Family Holiday Destinations Podcast

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Can an airport actually be part of the holiday, not just the place you endure on the way to it? Singapore Changi Airport makes a strong case that it can, especially for families juggling kids.

I’m joined by Vera Leng and Jia Xin from Changi Airport Group to unpack what’s really going on behind the “wow” factor. We clarify the big point that catches travellers out: Jewel Changi Airport (yes, the Rain Vortex) is in a public landside area, so transit passengers may need to clear immigration and customs to see it. From there, we dig into what makes Changi feel family-friendly in practical ways, including play areas, gardens, nursing rooms, dining that goes beyond beige kids’ food, and attractions inside the terminals as well as at Jewel.

Plus:

• The latest family travel news, including how more Aussies are visiting Hong Kong, Tangalooma's new beach club and travel experience booking stats from Arival and Phocuswright.
• This month's travel tip on managing Changi Airport.

Links:

• Travel Experiences Are Booming, but Tourists Are Watching What They Spend
• More Australians Are Visiting Hong Kong Again. Should Families Take Another Look?
• Australia's First Beachfront Cabana Club Is Coming to Tangalooma

If you’re planning a Singapore stopover, travelling through Changi Airport with kids, or just want better family travel planning ideas, hit subscribe, share this with a travel-loving mate, and leave a review so more families can find the show.

Support the show

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

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Choosing the right family holiday isn't just about the destination - it's about finding the right style of travel for your family.

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica chats with Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel, about what makes a truly memorable family tour and why guided holidays are evolving to meet the needs of modern families.

From balancing adventure with downtime to creating authentic cultural experiences that both parents and children enjoy, this episode explores how thoughtfully designed itineraries can take the stress out of travelling while helping families connect more deeply with the destinations they visit.

Jessica and Erica discuss:

• What families are looking for from guided holidays in 2026 and beyond
• Why Intrepid launched its new Premium Family range
• How to balance comfort with authentic travel experiences
• The role local tour leaders play in creating memorable holidays
• Why slower-paced itineraries often lead to better family experiences
• How guided tours help families experience destinations like India with confidence
• Why free time is just as important as organised activities
• How travelling with other families can enhance the experience for children
• What parents should look for when choosing a family tour

Plus:

• The latest family travel news, including Quest Apartment Hotels' success in Tripadvisor's Best of the Best awards.
• This month's travel tip on choosing a family tour that suits your family's travel style.

Links:

• Why More Families Are Choosing Quest Apartment Hotels for Their Australian Holidays
• Intrepid Launches New Premium Family Tours With Small-Group Adventures Across Asia, Africa and Beyond
• Why an Intrepid Bali Family Tour Changed The Way I Think About Family Travel

Support the show

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

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Japan continues to soar in popularity with Australian families, but there's one destination that's still flying under the radar.

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica chats with Toni from Linkd Tourism about Okinawa - Japan's subtropical island paradise that's often described as the "Hawaii of Japan".

From turquoise waters and island hopping to unique culture, incredible food and a slower pace of travel, this episode explores why Okinawa feels surprisingly familiar to families who love destinations like Fiji or Bali, while offering an experience that's unmistakably Japanese.

Jessica and Toni discuss:

• Why Okinawa is often called the Hawaii of Japan
• How island hopping works across Okinawa's islands
• What makes Okinawa so different from mainland Japan
• Whether it's a good choice for a first family trip to Japan
• Family-friendly experiences beyond the beaches
• The easiest ways to get around with kids
• How Okinawa's famous Blue Zone lifestyle shapes the visitor experience
• Why more Australian families are discovering Okinawa now
• How to combine Okinawa with mainland Japan for the ultimate family itinerary

Plus:

• The latest travel trends reshaping Australian family holidays
• And this month's travel tip on creating a balanced Japan itinerary for families.

Links:

• From ‘Seatox Travel’ to Screen Sourcing: The Australian Travel Trends Shaping Family Holidays
• Australia Makes the World's Top 20 Theme Park Destinations for 2026
• Travel Loyalty is No Longer About Points - It's About Passion
• Family Holiday Destinations Website
• Okinawa Tourism

Support the show

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

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Singapore is often seen as a stopover city - but what if its biggest strength for families is actually how easy it makes travel feel?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica Palmer chats with Kimberly Spykerman from Singapore Tourism about why Singapore continues to stand out as one of Asia’s best family destinations.

From efficient public transport and compact neighbourhoods to nature spaces, food culture and family-friendly attractions, this episode explores why ‘ease’ has become such a valuable part of modern family travel.

Jessica and Kimberly discuss:
 • Why Singapore works so well for time-poor families
 • How it compares to destinations like Japan for first-time Asia trips
 • New attractions families should know about
 • Where locals actually take their kids beyond Sentosa
 • Singapore’s balance of city life and green space
 • Food experiences families shouldn’t miss
 • A suggested 7-day Singapore itinerary for first-time visitors

Plus:
 • Intrepid Travel launches new Premium Family tours
 • Why Australians are prioritising travel emotionally despite rising costs
 • Tokyo’s new family-friendly sumo experience
 • And a reflection on how wellness travel is changing for families.

Support the show

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

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What if caravan parks didn’t look - or feel - like caravan parks anymore?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Elysia Kelly from Trentham Waters - a brand-new resort-style holiday park that’s rethinking what family travel in regional Australia can look like.

From the moment you arrive, Trentham Waters is designed to feel different. Think considered design, curated experiences, and a focus on how families feel, not just where they stay.

In this conversation, we explore:

•  How caravan parks are evolving to meet modern family expectations 
•  The shift towards experience-driven travel (even in regional destinations) 
•  What inspired the Palm Springs-style design and resort feel 
•  Why families are looking for more than just a place to park 
•  What this means for the future of road trips and holiday parks in Australia 

One of the most interesting takeaways? This isn’t just about adding better facilities - it’s about completely rethinking the arrival experience, the atmosphere, and the emotional connection families have with a destination.

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or working in the travel industry, this episode offers a fascinating look at where family travel is heading next.

🎧 Listen now and discover why caravan parks might be the next big thing in family travel.

LINKS:

• Royal Caribbean's New Private Island in Vanuatu
• Yes, You Can Win Your Own Swedish Island - Here's How to Enter
• Japan Boom, US Cooling, AI Rising: The Key Australian Travel Trends for 2026
• Best Western Plus Pavilions Anaheim Review: A Budget-Friendly Stay Near Disneyland

Support the show

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

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

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Emily Mikus from G Adventures to explore what travelling with purpose really looks like for families.

We dive into National Geographic Family Journeys and unpack how these trips go beyond the typical holiday - combining storytelling, science, conservation, and hands-on experiences that connect families more deeply with the places they visit.

In this episode, we cover:

•  What makes these journeys different from a standard family holiday 
•  How meaningful travel shows up in real, practical ways 
•  Why small-group travel can take the mental load off parents 
•  How these trips create a genuine positive impact 
•  What families take home beyond souvenirs 

We also touch on a few travel trends and updates shaping family travel right now, from new family-friendly accommodation in Australia to immersive experiences in Singapore and unique travel opportunities across the country.

If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll do meaningful travel when the kids are older…” — this episode might just change your mind.

Because the best time to create meaningful 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

Support the show

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

Send us Fan Mail

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 industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Are group tours with kids a brilliant idea or a recipe for chaos?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Brett Mitchell from Intrepid Travel to talk about what family group travel actually looks like in real life.

We cover:

•  What to expect on a family group tour (the good and the not-so-good) 
•  Why group tours can take the stress out of planning 
•  How Intrepid Travel designs trips specifically for families 
•  What B Corp certification really means - and why it matters for travellers 

We also touch on a few travel trends shaping family holidays right now, including the rise of luxury expectations and new family tour offerings hitting the market.

To wrap up, I share some practical tips on how to reduce your travel costs when travelling with kids - without sacrificing the experience.

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?

Support the show

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

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What does an active family holiday really look like - and how do you make sure it actually works with kids?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Will Cairns from Active England Tours to chat about planning active holidays that are genuinely family-friendly.

We cover:

•  The best destinations in the UK for walking and cycling with kids 
•  How to balance adventure with downtime (so it doesn’t all end in meltdowns) 
•  What makes an active holiday enjoyable for the whole family - not just the adults 

We also touch on a few travel updates, including new family-focused attractions in Japan and Australia, and what’s coming next in global travel experiences.

To wrap up, I share some practical tips for managing younger kids on active holidays, so you can get out there and enjoy it - without overcomplicating things.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

This is Our England video by Active England Tours 

Active England Tours 

Family Holiday Destinations 

Support the show

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