, I do think the bogans have moved on from Bali to Japan so there is a lot of truth to the articles. You've got to be an absolute drop kick to not read the room and smoke at ski fields in Japan even though they love smoking there.

              • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 09:58
                +1

                @Caped Baldy: The kind of morons who ruined Bali are not capable of respecting culture. There or here.. Sadly it's Japans turn to suffer the consequences.Social media trends have contributed to many a paradise wipe out. Can't see it ending as long as vertical cockroaches dominate social media.
                Bogan attitudes and behaviour, and Japan, can never co-exist

                • Brianqpr on 04/03/2025 - 18:34

                  @Protractor: They've ruined certain parts of it but are also easily avoided. Still plenty of fantastic spots in Bali.

                  • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 19:01

                    @Brianqpr:

                    Still plenty of fantastic spots in Bali.

                    Until some dick influencer lists all the 'unspoilt places'. It happens every time.It's what drives the sheep mentality around tourism.

                    Here's the magic formula>
                    “My advice is to research the culture and find locations off the beaten path,” she said.

                    “I started my website to share lesser-known spots in Japan and reduce our tourist footprints, as well as tips for local etiquette, language basics, cultural experiences and offbeat itineraries”

                    From>
                    https://www.news.com.au/travel/destinations/asia/hard-for-lo…

              • Hangryuman on 04/03/2025 - 11:03
                -1

                @Caped Baldy: 'You've got to be an absolute drop kick to not read the room and smoke at ski fields'

                interesting mixed metaphors there - 'drop kick' - 'room' - 'ski fields' …

                I guess you were suggesting don't drop cigarette butts in the snow ?

              • R4 on 04/03/2025 - 15:46

                @Caped Baldy: I saw that video and while the Australian couple were in the wrong, the Japanese guy was being a bit of an ass too and overreacting. There's ways to raise concerns, issues, complaints etc and the way he did it wasn't one of them.

                • Caped Baldy on 04/03/2025 - 16:20
                  +3

                  @R4: I get the feeling there was a lot of pent up annoyance or the smoking was so egregious that he lost his shit.

            • sauce2k on 04/03/2025 - 10:16

              @Protractor: list them let me read these "fake news"…I mean months of articles right , gotta be a lot of articles!

              • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 10:18

                @sauce2k: Throw something like that in your denial web search engine then>
                japans tourism authority warns australian tourists

                • sauce2k on 04/03/2025 - 11:02
                  +1

                  @Protractor: the over-tourism warning has been issued for ages, started with USD ath against Yen followed by AUD. You will see more Americans than Aussies if you ever been to Japan but sounds like you haven't but based on one video and your search on Aussies tourists in Japan. There are bad tourists everywhere.

                  • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 11:11

                    @sauce2k: Agree. There' are' bad tourists everywhere. But it's about the impact. And more than that, it's about facing the reality of that impact. Not denying it.If you think less Strayans (the typical Bali tourism type) don't impact more than ten times the number of of respectful (eg) Chinese tourists (who are greater by numbers) then you're defending a unicorn.Japan isn't the first and won't be the last where ppl dome home and say it was all going great until (insert ocker accent and loud intrusive embarrassing munted behaviour here).
                    Just like Bali,in Japan now, we are ahead of the pack of making it well known, we are HERE!
                    Never forget, not everyone in Japan wants or needs tourism. That's a commercial drive.

                    You can't put the genie back in the bottle.As Japan is finding out. Ask the 'real Balinese people.What's left of them.

                    • sauce2k on 04/03/2025 - 14:05
                      +1

                      @Protractor: I don't think Japan will get more Bali Aussies

                      1. Japan is way more expensive than Bali
                      2. You don't go around shirtless and thongs in Japan
                      3. Surfing is getting popular in Japan but mostly countryside, you won't get a large amount of them going there
                      4. Whole different culture and country vs. Bali

                      Like I said, way more Americans and Chinese than Aussies in Japan

                      • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 14:35

                        @sauce2k: Like I said, it takes less Aussies to ruin the party.
                        I've seen it time and time again.Americans used to be the loud tourists, but even then they were respectful in most instances.We see to have bypassed the , when in Rome, gene.Reading the room is too hard,it seems.

      • Poor Ass on 03/03/2025 - 18:08
        +2

        the queues suck though

        • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:05
          +1

          i thought we all go to the theme parks FOR the queues

          • Poor Ass on 03/03/2025 - 23:11

            @belongsinforums: nah this is like next level queuing

            • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:13

              @Poor Ass: i saw one of those little signs telling you the wait at disney sea. 6 hour wait for that stupid 30 second VR flight across the world. and people were queued up to the sign.

              • Poor Ass on 03/03/2025 - 23:16

                @belongsinforums: i saw something similar at USJ and the sign said 2.5 hours but really took 1.5hr… it was also a VR one that was getting decommissioned

                one thing good about Japanese theme parks is they always overestimate the waiting time

                • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:18

                  @Poor Ass: my experience waiting for other rides that day were pretty accurate with wait times. almost 2 hours for the tower of terror. got in just before they closed off the line. USJ was way better with the single lines

                  • Poor Ass on 03/03/2025 - 23:22

                    @belongsinforums: agreed the single riders in Japan was great

                    Tower of Terror….. that closed like 6 years ago. You mean Giant Drop?

              • Hangryuman on 04/03/2025 - 11:09

                @belongsinforums: I recall standing in line at a Disney thing - maybe the one next to Tokyo DisneySea

                we saw a long line - OMG - oh well, might as well …

                20 minutes inching along to get to the door and turn the corner - when you see another equally long line - that was hidden from your first view - OMG !

                spend another 20 minutes inching around a looooong queue - to finally get to a door, turn the corner - where you see ANOTHER enormous queue - that was hidden from your second view - Oh No - Aargh !

                Oh well we're committed now - that thing that when you see people behind you in the queue you don't want to give up your place - so you stay … and it feels like forever and a day

                you said 6 hour wait for a 30 second experience ? Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

      • Hangryuman on 03/03/2025 - 18:09
        +1

        today's searches for March-April hotel rooms for a couple in Japan showed me Kagoshima hotels averaging $120-140/night, Nagoya $240/night, and Tokyo $350/night - of course YMMV - that's just our price checks today …

      • migoreng on 04/03/2025 - 08:31
        +1

        2nd 3rd 4th nth.. vote up for Japan.

        Have been 3 times with 2 kids under 5. Just the best place for a family holiday if you want a blend of everything. With the yen now being near parity it is pretty good!

    • ScribbleSass on 04/03/2025 - 12:53
      +1

      But it's expensive.. not everyone can afford it. Check this comment.

  • AustriaBargain on 02/03/2025 - 21:44
    +4

    Age and sex of the kids?

    • 4Flowers on 02/03/2025 - 23:29
      +3

      I should have mentioned that. Two boys - 14 and 17.

        • tenpercent on 04/03/2025 - 19:58
          +1

          That's nasty, Rolf.

      • No ONE on 04/03/2025 - 05:29
        +4

        That's pretty much grown up boys. Travelling should be easy anywhere.

        • Nebargains on 04/03/2025 - 09:18

          Legit, if they were toddlers I would be looking for something that is easy to do with a young kid and a pram etc (which is still most places), but they are teenagers, you can take them anywhere!

  • oscargamer on 02/03/2025 - 21:51
    +1

    Age of kids?

    • 4Flowers on 02/03/2025 - 23:29
      +1

      Boys 14 and 17

      • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:06
        +15

        phuket for the ping pong ball shows

        • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 12:45
          +1

          Or FNQ for nesting turtle tours. Same same

        • R4 on 04/03/2025 - 17:28

          Good ages to learn about stuff like that.

          • belongsinforums on 04/03/2025 - 18:15
            +1

            @R4: 14 is about the right age to learn where ping pong balls come from

  • Benoffie on 02/03/2025 - 22:07
    +1

    Need more info. Interests will be helpful.

    • McMaferMur on 02/03/2025 - 22:19
      +7

      Hobby and star signs as well.

    • 4Flowers on 02/03/2025 - 23:30
      +2

      One loves Lego everything and the other fishing and technology.

        • 4Flowers on 03/03/2025 - 20:17

          Thank you. I'm not sure why got negative votes if that's what they're called.

          • AustriaBargain on 03/03/2025 - 20:45
            +1

            @4Flowers: Haters are going to hate.

          • Save 50 Cent on 03/03/2025 - 22:48
            +4

            @4Flowers: Because using chatgpt for everything is getting out of hand and just lazy as.
            You obviously were asking for personal experiences and i take it you know who to use chatgpt/google yourself.

            • Bren20 on 04/03/2025 - 10:46
              +2

              @Save 50 Cent: I don't mind the ChatGPT so much, but OP says it's too expensive to fly to UK, I doubt US will be any cheaper. A quick bit of research shows that there's legolands in Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

              Also, I liked lego as a teenager but I don't think I would have wanted to go to legoland.

          • R4 on 04/03/2025 - 16:18
            +1

            @4Flowers: I agree. I thought it was a great answer and down voting it is pathetic and childish.

      • Benoffie on 03/03/2025 - 10:31
        +5

        Japan.

        Just did it in 23 with a then 17 year old boy.

        Super safe, not crowded. Tech for days, models, Gundam, Lego, you name it. They will drive you bonkers chasing stuff.

        Try staying around Shimbashi station to maximise the local lines on the subway.

        Get the kids to have a look and give you feedaback.

        South Korea - meh. Unless they are into the K culture, I wouldn't bother. That is crowded, no where near as polite or forgiving, outside of Seoul English is difficult and there's no translation or dual languages. Japan isnt like this. Didnt matter where we went, everyone, even aholes, were polite (even if frustrating). That, I could deal with with a kid in tow.

        • Hangryuman on 03/03/2025 - 18:13
          +2

          in Seoul I was not impressed when I went looking for snacks in a local convenience store and it seemed all the drinks they were selling were soju - or strong rice alcohol - {shudder} - I won't bother trying to read this article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_alcoholic_drinks

          • Benoffie on 03/03/2025 - 20:13

            @Hangryuman: Its not cheap, everything is pegged to USD (which is a killer for us) and yes, the unrestricted licensing on alcohol and general culture around drinking isnt great for kids

        • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:14

          good tip to stay near shinbashi. easy walk back home if youre out past midnight for some reason

        • ScribbleSass on 04/03/2025 - 12:55

          Super safe, not crowded.

          I don't agree with this. Any large city in Japan, especially Tokyo, is super crowded any time of the year. Public transport included.

          • Benoffie on 04/03/2025 - 14:58

            @ScribbleSass: This is relative.

            Tokyo subway in peak? Absolutely. But OP is a tourist and shops dont open until 10am. Therefore, not a problem.

            Tourist locations? Try and avoid busy days (generally weekends and holidays). That being said, I was at Meiji Shrine on Shichi-Go-San and whilst there was a clear up tick in visitors (mainly locals), it wasnt crazy.

            For me, crowded is 'can I not walk safely on the streets without throngs of people and feers of being touched or robbed'

            None of that applies in Japan, even in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka and even on the subways. Put it down to culture or just plain good manners but it is easy to get around and easy with kids.

      • migoreng on 04/03/2025 - 08:34
        +2

        Theres legoland in japan as well.

        • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 12:46

          It'll be like Bali soon as the Strayan waves continue. Legglessland

          • tenpercent on 04/03/2025 - 19:59
            -1

            @Protractor: If you hate Australians so much, why do you live in Australia?

  • Wiadro on 02/03/2025 - 22:14
    +7

    japan travel is cheaper then traveling locally

    • Agret on 03/03/2025 - 18:23
      +4

      They're 14 & 17 so they are teenagers rather than children, definitely old enough to remember their trip.

    • Save 50 Cent on 03/03/2025 - 22:49
      +2

      I’m sorry you parents neglected you.

  • El cheepo on 02/03/2025 - 22:45
    +12

    If the kids are at least high-school age or close to that, an international trip is a great way to broaden their horizons and give them a different look at the world outside of Australia.

    Travel is a real eye opener for anyone, but especially young ones still learning about the world.

      • El cheepo on 03/03/2025 - 10:40
        +1

        Thats why i said

        If the kids are at least high-school age or close to that,

    • 4Flowers on 02/03/2025 - 23:31
      +2

      That’s a fact. We have family in England and I should add we used to live there but a long time ago. Accommodation probably wouldn’t be an issue but flights are just horrendous nowadays.

      • drprox on 03/03/2025 - 16:07
        +3

        Also when you step off the plane you're in England!

        • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 10:41

          Which is currently morally 300 years ahead of the uSA . Almost like another planet, one might say.

          • drprox on 04/03/2025 - 19:48

            @Protractor: I certainly wasn't suggesting they go to the USA…

            • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 20:29

              @drprox: Yes, thankfully that sort of colonial punishment has gone by the wayside. Except of course for GITMO resort, now being used for the USA unwashed masses.

  • Dollar General on 03/03/2025 - 04:47
    +7

    Singapore or Japan

    • Downvoter on 03/03/2025 - 08:39
      +5

      Singapore how boring

      • wetsandwich on 06/03/2025 - 08:34
        +1

        Yeah, I went there once and other than shopping and drinking, what purpose does it serve?

    • AMofOz on 03/03/2025 - 09:51

      I have Singapore on my bucket list, but I worry about the crowds lol.

      • Caped Baldy on 03/03/2025 - 15:36
        +5

        You should be more worried about the humidity.

        • AMofOz on 03/03/2025 - 19:33

          fair

      • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:08
        +2

        singapore is fine as a quick stopover. dont know why anyone would willingly stay there longer than a day

    • oringal on 04/03/2025 - 12:11
      +1

      Malaysia instead of Singapore imo, more stuff to do and very affordable and just as safe

  • drewbytes on 03/03/2025 - 08:40
    +4

    If you can afford the trip to the UK the kids will love it. We've been on many trips with our boys and they love exploring the countryside, castles and other ancient ruins, piers with all the games, etc etc. Join English Heritage and see as many sites for free (when you're a member) as you can get to. We've been to approx. 200 of their 400 sites.

    • 4Flowers on 03/03/2025 - 20:21
      +1

      That sounds amazing and it is certainly something my boys would love. Given the distance I think 3 weeks is required as a minimum. If I choose this option we will need to decide if we travel in winter or the British version of summer lol.

      • drewbytes on 04/03/2025 - 08:04

        Summer is very busy, both driving, parking and attractions especially the seaside ones. We normally go in spring, late Apr-May is a good time. Everyone else is at school/work, weather is warming up, everything is green and flowering, days are still quite long (dark at 8:30pm). Less rainfall on average at that time of year than summer too.

        I agree, you need at least 3 weeks. We normally stay for 30-35 days in country. If you want any more specific advice, happy to help.

  • Fredfloresjr on 03/03/2025 - 09:49
    +1

    Nothing to see Locally, the reason why you want to travel is the change of atmosphere. Like many said, JAPAN is the key.

  • AMofOz on 03/03/2025 - 09:51
    +1

    I'm biased, but I loved Hawaii when we went in December! Around 10 hour flight time. There's some good deals about included flights and accommodation packages.

    https://www.myhawaii.com.au/shop/?collections=Hot%20Deals

    https://www.tripadeal.com.au/searchresults?searchText=Hawaii

    • 4Flowers on 03/03/2025 - 20:22
      +1

      I have actually always wanted to visit Hawaii. Not sure why I never thought about it when thinking about a holiday. Having a look at your links now.

  • pogichinoy on 03/03/2025 - 09:55
    +1

    South Korea.

    Japan a close second but looks to be super congested with tourists.

    • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 10:44

      Check out the graph showing tourism growth. The Chinese dominate the numbers, but from most accounts Strayans dominate the decibels in the main haunts. We leave a heavy footprint, that's for sure.

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