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Are family holidays starting to feel a little… surface-level?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica sits down with Emily Mikus, Partnerships Director at G Adventures, to explore what “travelling with purpose” really means and how National Geographic Family Journeys are helping families experience the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Together, we unpack:

• What makes National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures different from a standard family holiday
• How storytelling, science and conservation show up in real, hands-on ways
• Why small-group travel can remove the mental load from parents
• How these journeys create a genuine positive impact
• And what families often take home, beyond souvenirs

Plus in this episode’s news segment:

• A brand-new family-friendly resort opens on the Murray River in Mildura
• Singapore’s newest immersive attractions
• And how you could win a year travelling Australia with BIG4

If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll do meaningful travel when the kids are older…”  - this episode might gently challenge that.

Because the best time to build shared memories is sooner, not someday.
 

🎧 Listen now and discover how family travel can be more than just a holiday.

For more family travel inspiration, destination guides and practical planning tips, visit familyholidaydestinations.com

LINKS from this month's episode:

• Win a Year Travelling Australia with BIG4's BIG Aussie Review
• Singapore New Attractions: What’s Just Opened (and What’s Coming Next)
• A New Family-Friendly Resort Opens on the Murray River in Mildura
• Why Travel With Kids? 10 Reasons Family Trips Are Worth It
• G Adventures

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Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m sharing a mix of family travel news, practical updates, and a story inspired by one exciting announcement: new direct Jetstar flights from Brisbane to Rarotonga, launching in May 2026.

With the Cook Islands now more accessible for Australian families, I revisit one of my favourite travel memories - a slower, barefoot family stay on the island of Aitutaki - and reflect on why this part of the South Pacific leaves such a lasting impression.

I also share some simple tips for visiting the Cook Islands on a budget, even when travelling with kids.

LINKS:

• Family Travel Guide to the Cook Islands
• How to Visit the Cook Islands on a Budget
• China Bound Travel Platform Simplifies Visiting China
• South Korea Waives Visa Paperwork Until December 2026
• Why Packable Beach Toys Are a Game-Changer for Family Holidays

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, we share our experience of swapping summer weather for minus 20 degrees at China’s famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

Before diving into the story, we run through the latest family travel news, including Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas debuting in Brisbane, a new no-licence boat hire option on Great Keppel Island, and the announcement of Australia’s first indoor snow resort, Winter Sports World Sydney.

Links:

• Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas Debuts in Brisbane for 2025/25 Family Cruises
• New No-Licence Boat Hire Makes Exploring Great Keppel Island Easier for Families
• Winter Sports World Sydney: Australia's First Indoor Snow Resort is Coming

Then, we wrap up with a practical travel takeaway, breaking down sustainable travel for families into the simple and achievable “three Ps” — people, place and planet — and how thoughtful choices can make family holidays more meaningful without the guilt.

Link:

• What Sustainable Travel Means for Families (and How to Do It Without the Guilt)

If you love real family travel stories, honest reflections, and practical inspiration for your next adventure, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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This month, we’re talking about BIG changes in the world of family travel. The Gold Coast now has its very own Hello Kitty Café (yes, it’s as cute as it sounds), Intrepid has dropped 10 new family tours for 2026, and we’re chatting about the rising pressure for every holiday to be “luxury.”

Links:

• Hello Kitty Cafe Gold Coast: Step Inside a Whimsical World of Kawaii
• Intrepid Launches 10 New Tours For Families
• Is Luxury Travel Ruining Family Holidays?

Jessica also chats with Brett Mitchell from Intrepid Travel about what family group touring actually looks like - the good bits, the tricky bits, and why it works so well for families who want adventure without the planning stress. We also touch on what B Corp certification means and how Intrepid puts responsible travel into practice.

Plus, stick around for some quick tips on how to reduce your costs when travelling with kids.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, we’re talking about active family holidays - the kind that get everyone outdoors, exploring, and having fun together.

We start with some exciting travel news, including Japan’s new Pokémon theme park, Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, and the upcoming world’s tallest hotel in Dubai.

Then host Jessica Palmer chats with Will Cairns, founder of Active England Tours, about what makes an active holiday truly family-friendly - from the best destinations in the UK for walking and cycling to balancing adventure with kids on your family holiday.

In the tip segment, Jessica shares practical advice on managing younger kids on an active family holiday.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

This is Our England video by Active England Tours 

Active England Tours 

Family Holiday Destinations 

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Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Planning a family holiday can feel overwhelming - so how do you know which destination is the right fit for your crew?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations Podcast, I chat with Melissa Delaware, a travel agent at Mind Body and Travel, and founder of Thrifty Family Travels and Queensland Travel Guides. Melissa shares her expert insights on:

• The destination that completely surprised her with how family-friendly it was
• Where families are booking right now (and why)
• What to consider when choosing the perfect spot for your family

Plus, I share some quick travel news updates, including record family travel trends to Fiji and Japan, and the unusual rise of selfie-related accidents in Australia.

Whether you’re dreaming of your next big adventure or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with tips to make choosing your family holiday destination a little easier.

Links from this episode:

Mind & Body Travel - Melissa Delaware

Why Aussies are Splurging on Fiji and Japan Holidays 

Australia Ranks in World's Top 5 for Selfie Accidents - Here's Why 

Best Farm Stays Near Brisbane for Your Next Family Haycation

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, we’re covering everything from practical gear to wild African adventures. First up in travel news: the brand-new Ergobaby travel stroller, a handy booking resource for finding Europe’s best waterparks, and the exciting opening of the Monarto Safari Park Resort.

Then we dive into the big feature: an inspiring chat with Deon De Villiers from Safari Guru, where we unpack how to plan your first family African safari - from choosing the right country to safety tips, budgeting, and why booking with a specialist can make all the difference. 

Considering a family African Safari adventure? Check out this article over on the website: https://familyholidaydestinations.com/family-african-safari-first-timers-guide/

We wrap up with ways to choose your next holiday destination, from following your favourite movies, to checking out Lonely Planet’s new Where to Go When with Kids book, to exploring the rising trend of astrocartography.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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What do you get when you mix a curious toddler, ancient limestone caves, and a whole lot of bat guano? A family travel memory you’ll never forget, and probably never stop scrubbing from your brain. In this episode, I share our hilarious (and slightly gross) adventure through the Capricorn Caves in Queensland, including that unforgettable moment my toddler decided the cave floor looked… tasty.

We’ll chat about whether the caves are worth visiting with kids, what to expect on the tours, and how to handle the wild card that is travelling with small humans.

Read the full story and guide to visiting Capricorn Caves with kids here:
👉 https://familyholidaydestinations.com/capricorn-caves-with-kids/

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Noosa is packed with stunning beaches, but which one should you visit with your family? In this episode, we chat about our top picks for beaches in Noosa, from calm coves perfect for paddling to surf spots with nearby coffee. Whether you're after a safe place for little ones to splash or something a little more adventurous for your grommets, we've got you covered.

We also share practical tips on parking and when to go to avoid the crowds. So grab your towels and tune in for some sunshine-filled inspo for your next family beach day in Noosa!

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Imagine stepping into the past with your kids at Cambodia's Angkor Wat, where ancient ruins become the perfect playground for little explorers. Picture a monkey making off with someone's lunch on Pulau Ubin Island in Singapore, or navigating the rugged terrains of northern Thailand on a thrilling four-wheel drive adventure. These stories aren't just travel tales—they're the kind of experiences that turn family trips into lifelong memories. Join me, Jessica Palmer, as I share 7 amazing experiences in Asia with kids.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!