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

      • Hangryuman on 04/03/2025 - 11:16

        'We leave a heavy footprint'

        I'm unfortunately unable to forget the sight during a repeat visit walking up the hill to the Kyoto hillside sacred temple Kiyomizudera, and arriving at the top entrance plaza only to have my eyes accosted by a family of oversized white people in gaudy short pants, t-shirts and thongs all wearing fluorescent bright green wigs - I guessed immediately and once within earshot - unfortunately confirmed that - yes, they were stray lions …

        • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 11:36

          Preserving our priceless international reputation.

  • Lastchancetosee on 03/03/2025 - 10:37
    +5

    Japan. Lots of teen- and family-friendly activities. Tokyo - Ghibli Museum, Godzilla, Sky Tower, National Museum, TeamLab, Science Museum with a whole floor of robotics, Disneyland, for a start.

    There's also Universal Studios in Osaka and a second TeamLab to visit at night, and a purateship tour on the lake near Mt Fiji.

    If you take the time to look, there are hundreds of interesting things to do and places to visit. Also plenty of threads on OzB for travelling to Japan.

  • Jeannie77 on 03/03/2025 - 11:04
    +1

    At 14 and 17 you should be asking them where they would prefer to go. For me at that age I would have chosen Los Angeles.

    • bargaino on 03/03/2025 - 13:50
      +6

      Real life LA will be a sordid disappointment , compared to Hollywood movies.
      If going to the USA, see the national parks, or a decent city.

    • 4Flowers on 03/03/2025 - 20:24

      You're right. I haven't told them because this holiday wherever we go is supposed be a surprise.

      • Hangryuman on 04/03/2025 - 11:19
        -1

        I guess the surprise will end when you go to check in at the departure airport and they see the flight number and destination …

        • 4Flowers on 04/03/2025 - 22:36
          +1

          Yes but it would still be a surprise until that point I guess =)

    • npnp on 04/03/2025 - 12:52

      Now LA is a sorry sight filled with old run down buildings, homeless people everywhere, dirty walkways and dodgy people that you will constantly be vary of (Guns cough…). They have a map showing where they (homeless people) poop on streets (lookup), make sure you avoid those when walking. Don't park your car outside (if you rent one) and you will have your windows broken (I saw some cars without wheels.. Jeez). If this sounds like fun, then yeah go for it. Admittedly though we enjoyed Universal studios and Disneyland.

      • Brick50 on 04/03/2025 - 15:50

        poop map is SF not LA

    • Brianqpr on 04/03/2025 - 18:36

      LA one of very few places I've been that I didn't enjoy and would not return to. Such a plastic culture there.

    • Protractor on 04/03/2025 - 20:37

      You like the smell of char in the morning?

  • gromit on 03/03/2025 - 16:01
    +4

    Just back from our 3rd trip to Japan (last week). Love it there, plenty to do, it is reasonably priced (if you avoid tourist trap stores). Everything from Theme parks (though lots of lines) to stuff like Sumo Wrestling, TeamLab, museums, Samarai Restaurant (formerly Robot Restaurant) and loads of cultural stuff which they may or may not be into.

  • Sigiriya on 03/03/2025 - 16:40
    +1

    Cruise to Vanuatu to NZ. All inclusive and should be able to have few excursions for that budget.

  • Brianqpr on 03/03/2025 - 16:48
    +4

    When our kids were young we were so shocked by the extortionate prices for anything in Australia during school holidays that we took them to Bali instead. My son was about 7 and my daughter 9. They absolutely loved it and we've continued to go regularly, most recently in November last year with them aged 21 and 18 now.

    Nusa Dua was ideal when they were young. Hardly any traffic, big resorts with great swimming pools etc and a nice safe beach. As they got older and could cope with the at times chaotic traffic in other parts of the island, we ventured out into other areas more.

    Ah, just noticed in the comments your kids are older.

    • The General on 03/03/2025 - 19:56
      +2

      I 2nd Bali.

      It has a bad reputation as some places are filled with the wrong kind or tourists, but otherwise, there is something for every age group. There is enough there to keep you busy everyday for weeks.

      • Brianqpr on 04/03/2025 - 16:06
        +1

        Indeed, mainly Kuta and Legian as the places to avoid although even those areas have some good options in terms of cafes, bars restaurants etc as well as the tacky places that are easy to spot. As you say, Bali has something for everyone you just need to go to the area that best suits the kind of holiday you are looking for.

  • downhillar on 03/03/2025 - 18:44
    +6

    I would recommend Queenstown NZ for an easy holiday. 3 hour flight, cheapish compared to Europe or USA etc, amazing scenery and endless things to do.

    • AMofOz on 03/03/2025 - 21:12
      +1

      oh yeah Queenstown is also on my list!

    • Brianqpr on 04/03/2025 - 18:31
      +1

      Queenstown is stunning, a terrific place to visit. I mean I knew it was picturesque before I went, but when we got to our very reasonably priced Airbnb that looked out over the lake towards the mountains wow, just wow.

  • 2esc on 03/03/2025 - 19:18
    +1

    Japan is a place worth definitely worth considering my 16 year old son would love to go. He has just started learning Japanese for a trip his planning for in 2 years. I got him into Sushi years ago now he loves Japanese restaurants his also into gaming, tech and Japanese Animation. My 13 son would also enjoy it though not as passionately.

  • ripprind on 03/03/2025 - 21:19
    +2

    Just FYI: studies show that more frequent shorter holidays are better "bang for buck" in creating lasting memories.

    All my life I used to think longer but therefore less frequent was where its at. But a few yeara ago I listened to a podcast from a memory researcher who explained that shorter and more frequent will make for more memories.

    • belongsinforums on 03/03/2025 - 23:15
      +6

      brb going to europe for 2 days

    • May4th on 04/03/2025 - 06:44
      +1

      I'd 100% agree with this. the novelty and excitement of travelling peaks in the first few days, I find anything over two weeks to start becoming a bit of a chore. Short 1-2 week vacations 2-3x a year would be preferred over a big 4-6 week trip unless for a specific destination eg. everest base camp etc

  • da1andonly on 04/03/2025 - 02:22
    +2

    Don't go to Japan, it's beginning to be over run by foreigners and a lot of locals are getting pissed off. Same goes with places like Thailand, Vietnam and Bali, foreigner destroying it.

    • klonky on 04/03/2025 - 08:16
      +2

      Vietnam is cheap and amazing. Our kids loved it.
      Fly in to Saigon, do Mekong etc, fly to Da Nang and check out Hoi An + beaches.

      • Hangryuman on 04/03/2025 - 11:26

        depends your preferred temperature range

        I went to Hanoi in late December (winter) and loved it - wearing a light jumper - 10-20C I was very comfortable strolling around the Old/French Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

        I then bussed to Saigon - and apart from four days food poisoning from street vendor snails (that salt pepper lemon juice didn't kill the bug) it was too hot and sweaty for me - I don't like >25C - and that was 32C - in the middle of winter !

        Saigon climate looks like 32-35C every day of the year - how do you like to sweat ?
        Hanoi gets that May-Sep, but Dec-Jan looks like 15-22C - perfect for me.

      • bugsbunny on 04/03/2025 - 17:21

        don't skip Hanoi!!!

    • ScribbleSass on 04/03/2025 - 12:56

      Where do you recommend to go?

    • 4Flowers on 04/03/2025 - 22:34

      I went to Bali once and didn't like it. I know most Australian's love holidaying there but I don't.

  • Nebargains on 04/03/2025 - 09:21
    +1

    Ozbargain as usual pushing Japan as the #1 travel destination. Admittedly I want to go there too but there is so many more places. If cost of flights is a problem maybe start looking at budget airlines that fly in your city and see where they go (i.e. Jetstar).

    Or maybe start with a total budget for a trip and then try to find a trip that fits that.

    Reality is most destinations are going to cost you a bit, some will be cheaper than others for flights, some will be cheaper for accommodation, some will be cheaper for food etc. One thing that can help is simply getting an airbnb or a hotel room that has a kitchen and go to a supermarket to stock up and cook your own breakfast and dinner or lunches etc so you aren't spending so much money.

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

      For a first timer I can't think of anywhere better

      • 4Flowers on 04/03/2025 - 22:33

        I am well travelled but my children have mostly only travelled in Australia. If travelling was cheaper I would really be seen lol.

  • dasher86 on 04/03/2025 - 10:04
    +2

    Taiwan for something under rated and is perfect for 1-2 weeks. Even three weeks if you want to go off the beaten.

    • TightAl on 05/03/2025 - 14:04

      Taiwan is honestly so boring and overrated

  • npnp on 04/03/2025 - 11:42
    +2

    Japan would be way more interesting for you (& kids) compared to England to be honest (Kids will absolutely love Disney Sea & USJ). If you go around late March to Mid April, you will be treated with Cherry Blossoms as well. Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Some snowy areas should be in your list too. (if you plan well, you can enjoy all above and nice weather too in different parts of the country around late March, early April). Best part is, you can do all of that (including flights, food, accommodation, theme parks tickets) for probably same price of the flight tickets you'd pay for England tour.

    Second best option would be New Zealand. Especially if you are a nature lover, NZ would be an amazing place to visit. Again, if you fly from east coast, you can probably do whole NZ trip covering both north and south islands for same money you'd pay for just flight tickets to England. Recommended months are January and February (especially February would have nice & cheap flight deals).

    I've done both above with my two kids and we had an amazing time in both countries.

    I won't recommend domestic travel for 2-3 weeks especially if you're tight in budget. As a matter of fact, 2-3 weeks in a destination like Japan (if you plan well), will be cheaper compared to a domestic destination (yes even including flights). If you plan well, that is. Also do not hesitate to rent a car in Japan (it works out better and cheaper especially in rural areas). In NZ, renting a car is your only option pretty much (and a great way to explore the country your own way).

    If you insist on domestic traveling, the either Tasmania (December - February) or Cairns would be my best picks. But these won't be nearly as fun as Japan or NZ for the money you pay.

    There are many other destinations but if this is your first overseas trip, then my only recommendations are the above two. If you are a seasoned traveller, then there are way too many options, then again, in that case, you wouldn't ask this question anyways..

    Good luck and enjoy.

    • 4Flowers on 04/03/2025 - 22:31

      Thank you for your input. I've been researching Japan. Ironically few people holiday in the UK because it is so expensive opting for international destinations because it's cheaper. Seems to be the same story for Australian's as well.

      • npnp on 04/03/2025 - 22:37
        +1

        Even if UK and Japan cost the same, I'd still pick Japan over UK in a heart beat mate. My brother lives in UK and has got the same opinion. If I ask him should I visit UK or Japan, I know what his answer would be.. LOL. Don't get me wrong, UK is a nice destination but it's nowhere near nice as Japan.

        • 4Flowers on 04/03/2025 - 22:42

          Since I used to live in the UK the main reason for travelling there would be for the family and friend aspect and a few touristy things. I've been Japan but I know of teacher that lived there for 2 years - not sure which part they. I think in terms of value, distance and interesting things to do Japan sounds great. Would you recommend travelling in March?

          • npnp on 05/03/2025 - 00:45
            +1

            @4Flowers: March is fantastic. If you can align your timing with the Cherry Blossom season (which usually falls towards end of march but slightly vary year by year) you will have an amazing time. Towards end of April - early May it's Japan holiday season so touristy places become even more crowded with local tourists so you may avoid those times if possible. End of March - Early April is the best period to travel to Japan to enjoy everything under pleasant weather.

        • ScribbleSass on 05/03/2025 - 16:51
          +1

          I can completely relate to what you’re saying. Many Western cities, whether in the US, UK, or much of Europe, often feel quite 'templatised' - very similar in many aspects, particularly from the cultural perspectives. In contrast, places like Japan, Latin America, and India offer a remarkable diversity and uniqueness in every aspect of life that is truly fascinating to experience, observe and admire. Just my 2c.

  • Johnsy5252 on 04/03/2025 - 12:16

    Marriott resort in Hua Hin Thailand. We recently had a family holiday with 3 generations including the grand kids. It was great for all of us. The breakfast buffet was amazing too. Worked out about $300 AUD per family per night. Not bad.

  • odc on 04/03/2025 - 18:32
    +1

    Palawan

  • hothed on 04/03/2025 - 22:16
    +1

    Domestic. Lots to see in our own backyard.

  • xrayed giraffe on 05/03/2025 - 17:28

    Take the 17 year old to their first ping pong show, in Phuket

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