As summer approaches, Little Steps takes steps to approach you with ideas for the most relaxing vacation of the year! Whether you’d like to see the scope of the offer or are actively seeking to broaden your horizons and try out something new (be it a newly-opened hotel or a new mode of vacationing altogether), you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 very varying, up-to-date ideas for spending your summer vacation of 2019 with kiddos that will put the wind in your sails and set you on the right track towards family fun!
Deservedly dubbed the “Hawaii of China”, Sanya is only a 90-minute flight from Hong Kong but takes you miles away from your worries—in both senses—by engaging all of your senses with its versatile tropical chic. This ever-developing resort hub features high-end luxury in Yalong and Haitang Bays, vibrantly fun in Dadonghai, as well as lush nature and rich culture if you venture a bit more inland! There are numerous resorts to choose from in Sanya, one for every set of needs and wants, including those of your kiddos!
Best Hotels In Sanya For Families, click here
Little makes one feel as in tune with nature as catching a good wave, so go with the summer flow in the most literal sense in Taiwan. Waiao Beach is an excellent choice for beginners as it’s especially well-equipped with surf shops, shacks, lesson and rental options all year round—its white water and signature black sand await! The more experienced surfer families can visit Fulong Beach, ideally during the very family-friendly International Sand Sculpture Festival, which is the real highlight of this destination. Other notable choices include Jialeshui in Kenting National Park, a great place for beginners and intermediates, Donghe, a gem for experienced surfers, and Jinzun, the home of the biggest surfing event in Taiwan, filled with beach facilities and welcoming for all skill levels.
Waiao Beach:
* Sun Surf Inn - They offer summer surf camps for kids too!
Fulong:
* Fullon Bellevue Resort - More expensive but nice and by beach
Other Picks:
* Wa Ga Li Gong - Surf hotel offering lessons for whole family
Okinawa’s outer islands are gems abounding in exquisite natural beauty and long cultural traditions. There are daily HK Express 2.5-hour flights from Hong Kong to Ishigaki Island, the third largest and one of the most popular of the 160 islands in the Okinawa prefecture due to the variety of its sea and mountain tours. From there you can easily access others like Taketomi, steeped in local charm and traditions, or venture to other island groups like Miyako Islands where vibrant coral reefs await exploration. Whether you want to rest your gaze and soak in the beauty, try out signature activities or go adventuring off the beaten track, there’s something for everyone in this remote paradise that’s quickly gaining popularity!
Taketomi Island, https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7250.html
Miyako Island, https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7300.html
Tourism in Phu Quoc is booming as lusciously as its vegetation, waterfalls and rivers after the annual monsoon. It’s a place where nature, culture and technology synergize to preserve and elevate the otherworldly beauty of this piece of the Gulf of Thailand. The UNESCO-protected national park in the north meets funky, modern bars and restaurants along the coast, as well as traditional villages and local markets. AirAsia has 1.5-hour flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phu Quoc and the demand for accommodation is extremely high! Book up the best new resorts to ensure your own space in this flourishing piece of heaven!
Cam Ranh is another ace location Vietnam has been hiding up its sleeve. Up until recently it had very little tourist infrastructure, and now there are direct flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, among others. More than 30 hospitality projects have been cleared for development along the coast in the past 4 years, many of which are luxurious international resorts. The Bay abounds in beaches with white sands, unique rock formations, reefs and authentic local culture and cuisine nearby. Get it while it’s fresh! Both the local seafood sourced before your eyes and this new hotspot!
Hotel Picks In Cam Ranh:
Why not make the journey the destination in a literal sense and go cruising with your fam! Royal Caribbean and Dream Cruises have fantastic short-haul options that both leave and return to Singapore and Hong Kong, with on-board and off-board family activities galore! Explore Vietnam’s cultural and natural marvels on 4-night cruises from Hong Kong or leave Singapore for 2 or 3 nights to be mesmerized by Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Pengang, Bintan Island and more! With luxury on-board, culture and nature off-board, and edutainment and world-class cuisine in both places, these short-haul journeys stretch time and expand your mind!
Short-haul cruises from Singapore, click here
Short-haul cruises from Hong Kong, click here
Speaking of short-haul, why not explore the “neighborhood” and visit the islands off the coast of Singapore? You don’t have to get on a plane to get to your piece of heaven—there are plenty of private, luxurious and rustic options a short drive or boat ride away. Our top picks include Indonesia’s private islands Telunas and Cempedak, Pulau Pangkil, Nikoi Island and Pulau Joyo, located 30 minutes to 3.5 hours away from Singapore, and Malaysia’s Pulau Sibu, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Rawa and Pulau Tioman, 3 to 7 hours away.
Islands Around Singapore, click here
Da Nang is the midpoint between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a fantastic starting point for discovering Vietnam, but also very much worth seeing for its own beaches, colors culinary pleasures and proximity to several UNESCO sites, including the imperial capital of Hue, Hoi An and the My Son ruins, as well as the extraordinary Marble Mountains. Da Nang is pretty expat-friendly in terms of both its infrastructure and its people and has a charming mix of low-hustle urban life, sunny, sandy beaches and ancient sites!
Hotels In Danang, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/all-cities/articles/travel/top-family-hotels-danang
The travel restrictions regarding safety (post Easter) in Sri Lanka have recently been lifted by the British government. For those looking for amazing deals on this stunning location - it's worth a peek. Sri Lanka truly has something for everyone: ancient heritage, luxury, safari, bliss and thrills! Unwind at Negombo’s Jetwing Beach, stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Kandy for a unique experience (and combine it with a visit to Royal Botanical Gardens or the Temple of Tooth), gaze at the uniquely Sri Lankan landscapes in the lush and cool tea country of Nuwara Eliya, hop on a train to Ella and find more adventure and leisure in the tea plantations and the mountains, visit the Udawalawe National Park en route to Tangalle to marvel at wildlife in their natural habitats before lazing on the beach again. If you want more wildlife, there’s always awe-inspiring whale-watching in Mirissa or turtle-spotting along the shores of Unawatuna. The waterfront capital Colombo offers an urban landscape still steeped in culture and history!
Sri Lanka With Kids, click here
Galle Villas For Families, click here
Finally, the Maldives’ reputation definitely precedes it—it’s almost the proverbial vacation spot. While you can book some of the numerous resorts and happily dive into turquoise waters and luxury with your younger kiddos, maybe you have an adventurous 18+ teenager on your hands who wants to go soul-searching and bond with other humans who are not family. Camp Maldives is the leading Maldives camp that gives 18+ year olds an opportunity to contribute to the local community, develop their CV, explore the less-seen side of this picture-perfect place and make friends for life!
Camp Maldives, www.campmaldives.com
Maldives With Kids, click here
Got kids? Little Steps Asia gives you the scoop on all the things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Macau, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, the best schools and after school activities, pregnancy tips and meet-ups and more – we have you sorted.
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