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Family Holidays: Where to Travel When

The Ultimate year-round family holiday guide

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Family Holidays: Where to Travel When

At ETG we don't believe in being too prescriptive about the "best" time of year to travel. From colourful festivals to wildlife sightings to the right time for you to get away from the UK, it’s all about the kind of experience your family seeks. What follows is a calendar-based guide to inspire you with a range of ideas for your next family adventure.

Experience Travel Group
SUMMER <span class="indend">HOLIDAYS</span> SUMMER <span class="indend">HOLIDAYS</span>

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

"Schools Out!" Teenagers will be more relaxed once exam stress is behind them, and with six weeks to play with, this might be the best time of year for a big trip together – especially if this is the last one before university.

Sri Lanka works brilliantly at this time and is probably the ultimate country for an immersive family holiday.

The European summer is the ideal time to visit Indonesia & Borneo. With exotic wildlife, dramatic volcanoes and picture-perfect beaches galore, a trip to this diverse country will create family memories to last forever. Borneo is one of the best places in Asia to see animals in the wild. It also offers some terrific off-the-beaten-track cultural experiences to impress even the most jaded teenager.

Though there is a higher chance of rain than during the 'season', don't rule out Cambodia. The lily ponds surrounding Angkor Wat are in full bloom, and the scenery is lush and green. Cambodia combines effortlessly with the dry east coast of Thailand or Central Vietnam if you want a reliably sunny weather forecast for the beach.

SUMMER HOLIDAY ITINERARIES

OFF-THE-BEATEN TRACK IN BORNEO

OFF-THE-BEATEN TRACK IN BORNEO

Journey deep into the jungles of Borneo to discover the tribal traditions of the Murat people and immerse yourselves in a one-off wildlife experience before spending time relaxing on an unspoiled beach. The accommodation adds to the adventure, from a research station in the jungle to hammocks under the stars.

DO DRAGONS REALLY EXIST?

DO DRAGONS REALLY EXIST?

Indonesia is a playground of remarkable once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Search for dragons, swim with manta rays on a cruise around Komodo National Park or explore Bali's paddy fields by bike. Make the trip extra special by watching the sunrise from a magnificent Javanese temple set between volcanic peaks.

ELEPHANTS AND THE EAST COAST OF SRI LANKA

ELEPHANTS AND THE EAST COAST OF SRI LANKA

On Sri Lanka's less-visited east coast, summer is the ideal time for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports at one of the island's most idyllic beach locations. The itinerary includes time in the tea country and off-the-beaten-track national parks, elephant adventures and scenic journeys by train.

CHRISTMAS <span class="indend">& WINTER HOLIDAYS</span> CHRISTMAS <span class="indend">& WINTER HOLIDAYS</span>

CHRISTMAS & WINTER HOLIDAYS

Given its proximity to the equator, Asia is an excellent option for winter sun en famille - whether you want to embrace the festive season or completely escape it. 

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, southern Vietnam and the west of Malaysia are warm, dry and sunny, yet the scenery is lush and green from the recent monsoon. This means that rivers, waterfalls and lakes are still full, creating the perfect conditions for exploring the floating communities of Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake and Laos' 4000 islands.  

Now is also an ideal time to visit most of Sri Lanka and The Maldives. In The Maldives, the clear seas make for good snorkelling; there's even a chance of seeing whale sharks in December. It's a glorious destination for banishing the winter blues and can combine with Oman or Sri Lanka if you're after a richer cultural experience.  

Southern India has excellent weather and offers an exciting option for anyone wanting to experience a Christmas celebration in a totally different culture from their own. Northern India can be cold at this time, though the weather is typically clear and crisp in Rajasthan, making it a favoured time to visit for many.

CHRISTMAS & WINTER HOLIDAY ITINERARIES

CHRISTMAS IN CAMBODIA

CHRISTMAS IN CAMBODIA

Siem Reap is a fantastic spot for a very special Christmas celebration. Get up before Santa's been and head to Angkor Wat or Tonle Sap for a day everyone will remember. Quad bike through the countryside or hang out at the beach before finishing in Phnom Penh for New Year celebrations and fireworks.

FESTIVE FUN IN SOUTH INDIA

FESTIVE FUN IN SOUTH INDIA

Bangalore and Goa have significant Christian communities, meaning you can enjoy Christmas festivities 'Indian' style; think decorated mango trees and colourful churches. From wildlife in Nagarhole National Park and a homestay on a tea plantation to a gorgeous beach retreat, this makes for an immersive yet gentle adventure.

OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK IN THAILAND

OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK IN THAILAND

Warm and dry but not oppressively hot, this is a great time to combine the beach with adventures in Thailand's countryside without younger ones getting too hot and bothered. A trip based on this itinerary is a good option for those who like to avoid big, bland resorts but still enjoy plenty of creature comforts.

A NOTE ON CHRISTMAS

It's quite possible to dodge the festive season completely, swapping turkey and the King's speech for a picnic on an island with wildlife sightings. But, if you're apprehensive about missing out, most hotels celebrate, and the bigger the resort, the more elaborate the festivities will be. Don't be surprised to find Santa skipping around the swimming pool in Thailand or a Vietnamese choir singing carols in the hotel lobby in Ho Chi Minh City! The celebrations will often centre around Christmas Eve, and bigger resorts usually hold a festive dinner.

Trying to wind up work, finish the school term, pack for a holiday, and then consider Christmas shopping can be overwhelming. But don't panic; because from Colombo to Saigon and from Chiang Mai to Muscat, your consultant will be able to give you suggestions on unique presents you can pick up along the way. Travelling at this time could even put the fun back into Christmas shopping!   

 

EASTER<span class="indend">& SPRING HOLIDAYS</span> EASTER<span class="indend">& SPRING HOLIDAYS</span>

EASTER& SPRING HOLIDAYS

At this time of year, you're spoilt for choice. Your trip could coincide with Solar New Year - a time filled with festivals and celebrations throughout Asia. Laos, Cambodia and parts of other countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam celebrate in earnest; think colourful festivities and traditional Buddhist rituals to behold and enjoy.

Songkran is a huge national holiday in Thailand and is brilliant fun. A particular highlight is the water festival when streets are closed to traffic, and people of all ages get involved in one big water fight.

For wildlife, it's an excellent time to go on a safari in Sri Lanka. It's also the beginning of the dry season in Borneo and Sulawesi, where you can spot unusual creatures like tarsiers and black crested macaques.

Vietnam works well at this time of year – it's warm and dry throughout the country. Southern Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia will be beginning to get very hot - so think about the pace and structure of the trip, keeping sightseeing to the morning or late afternoon.

Finally, Oman is sunny but not yet oppressively hot, making it an ideal time to explore.   

EASTER AND SPRING HOLIDAY ITINERARIES

FAMILY ADVENTURE IN VIETNAM

FAMILY ADVENTURE IN VIETNAM

Spring is the best time to have some fun beyond the tourist trail in Vietnam. From an eco-resort in the mountains to a boutique retreat near one of the world's most epic cave systems to a homestay in the Mekong Delta, this itinerary is ideal for families seeking a holiday packed with adventure. There's even time to relax at the beach too.

TURTLES, CANYONING & CAMPING IN OMAN

TURTLES, CANYONING & CAMPING IN OMAN

Make the most of Oman's remarkable scenery and natural beauty. Splash your way through wild streams and wadis, explore impossibly deep canyons, get a flavour of Bedouin life in the desert and learn about turtles at the beach. This suggested holiday features the best family-friendly hotels and experiences to wow all ages.

SAFARI & SURF IN SRI LANKA

SAFARI & SURF IN SRI LANKA

Now is a great time to take in Sri Lanka's less-explored east coast (typically rainier than the rest of the country in the winter months). Cross the country to Arugam Bay with adventures aplenty en route. This trip weaves on and off the beaten track giving you a feel for the real Sri Lanka - and includes a range of unique and memorable hotels.

HALF<span class="indend">TERM BREAKS</span> HALF<span class="indend">TERM BREAKS</span>

HALFTERM BREAKS

February: We're big fans of travelling to Asia during the February half term. The weather is excellent, yet you'll avoid the peak school holiday prices. Travelling in February makes the dreary winter months fly by, and the first daffodils and longer days will be ready to welcome you by the time you get back! Thailand, Sri Lanka, The Maldives and Oman are top picks for February since they all have great weather and direct flights.

May: An extra bank holiday means May is a good time to travel for those looking to minimise annual leave. There will be fewer visitors and excellent low-season offers in the Maldives and Sri Lanka; the humidity and rain begin to increase as you head into June, but rain clouds tend to blow over quickly, and it's a good time for surfing.

October: Oman comes firmly back into its own as the perfect destination for the October half-term when the heat is starting to fade across southern Europe. Rajasthan is another exciting option with clear desert nights and pleasant daytime temperatures. It's a brilliant time to see wildlife in India; the national parks will have just reopened after the rainy season, meaning plenty of opportunity for some excellent sightings.  

HALF TERM BREAK ITINERARIES

BAREFOOT IN THE MALDIVES

BAREFOOT IN THE MALDIVES

A resident community and an idyllic lagoon make this is a slightly more educational way to spend half-term than your typical Maldives holiday. Cycle through the jungle to the nearby village to share traditional snacks with locals or spend time with the resident marine biologist to learn about the area's rich sea life and surrounding ecosystems.

VILLA HOLIDAYS IN SRI LANKA

VILLA HOLIDAYS IN SRI LANKA

Among its many draws, Sri Lanka has a wide choice of exquisite coastal boutique villas that are brilliant for families or bigger groups. With the right location, you can enjoy the island's magic and diversity without moving hotels. The following villa holidays have been carefully chosen; all are fully staffed and in locations where you'll feel immersed in the destination.

A WEEK IN THE ARABIAN TROPICS

A WEEK IN THE ARABIAN TROPICS

We can't think of a better location for an 8-night October holiday. Salalah feels a little off-the-beaten-track, yet it's a microcosm of everything Oman has to offer. You can pack in the gorgeous scenery, culture, adventure and tropical beaches – all in just over a week - while staying in a super family-friendly hotel.

What do our customers say about ETG family holidays?

Most importantly you feel like a traveller not a tourist and for me I feel like the positives of tourism are emphasised...so helping support local communities, emphasising not damaging the environment or supporting activities that are not sustainable or cruel to animals. I feel like I can trust ETG. Using ETG also gives you an adventure holiday with zero stress.

Anneke H

Experience Travel Group is excellent. Our consultant (Becky Grainger) had wonderful local knowledge and delivered a perfect schedule within our budget. The quality of guides and hotels were first class. The people; food; wildlife and scenery of Sri Lanka were second to none which led to us having a truly memorable holiday. ETG has a wonderful ethos and does tourism the right way - supporting the country and worthwhile causes and steering customers away from experiences which may be harming the local people and wildlife.

The Aldersons

We’re back! Thanks for an amazing trip, with so many interesting experiences and great memories. The whole itinerary was very well composed and really gave us a flavour of the real Sri Lanka. Our driver, Kapi, was great, he was very knowledgeable, talked when he wanted to say something and let us get on with things otherwise. We always felt safe with him and he took us off the beaten track a few times, which really added to the trip. Both the children loved him. He really does go the extra mile for you and really did make our holiday. Our accommodation and food has all been quite different, which was great. Rock Villa at the end though was just superb and a great way to finish. We would like to thank you all at Experience Travel for making our trip to Sri Lanka so amazing. From start to finish it has been great and you could not have done more for us.

The coke Family

FAMILY INSPIRATION FROM OUR BLOG

~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

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ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Weather & When to go
    • Sri Lanka
    • The Maldives
    • Vietnam
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • India
    • Bhutan
    • Thailand
    • Myanmar
    • Borneo
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • Oman
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
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    • One bottle at a time
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  • Come and see us
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