Setting off on a family trip involves exploring new adventures together and making long-lasting memories.

Each season brings its own magic and opportunities for adventure, making it a perfect excuse to pack up the kids and explore some of the most family-friendly spots around the globe. From cherry blossoms in spring to snowflakes in winter, here's where you can go and what you can do.

Spring: The Cherry Blossoms of Tokyo, Japan

Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Famous for: Its vibrant culture, technology, and breathtaking cherry blossoms and of course...VENDING MACHINES. You can almost anything in a vending machine in Japan, it's quite amazing. 

As the cherry blossoms bloom, Tokyo turns into a pink paradise that's perfect for family picnics. This is the best time to visit as the weather is mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities without the oppressive heat of summer. Tokyo offers a seamless blend of traditional and futuristic attractions that can captivate both kids and adults alike.

Family-Friendly Accommodations:

• Low Budget: Sakura Hotel Jimbocho (avg. AUD $120/night for a family room): A cosy, budget-friendly option with family rooms and easy access to public transport.
• Mid Budget: Shinjuku Granbell Hotel (avg. AUD $250/night for a family suite): Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this hotel offers modern amenities and a great base for exploring the city.
• High Budget: The Peninsula Tokyo (avg. AUD $600/night for a deluxe room): For families looking to splurge, this hotel delivers luxury with spacious rooms and incredible views of the Imperial Palace gardens.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

• Cultural: The Edo-Tokyo Museum, where history comes to life with interactive exhibits—perfect for curious kids who have a million questions about everything.
• Fun/Adventure: Ueno Zoo, home to giant pandas and numerous playgrounds, is a great place to unleash the little ones and maybe spot some wildlife that’s not in a teen's bedroom.

Summer: The Adventurous Outdoors of Queenstown, New Zealand

Language: English
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Famous for: Stunning landscapes and being the adventure capital of the world.

Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is where adrenaline meets stunning landscapes, all in a family-friendly package. Usually Queenstown is known as a winter destination due to the amazing snow and buzzing atmosphere, however summer here is also vibrant with long daylight hours that allow more time for exploring. It's a relatively affordable destination with numerous outdoor activities that can keep your budget in check while providing endless fun.

Family-Friendly Accommodations:

• Low Budget: JUCY Snooze (avg. AUD $100/night for a family room): A hip, budget option with comfortable family pods that cater to the adventurous family.
• Mid Budget: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road (avg. AUD $210/night): Offers stunning lake views and family-friendly services without breaking the bank.
• High Budget: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa (avg. AUD $450/night for a lake-view room): Dive into luxury with spacious rooms and a variety of family activities on offer.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

• Cultural: Take a scenic drive to Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village with interactive museums and quaint shops.
• Fun/Adventure: The Skyline Luge, an exciting track that offers spectacular views and laughter as you race down (just try not to let your kids beat you too badly!).

Autumn: The Cultural Riches of Quebec City, Canada

Language: French
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Famous for: Its enchanting old town and vibrant fall foliage.

With its cobblestone streets lined with vibrant fall colours, Quebec City offers a blend of history and beauty that’s perfect for families who love to explore. Autumn/ fall season is spectacular with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy all that the city has to offer at a leisurely pace. It's a city rich in culture and relatively affordable compared to other North American tourist destinations.

Family-Friendly Accommodations:

• Low Budget: Auberge Internationale de Quebec (avg. AUD $130/night for a family room): A charming hostel in the heart of Old Quebec that's easy on the wallet.
• Mid Budget: Hotel Chateau Laurier (avg. AUD $240/night): This hotel offers the charm of old Quebec with the comforts of modern amenities.
• High Budget: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac (avg. AUD $550/night): Staying here is like living in a castle—and which kid doesn't dream of that?

Family-Friendly Attractions:

• Cultural: Wander through the historic streets of Old Quebec, where every corner tells a story, or visit the Musée de la civilisation, which often features kid-friendly exhibits.
• Fun/Adventure: Montmorency Falls Park offers breathtaking views and thrilling cable car rides. It's a place where you can literally chase waterfalls.

Winter: The Magical Winter Wonderland of Lapland, Finland

Language: Finnish, Swedish
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Famous for: Being the home of Santa Claus and its mesmerising Northern Lights.

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, Lapland is where those dreams come true, with reindeer sleigh rides and Northern Lights that light up the Arctic sky. This winter wonderland offers a unique holiday experience that's both educational and magical, making it a perfect getaway for families. It can be a bit pricey due to its remote location and unique activities, but the experience is truly priceless and definitely worth saving up for!

Family-Friendly Accommodations:

• Low Budget: Snowman World Igloo Hotel (avg. AUD $190/night): An igloo experience that won’t freeze your budget.
• Mid Budget: Santa Claus Holiday Village (avg. AUD $320/night): Stay in a cosy cabin and meet Santa every day—because why not extend the Christmas excitement?
• High Budget: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (avg. AUD $700/night): Offers luxurious glass igloos where you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

• Cultural: Visit the Sami Cultural Centre Sajos to learn about the indigenous people of Lapland.
• Fun/Adventure: Besides meeting Santa, you can go on a husky safari, which is like a rollercoaster powered by pups. This is an absolute MUST-especially for the little ones who still believe. 

Year-Round: The Theme Parks of Orlando, Florida, USA

Language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Famous for: Its world-renowned theme parks and family entertainment.

No list of family-friendly destinations would be complete without mentioning Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, where magic and memories are made daily.

I took my kids here in 2022. We did a 7-night cruise to/from here and spent a few extra nights there after the cruise; it was so much fun. Orlando offers year-round attractions with something always new to experience. The city is known for its expansive theme parks which, while can be pricey if you don't research and learn all the hacks, offer numerous deals throughout the year that can help manage costs.

Family-Friendly Accommodations:

• Low Budget: Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort (avg. AUD $150/night): Bright, cheerful, and comes with its own water park.
• Mid Budget: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (avg. AUD $280/night): A Caribbean-themed resort with a pool that's a huge hit with the kids.
• High Budget: Four Seasons Resort Orlando (avg. AUD $800/night): Ultimate luxury and just minutes from the theme parks. This is such an amazing hotel...highly recommend if you can afford it. 

Family-Friendly Attractions:

• Cultural: Kennedy Space Center is just a drive away and offers an educational day out where kids can meet astronauts and learn about space.
• Fun/Adventure: Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are the obvious picks, but don’t forget the equally exciting SeaWorld and Legoland.

And there you have it, parents! Whether you’re navigating the narrow streets of Quebec or chasing toddlers and trolls in Orlando, remember: traveling with kids is like trying to fold a fitted sheet. It might never go perfectly, but it is almost always worth it.

Start Googling, check the expiry on your passports and get moving!  Don't forget to pack your patience, and set off on a journey that your family will talk about for years.

L x