Home Travel Inspiration Your Family Deserves Better than Mass Tourism

Your Family Deserves Better than Mass Tourism

How Can You Can Travel Off the Beaten Path, Together

by Sara Wells

We’ve all been there: crammed into a sweaty resort with hundreds of sunburnt tourists, jostling for a spot by the pool while your kids whinge about the lack of WiFi. Not exactly the stuff of family legends, is it? If the idea of another follow-the-crowd holiday makes you want to tear up your boarding pass, it’s time for a change.  

At Experience Travel Group, we believe your family deserves better — way better. That’s why we’ve ditched the dull and designed family holidays that are anything but ordinary. Our unique adventures promise authentic connections, and hardly any queues. Sound good? Keep reading to discover how family travel in Asia can be truly unforgettable, far from the madding crowd. 

ETG’s Top 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures for Families

Here’s a round-up of five experiences that’ll have the kids putting down their phones and the grown-ups high-fiving each other for finally getting it right: 

River Journeys and Cultural Immersion from Cambodia to Vietnam

Instead of sitting in traffic how about floating down the Mekong River? This family adventure takes you from the ancient temples of Angkor (where we’ll time your visit just right so you dodge the main crowds) to the vibrant streets of Saigon. Along the way, you’ll explore floating markets, rural villages, and ancient pagodas. It’s the ultimate journey through time and cultures, minus the tourist hordes.

Cambodia to Vietnam via the Mekong.

Family with guide at Angkor Wat

Island Hopping and Wildlife Spotting in Indonesia

If your idea of family fun involves tropical island living and meeting the legendary Komodo dragons, then this is the trip for you. Explore the wild beauty of Flores — that most miss — before snorkelling with mesmerising marine life and sleeping under the stars at an eco-lodge in Komodo. Adventure? Absolutely. Discovery? Definitely. Epic family memories? Without a doubt.

Exploring Flores and Komodo. 

Image courtesy of Rascal Voyages

Explore the Rural Heartlands of Laos

Fancy trading the noise of the city for the gentle hum of the countryside? A family cycling tour around Luang Prabang is just what the travel doctor ordered. Ride through lush landscapes, visit organic farms, and top it off with a traditional Baci ceremony—a heartfelt blessing. Trust us, even your teenager will think it’s cool.

A Family Adventure in Laos. 

Laos Mouchi tribe

Cooking Up Memories in Ubud, Bali

Move over pizza night—it’s time for a Balinese cooking class that’ll put your local takeaway to shame. Start with a lively trip to the market to pick out fresh ingredients, then head back to a traditional kitchen where you and the kids can cook up a storm. And the best part? You get to dig in to the fruits of your labour afterwards, of course.

Family Bali & Lombok Adventure.

bali cooking class experience travel group

Countryside and Coastal Adventures by Train in Thailand

All aboard for a journey through Thailand like you’ve never seen it before. Trade the touristy beaches for secluded shorelines, swap crowded markets for local gems, and discover the hidden heart of Thailand—by train. It’s got the perfect mix of up-tempo and low-tempo activities to keep everyone happy.

Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Train.

thailand family holiday kayaking experience travel group

Experience the Best of Asia with ETG

Let’s be real — nobody dreams of being herded like cattle through overcrowded tourist spots. The good news? You don’t have to. Our carefully crafted itineraries are all about showing you the real Asia, minus the busloads of selfie sticks. Opt for guided tours led by local experts who can take you off the beaten path: from a serene alms-giving ceremony in the early morning light of Luang Prabang, (where your family can participate in a centuries-old tradition), or a private visit to a tea plantation in Sri Lanka, (where you’ll learn the art of tea-making from the people who’ve perfected it over generations).

The Maddocks on their ETG family holiday in Sri Lanka

These intimate experiences are designed to foster genuine connections and allow your family to see the world from a new perspective, enriching your journey beyond measure. Remember, the secret to dodging the crowds when travelling with your family in Asia isn’t avoiding the best sights—it’s about experiencing them differently. We’ve done the legwork so you can enjoy the highlights without the headaches. Expect the unexpected, and prepare to be amazed.

Ready to trade the mundane for the magical?

Let’s start planning your next great family adventure today. 

Head to our website for more ideas and information about travelling to Asia with your family.

You can browse our guide to when to travel where as a family or get in touch on 020 7924 7133 .

Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey.

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