Top destinations for a truly stress‑free family holiday

Let’s be real – intergenerational travel can be challenging, which is why planning a family holiday requires time and patience. The most important decision, naturally is choosing the right destination – ideally one that encourages everyone to step away from distractions and, more importantly, focus on being present with your loved ones.  

Whether it’s a road trip to glowworm caves, a reset in lush landscapes or a stroll along time-worn canals, these destinations set the bar for family travel in the contemporary age. They all offer stress-free, gadget-free experiences that bring everyone closer together, letting families connect and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, with every family adventure, health and safety come first. If you’re planning to travel in the Year of the Horse, you can welcome the Chinese New Year with peace of mind through Cigna Cathay Premier Health Plan. Until 31 March 2026, enjoy up to 99,552 in rewards and save on premiums of up to six months during your first two years, along with comprehensive global medical support for you and your loved ones. The more family members you include, the greater the savings – so you can travel confidently, knowing your family is protected wherever you go. 

Singapore 

When it comes to family-friendly destinations, Singapore is hard to beat. Safe, clean and easy to navigate, the city gives parents peace of mind while making play effortless for all ages. Beyond popular family attractions including Universal Studios and Harry Potter: Visions of Magic and the new Singapore Oceanarium, the city also offers a wide range of luxury family‑friendly hotels that combine modern comfort with thoughtful amenities. The Lion City feeds your senses and sparks curiosity in young minds while giving adults the chance to relax and recharge. 

Chiang Mai 

Take it slow in Chiang Mai, where life moves at a gentler pace and invites you to be more present. Here, you’re surrounded by warm hospitality, scenic mountain views, stunning temples and elephant sanctuaries, where you can walk alongside protected elephants, learning about these majestic creatures and the rich heritage of the land. Create meaningful memories in the cultural heartland of Northern Thailand and turn collective experiences into shared moments of gratitude – all just a short flight from Bangkok.

Ubud 

Unplug from your devices and commit to a new habit: a weekly screen-free day outdoors. In Bali’s cultural hub of Ubud, nature and traditional crafts are deeply woven into daily life, inviting families to embrace the calm as they wander emerald rice terraces, cycle along riversides, immerse themselves in traditional crafts and sync their rhythm to the island’s everyday hums. With its vibrant arts, sacred temples and treasured traditions, this calming, spiritually inclined town offers families countless opportunities to reconnect with each other and the world around them. 

Kangaroo Island 

Disconnect from the city’s chaos and escape down under to Kangaroo island, off the coast of South Australia. Isolated from the city – but an easy hop from Adelaide - spend your days exploring wildlife and rugged coastlines on gentle excursions that connect travellers to the island’s expansive natural beauty and close-knit local communities. With little nightlife, evenings are best spent together, huddled around a campfire or sharing stories in the quiet of nature.

Waitomo  

What better way to spend quality time with the family than on a road trip? Hit the open road from Auckland, down winding paths that lead to the enchanting glowworm caves of Waitomo. Along the way, weave in adventure, interactive play and educational experiences with memorable stops at hidden gems like Hamilton Gardens and Kiwi House. Stay overnight at a homestead to continue your journey along the Ruakuri Bushwalk, then detour to the whimsical Hobbiton Movie Set before returning to the city. It’s the kind of unforgettable trip the whole family – at every age – will treasure for years to come.

Bruges 

Strolling Bruges’ cobblestone lanes feels like stepping into a fairytale, where enchanting medieval architecture captivates, storybook bridges arch gracefully over calm waters and canal cruises glide past rows of rainbow‑coloured houses – all just a short drive from Brussels. Its intimate, walkable streets invite families to explore together at a relaxed pace for both young and old. Inspire joyful conversations strolling past windmills on the city’s edge or ride on horse‑drawn carriages, and indulge in sweet Belgian waffles at Markt Square.

Amsterdam

One of the world’s most walkable cities, Amsterdam offers inspiring sights and delightful adventures for both the young and the young at heart. Blending culture, play and everyday charm, this living postcard beckons with its rich history, Renaissance art and vibrant street neighbourhoods. Spark imagination and curiosity at world‑class museums and spread out a picnic in Vondelpark to savour Dutch treats like stroopwafels.