Why ETG for Families?
We believe your family holiday should feel like a real break – not just more on your plate.
That’s why we handle every detail for you and help you make the best choices without any stress. We’ll recommend the destination that’ll suit you all best, the rooms that actually work (we’ve stayed in them ourselves), and sort out the nitty-gritty logistics. You won’t have to think about a thing and avoid those teenage moans and groans.
You’ll travel with first-rate guides and private drivers, and stay in characterful hotels. Most importantly, our team know how to add those magical, just-for-you touches that turn a holiday into a lifelong memory.
With ETG, every element is designed for your family – luxury, ease and adventure all built in.
Meet Our Experts
“I tell you what, if anything is going to get your teen off their screen and actually talking to you, then it’s Asia. Where legendary leopards prowl, elephants cause traffic jams, and baby turtles sprint for the sea across the sand… and that’s only the wildlife in Sri Lanka!”
Holly Newing
Head of Travel
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 before they fly the nest.
Sri Lanka works brilliantly at this time and is arguably the ultimate country for an immersive family holiday.
The European summertime is the best time to head to Indonesia and Borneo. Think exotic wildlife, dramatic volcanoes and knockout beaches: primed for maximum memory making. Borneo is one of Asia’s top spots for seeing animals in the wild, plus there are some incredible, off-the-beaten-track cultural experiences to excite eye-rolling teens.
Though there’s a higher chance of rain than during the ‘dry season’, don’t rule out Cambodia. The lily ponds around Angkor Wat are in full bloom, and the scenery is gorgeously green. For balmy beach time, pair with the dry east coast of Thailand or Central Vietnam.
Sample Itineraries for Summertime
Crafting bespoke holidays is the core of what we do. With each bespoke trip, our consultants shape every element to you, from travel times to guides, from hotels to illuminating experiences.
Christmas & Winter Holidays
Close to the equator, Asia is ideal for winter sun en famille: whether you’re keen to embrace Christmas or escape it entirely.
Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, southern Vietnam and western Malaysia are warm, dry and sunny, with lush green landscapes from the recent monsoon. Rivers, waterfalls and lakes are full, perfect for exploring floating communities like Cambodia’s Tonle Sap and Laos’ 4000 Islands.
It’s also a great time for Sri Lanka and The Maldives. The Maldives has clear seas for snorkelling and pairs well with Oman or Sri Lanka for added culture. For a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, consider boating around ravishing Raja Ampat in Indonesia.
Southern India has excellent weather and a unique Christmas spirit. Northern India can be chilly, but Rajasthan stays crisp and clear so it’s a popular time to visit.
Sample Itineraries for Christmas & New Year
Crafting bespoke holidays is the core of what we do. With each bespoke trip, our consultants shape every element to you, from travel times to guides, from hotels to illuminating experiences.
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 unusual presents you can pick up along the way. Travelling at this time could even put the fun back into Christmas shopping!
Easter Holidays
In the springtime, you’re spoilt for choice. Your trip could coincide with Solar New Year, celebrated across much of Asia. Laos, Cambodia and parts of other countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam mark it with colourful festivities and Buddhist rituals.
In Thailand, Songkran is a national holiday and seriously good fun, especially the water festival, when whole streets turn into one giant, joyful water fight!
For wildlife lovers, it’s a great time for safari in Sri Lanka. It’s also the start of the dry season in Borneo and Sulawesi, where you can spot rare creatures like black crested macaques and Yoda-like tarsiers.
Vietnam is warm and dry from top to toe, though southern Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia can get very hot (so we’ll plan sightseeing early or late in the day). And in Oman, it’s sunny but not yet scorching; a sweet spot for exploring.
Sample Itineraries for Easter & Springtime
Crafting bespoke holidays is the core of what we do. With each bespoke trip, our consultants shape every element to you, from travel times to guides, from hotels to illuminating experiences.
Bonus: Half Term 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 also possible to spot wildlife in India; the national parks will have just reopened after the rainy season.
In Our Travellers’ Words
The best family holiday we have ever been on
Temples, Volcanoes and Dragons of Indonesia
A bespoke adventure that delivered on every interest of our family
ETG perfectly arranged a complicated itinerary taking the stress away
Travelled with teenage kids to experience a taste of Sri Lanka
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
From Our Travelogue
ETG Advice
The most important (but all-too-often overlooked) part of planning a family holiday is taking the time to figure out where your family is ‘at’ right now.
What are the driving motivations of each family member as far as their next holiday is concerned?
What does a ‘brilliant holiday’ even mean to each of you?
All your answers will help our Travel Team curate a bespoke holiday that’ll hit all the right notes.
Depending on appetite for adventure, we have three types of family holidays:
Level 1: Exotic, but Not Overwhelming
Whether you’re seasoned travellers or new to Asia, we’ll help plan a trip that balances discovery with downtime. You decide how much exploring to do, while we design every detail, from the destination to the perfect hotel, so that the whole family feels relaxed and inspired for more.
Level 2: Broaden Their Horizons
You want your kids to experience the world, but without rushing. We understand the need for a pace that lets everyone enjoy without pressure. Our carefully planned trips mix immersive cultural experiences with space to breathe. It’s about broadening horizons, then coming home bonded together and refreshed.
Level 3: Big Adventures, Bigger Memories
Fancy following wild orangutans through the jungle or living with a remote tribe? We know how to create unforgettable family adventures, whether you’re nurturing young explorers or making memories before the kids fly the nest. ETG’s big adventures rekindle that wide-eyed wonder for family members of all ages.
ETG's Favourite Family-Friendly Hotels in Asia
Our experts know what works well for families (and what really doesn’t). We’re constantly refreshing our curated collection but here are a few of our top picks: from glorious villas to exciting jungle lodges.
Download Your Complimentary Guide to Family Travel
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Important FAQs about Family Holidays
As early as possible! It’s the only way to ensure the best flight prices and accommodation- trust us, they book up quickly. If at all possible, ten months to a year in advance is ideal. Booking your next summer holidays the September before, for example, is a good idea. You don’t necessarily have to plan out all your experiences and activities so far in advance, but pinning down the flights and hotel early is essential.
Absolutely! We think all of our destination countries are more than suitable for travel with children- in fact, many of us have travelled with there with our own children and had fantastic experiences. Read our blog post, ‘How difficult is travelling around Asia with kids?’ for more details.
Sadly not. They are exceptionally rare, and almost unheard of when it comes to family travel. The reality is that only way to get the best possible deal is by booking as early as you can.
Insider Tip: Generally speaking, rates increase by approximately 10% year-on-year. HOWEVER, some hotels will agree to honour their current rates for the next year if the client books early enough – certain resorts in the Maldives, for example, will grant this.
Yes, we partner with a wide variety of hotels that have connecting rooms and other family-friendly amenities to suit both your tastes and child safety expectations. Our experts are well-versed in the best hotels with pools (a sure-fire way to keep teens happy!), and other family-friendly features.