Top 5 Destinations for Summer Holiday

Going on a holiday with the family is always an exciting thought but when it comes to actually planning it, it’s a different ball game altogether. Where to go, what to take, how to keep the kids busy… are just a few thoughts that race through the mind. Having realized that the summer vacations are not too far, it’s time to get our thoughts focused. After doing some research, and asking others what they are planning, combined with years of personal experience, I recommend the following top 5 holiday destinations for families this year.

Dubai

Dubai seems to have it all – beautiful beaches, adventure sports, hotels to fit all budgets and of course, it is a shopper’s paradise. Luckily, there are enough indoor and outdoor activities to keep the day quite packed. Since it gets hot during the day, plan to head to the beach early in the morning, and while the sun is beating down, you could enjoy activities like Ski Dubai, Ferrari World, Dolphin Bay or just go shopping. Make sure you go for a desert safari one evening. There is so much to do in Dubai that you could spend a whole week and still have more to see! So if that’s the sort of holiday you are looking for, go ahead and book your holiday soon!

Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant holiday countries in the world. Many tourists who have visited this country will wholeheartedly agree. There are few tourist places where you can take part in so many different activities. It is a safe and well-organized country; this makes Malaysia suitable as a holiday destination for each type of tourist (even for children). You can go backpacking, but you can also easily stay in a 5 star hotel or resort. You can visit multiple paradise-like islands during one holiday, or you can visit the old and authentic jungle. This can be done in the Peninsular Malaysia, but also on Borneo.

Do you like huge cities; then Kuala Lumpur is an absolute must-visit. Aside from Kuala Lumpur you can visit many other interesting cities throughout Malaysia. Staying in Malaysia is very affordable. The major travel costs will be the airplane tickets and hotel stays. Within the country, you can get around for a few dollars or Euros per day. However, those that fancy luxury will also discover Malaysia is a great country to visit. You have ultra-luxury hotels and many modern shopping malls.

Thailand

The kids will just love Thailand and so will you. Bangkok of course is a shopping hub, but there are many other attractions as well, like the Grand Palace, Safari World, the Tiger Temple and many more. Don’t forget to have the freshly squeezed orange juice available on the streets, apart from all the scrumptious street food. After you have had a few exhausting days in Bangkok, head out for a relaxing time to one of the beach towns or just explore more of the country.

One such town that you could go to is Hua Hin. You will really love the beautiful beaches, malls and night bazaars. Or you could go to Krabi and enjoy its unending emerald waters, amazing sea food and everything from rock climbing to kayaking. Chiang Mai is another popular option in northern Thailand, known for its delicious food, ancient temples and shopping.

Hong Kong & Macau

Disneyland, Madame Tussaud’s, Avenue of the Stars, Ocean Park, Observation Deck… why do you need to go far and wide, when you can find all this in one place – Hong Kong! Hong Kong is also known for its great street food and bakeries. If you get fed up of the local Chinese food, you can always choose from some great international options.

About an hour by ferry or 20 minutes by helicopter is Macau, which is a good mix of entertainment and adventure. Shows this season include ‘The House of Dancing Water’ at the City of Dreams or ‘Zaia’ by Cirque Du Soleil at the Venetian Macau. The kids will also enjoy go-karting and grass sliding. If you are feeling adventurous, you could head up 233 metres to the top of the Macau Tower to SkyJump or Skywalk.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the top 10 cleanest cities in the world. It is truly a family paradise – packed with fun filled activities that the family can do together. The Singapore Zoo, the Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa, along with many more, are fascinating places to visit. There are several museums and temples also that you could add onto your itinerary. Shopping, of course, is a very important part of any vacation and Singapore has sales galore throughout the year. You will find great deals on many brands, so don’t forget to stock up on your favourites. Now choose your destination, pack your bags, and enjoy a great family vacation!