Ready to mix things up for your next family vacation? Here are five unique destinations that will have the family reminiscing for years to come.
We count ourselves very lucky to have amazing opportunities for family travel from Singapore, and we’ve noticed more families are looking to explore far-flung destinations and get off the beaten track. So, we asked the Travel Designers at luxury travel and tour operator Lightfoot Travel to come up with their top picks for unforgettable trips. These gems are jam-packed with thrilling adventures and unique experiences for you and your adventurous clan.
Sri Lanka
We’re big fans of Sri Lanka, and culture, excitement, relaxation and adventure are all on the menu in Lightfoot’s unforgettable two-week journey from Colombo to Galle. Relax at the beautiful Ulagalla Resort in Anuradhapura, climb up to the awe-inspiring ancient city of Sigiriya, enjoy a thrilling jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, go white-water rafting and visit the cave temples in Dambulla. You’ll also get the chance to spot leopards and tigers in Yala, enjoy some downtime in beautiful Galle, and laze on glorious beaches (psst: the train ride to the Hill Country, the land of tea plantations, usually gets a big thumbs-up from the kids).
Why use a Travel Designer to go to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a developing country, so as well as taking care of your family by arranging the right car (with car seats) and the most experienced drivers for safety, Lightfoot can recommend the best kid-friendly properties and activities.
Book Sri Lanka with Kids from USD14,670 for a 10-day itinerary for a family of four including accommodation, transfers and excursions.
New Zealand’s South Island
Step into Middle Earth on a week-long family adventure as you travel from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, staying at New Zealand’s chicest boutique hotels along the way. Explore remote areas of the Otago Peninsula, see Hooker’s Sea Lions and Blue Penguins, and go on a cruise aboard a steamship. Littlies will have fun watching sheep dogs in action and sheep shearing, and teens will love the thrill of the jet boat safari. Other fave activities include a cruise on the famed Milford Sound and a ski-plane flight over Mount Cook National park.
Why use a Travel Designer to explore NZ?
Self-drive is the best way to explore New Zealand, but Lightfoot knows all the places to stop along the way that kids will love too, and they can suggest the best boutique properties that suit you. Plus, they’ll make sure you cover the highlights but skip the parts deemed “boooring!” by the kids.
Book A Family Adventure on New Zealand’s South Island from USD15,850 for an 8-day itinerary for a family of four including accommodation, car hire and excursions.
Iceland
Oh, we’d love to join you on this adventure! Here’s your chance to explore the most popular destination of 2016, renowned for its surreal landscapes, hip cities and cool hotels. This six-day trip starts in Iceland’s lively capital Reykjavik. You’ll stay in Hela and visit the famed Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall, and also spend time at the Ice Lagoon where you can hop on a boat to see Europe’s largest glacier. Your final stop will be the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll put your feet up in bliss at the geothermal spa. Aaaaand, relax.
Why use a Travel Designer to experience Iceland?
Iceland is a fantastic year-round destination for families, but it ain’t cheap, so Lightfoot’s expertise ensures you splurge only where you need to. Plus they know all the best family-friendly places to stay.
Book A Family Summer Adventure in Iceland with Lightfoot Travel. This 6-day itinerary includes accommodation, transfers and excursions, and the price is available upon request.
Oman
Families wanting to get off the beaten track are discovering Oman, which offers the perfect combination of nail-biting adventure and blissful relaxation. Your nine-day journey begins in Muscat, visiting impressive sights such as Old Muscat and the Sultan’s palace. Spend a magical night under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent in Wahiba Sands, where there’s plenty of time for sand boarding, quad biking and camel rides. In Nizwa you can explore the fortress, join a cooking class or go trekking. Lastly, make a spectacular James Bond-style entrance by paraglider, speedboat or 4WD into the stunning Six Senses Zighy Bay in the Musandam Peninsula before enjoying some R&R.
Why use a Travel Designer to check out Oman?
Oman is still fairly uncharted territory for family travellers, so it’s sensible to use experts like Lightfoot who have on-the-ground knowledge. They can suggest the best family-friendly hotels, guides, drivers, and experiences.
Book Classic Oman from USD17,500 for an 8-day itinerary for a family of four including accommodation, transfers and excursions.
The Galapagos
For the adventure of a lifetime, head to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. You’ll fly to Guayaquil and embark on an eight-day cruise around these magical islands aboard the superb National Geographic Endeavour. You’ll spot legendary blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises on Santa Cruz, hike to an iguana colony on Isabela, snorkel with penguins on Bartolome, see fur seals on Santiago and discover deserted beaches on Floreana.
Why use a Travel Designer in the Galapagos?
With so many cruise operators in the Galapagos, it’s almost impossible to choose. Lightfoot will give you the low-down on the ones that will work best for your family and can take care of everything so you’re worry-free.
Book The Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions from USD5,490 per person, including accommodation, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, onboard facilities, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers, all excursions and presentations onboard.
This post is sponsored by Lightfoot.