Booking Accommodations: Agoda and Traveloka

When travelling with kids, finding family-friendly accommodations is crucial. Agoda and Traveloka are two of the best apps in Asia for booking hotels, resorts, and even vacation rentals. Both apps allow you to filter your search for family-friendly amenities like cribs, extra beds, and pools.

How to Use Them:

• Agoda: Open the app, enter your destination, travel dates, and number of guests. Use filters like “Family Rooms” or “Kid-Friendly” to narrow your options. Agoda also has a “Free Cancellation” option, which can be helpful if your plans change.
• Traveloka: Like Agoda, you can search for accommodations that cater to families. Traveloka also offers vacation packages that bundle flights and accommodations, often at a discounted rate.

Pro Tip: Check out guest reviews that mention family experiences or the ease of travelling with children, as this can give you better insight into the suitability of the hotel for your family.

Navigating Transportation: Grab and Gojek

Getting around in Asian cities with kids can be challenging, especially when it comes to public transportation. That’s where ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek come in handy. These apps are widely available across Southeast Asia, and they offer car services, food delivery, and even grocery shopping.

How to Use Them:

• Grab: Simply enter your pickup and drop-off locations, select the type of vehicle you need (e.g., car, XL for bigger families), and wait for your driver. The app shows the estimated cost upfront, so there are no surprises. Grab also allows you to pre-book rides, which is especially useful when travelling with kids and needing a reliable mode of transport.
• Gojek: Similar to Grab, Gojek offers ride-hailing services, but it also has options like motorbike taxis for short trips or food delivery when your family is too tired to venture out for dinner.

Pro Tip: Both apps let you pay in cash or via credit card, but it’s a good idea to check with your bank for any international transaction fees. Many cities in Asia also offer Grab Family, which provides car seats for younger children.

Getting Around via Public Transport: Citymapper and Moovit

How to Use Them:

• Citymapper: After selecting your city, enter your destination, and Citymapper will provide multiple route options, including buses, subways, and walking directions. It’s great for estimating travel times and even shows stroller-friendly routes, which can make a world of difference when travelling with younger children.
• Moovit: Another excellent public transport app, Moovit offers step-by-step directions, live updates, and a “plan your journey” feature. Moovit is available in many Asian cities, and you can even see real-time delays or disruptions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check if the app shows ticket pricing or if you'll need to purchase a transit card, like the Octopus Card in Hong Kong or the Suica Card in Japan. Some cities offer tourist passes that are cheaper and more convenient for families planning to use public transport frequently.

Keeping the Family Entertained: Klook and KKday

To keep your kids entertained and your family travel itinerary exciting, apps like Klook and KKday offer curated experiences and family-friendly activities across Asia. You can find everything from theme park tickets to cultural workshops, guided tours, and skip-the-line passes for popular attractions.

How to Use Them:

• Klook: Browse through hundreds of activities by location, from amusement parks to nature tours. The app also offers discounted tickets, which can be a lifesaver when you're planning multiple activities. You can book instantly, and many experiences come with free cancellation.
• KKday: Similar to Klook, KKday offers family-friendly activities like cooking classes, wildlife experiences, and city tours. It’s a great resource for booking day trips, and you can find deals on transport, tickets, and even local SIM cards for staying connected.

Pro Tip: Book your activities in advance, especially for popular attractions like theme parks in Japan or water parks in Thailand, as tickets can sell out quickly during peak seasons.

Travelling around Asia with kids doesn't have to be daunting when you have the right local apps at your fingertips. From booking accommodations and navigating cities to finding kid-friendly dining and activities, these apps make family travel smoother and more enjoyable. By integrating these tools into your journey, you’ll spend less time stressing about logistics and more time making memories with your kids.

Happy exploring, and enjoy your travels in Asia!