TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY
Family holiday packages can have a huge range of extras that make holidaying with kids a breeze, from kids’ clubs and nanny services to kid-friendly pools. Many properties also offer two-bedroom suites or connecting rooms, and some will provide rollaway beds or cots for free, ensuring everyone has enough space. That means parents can have a bit of rest and relaxation, not just during the day while the kids are busy, but in the evenings when little ones are fast asleep next door.
“A lot of resorts have great deals, like kids under 12 can stay and eat for free when they’re with a paying adult,” says Lucena Lee, team leader at Flight Centre Zetland. “You can also opt-in for transfers, which makes a big difference. Having someone waiting at the airport with car seats ready will give you peace of mind.”
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Most destinations closer to home have generous family rooms, for example, a bure in Fiji or a villa in Bali. However, if you’re looking further afield, sizes can vary widely. “Lots of customers are looking at Europe at the moment and rooms can be tiny,” says Lucena. “Fifteen square metres isn’t much for four people.”
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Treat the kids to a seven-night stay at the Amari Koh Samui, a five-star family-friendly resort right on the beach. Prices start from $2355 per room or $7659 for a fly-and-stay package for four travellers, including return flights, breakfast daily and a Samui Elephant Sanctuary tour.
No one does all-inclusive holidays quite like Club Med, which is famous for offering stress-free holidays in a diverse range of destinations without hidden costs. Its kids’ clubs, which are a huge drawcard, were revamped in 2023 to ensure those aged 4-17 are always entertained. Michelle Davies, general manager for Club Med Pacific, says Japan is soaring in popularity, with the Tomamu resort “a clear winner”.
“Our snow resorts provide the perfect opportunity for families to hit the slopes and learn together with ski passes and group ski lessons included in our all-inclusive package,” she says. “The majority of our resorts have ski-in/ski-out facilities allowing for easy access to ski trails and lifts.”
TOP TIP: > Lucena Lee, Flight Centre > LET IT SNOW Michelle Davies, Club Med
A week-long Club Med holiday starts from $6350 for the beach resorts and $9560 for the snow resorts, for two parents and two kids. “We usually see our guests making bookings 12-18 months in advance, so it’s really important to be prepared and to book as soon as possible,” says Michelle.
CHECK OUT: SKI IN HOKKAIDO
Club Med’s Early Bird Sale 2025 is now on, offering up to 30 per cent off Club Med’s four Hokkaido ski resorts for a limited time.