Top Long-Haul Destinations for Families

Travelling long-haul with a toddler can seem like a daunting prospect, but don't let this put you off from having an exotic family holiday! With the option to travel outside the more expensive school holiday period, you can an enjoy a relaxing and adventurous family escape in a variety of destinations across the globe. We've selected the top three destinations and resorts for families with toddlers..

With the rise of family-friendly resorts, Mauritius is now one of the most popular Indian Ocean destinations for families with young children, offering an exciting range of child-friendly activities and excursions. With most resorts providing facilities tailor-made to families, such as kids' clubs with great entertainment for children of all ages, Mauritius is the place for families to experience the beach holiday of their dreams. 

We recommend the Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort for families with toddlers. The resort has two pools, one for families and one for adults only, so that children can splash and play freely as they wish. The family pool is located right next to the beach, a beautiful beach with soft, white sand and warm, shallow water. With its exciting Timono Kids Club and a babysitting service, parents can take a break in the Seven Colours Spa Village whilst enjoying some much-needed pampering time! 

Considered a gateway to South East Asia, Thailand is a well-developed tourist destination ideal for a much-needed family getaway in the sun. Phuket in particular is perfect for families, with many all-inclusive resorts offering engaging kids' clubs and film nights, as well as fun activities on the beach. 

For a relaxed Thailand holiday, we recommend the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, a beachfront resort surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation. With a dedicated kids' club, and an on-site waterpark with a tranquil lazy river, waterslides, waterfalls and four swimming pools, families can splash under the sun before enjoying delicious Thai or international cuisines in the evening!

For long-haul family holidays, Dubai's relatively short fly time of 7 hours makes this an ideal destination for parents travelling with toddlers. With an abundance of family-friendly resorts with their own dedicated children's facilities, you can be assured that your toddler will never be bored!

Looking for the ideal family resort to stay in on your Dubai holiday? For families with toddlers, we recommend the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which has its own private beach and five swimming pools. With a funky ocean-themed Sinbad's kids' club, babysitting services and complimentary access to the popular Wild Wadi Waterpark, there is plenty of fun activities to keep toddlers and children occupied. For the adults, you can head to the Talise Spa for some much-needed me time! 

The age to be inspired, holidays with children should be full of adventure and fun, somewhere they can explore and learn without getting bored! With so many exciting destinations around the world to choose from for the perfect family holiday, we've narrowed it down to the top three countries and resorts that are great for children...

After watching Disney's remake of The Lion King, where better to take your children than South Africa on a safari? With the opportunity to see so many exotic animals and marine creatures, a family holiday to South Africa is guaranteed to be one that you'll never forget. 

For a South Africa safari, we recommend the andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp, where you can experience daily early morning and afternoon game drives; you'll have the opportunity to spot leopards, elephants, hippos and much more! The camp is open to children of all ages, and has a dedicated WILDChild programme, as well as offering childminding services. 

Whilst Bali is often perceived as being a destination for backpackers and honeymooners, it's also a perfect place to have a relaxing family holiday. With a rise in luxurious family-friendly resorts that have their own kids clubs, waterparks and adventurous excursions, children are guaranteed to never get bored on a holiday to Bali! 

The Grand Mirage Resort and Thalasso in southern Bali is the ideal beachfront escape for all the family; with a family pool with a waterslide, a mini waterpark, a karoke room, a table tennis room and a kids' club, there is plenty for children to do at the resort that will keep them occupied! Children can also experience thrilling watersports under adult supervision at the resort, such as kayaking and speed boat riding! 

Hawaii is a great choice for families seeking a combination of adventure, relaxation and fun. With many family-focused resorts, Hawaii offers families the chance to spend some quality time together, whether it be exploring the island landscape or having fun at the resort. 

For a great family-friendly resort in Hawaii, we recommend the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa. A Disney-themed resort, children can enjoy complimentary high-energy pool parties and character experiences, where they can meet their favourite characters dressed in life-size costumes! The resort also offers family spa treatments, so that everyone can unwind and feel relaxed! 

When going on holiday with teenagers, it's the experiences that you'll have together that will count. With so many experiential-focused destinations you can choose from that are great for an enriching family holiday, we've selected the top 3 places to take teenagers for the ultimate trip of a lifetime...

Although popular with honeymooners, the Maldives is a fantastic destination for families wanting to experience ultimate tropical island paradise. With a wide selection of luxury resorts to choose from, the whole family can feel like VIPs, whether you're staying in an exclusive overwater villa or a Robinson-Crusoe-style beach villa. 

For family holidays with teenagers to the Maldives, there is no better place to stay than the Kandima Maldives. A quirky and stylish resort, the design has a playfulness unlike anywhere else in the Maldives, with a strong focus on fun and outdoor experiences. With the option to experience watersports such as kayaking, banana-boat riding and snorkelling, the resort allows teenagers to get outside and be active whilst having fun with the whole family!

A great destination for experiential family holidays, Sri Lanka offers many thrilling excursions and activities that are perfect for teenagers to enjoy. From incredible safaris to fascinating heritages tours, these enriching experiences enable the whole family to connect and explore new places together, making for a fun and enthralling holiday. 

To experience Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, the Water Garden Sigiriya is ideal for families with teenagers, as it offers a range of in-resort and external experiences that will keep everyone occupied. From archery classes and cooking demonstrations to a Minneriya Jeep Safari and Cycle Tour to Sigiriya Lion Rock, there is plenty to do and experience whilst on a family holiday to Sri Lanka!

For a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, Malaysia offers incredible experiences in nature that are ideal for teenagers. In Malaysian Borneo, families can discover some of the island's unique and exotic wildlife, from orangutans to pygmy elephants on carefully-curated water and overland safaris.

If you want to plunge straight into the rainforest on your family holiday, the Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a perfect place to stay with teenagers. Accessed by an exciting 2 and a half hour river cruise, the lodge offers a wide variety of incredible safaris, such as the Borneo Big 5 and the River and Rainforest cruise. With the jungle canopy a stunning backdrop, the lodge also has a refreshing swimming pool, ideal after a day spent trekking through the rainforest. 

Eager for the family holiday of your dreams? One of our luxury travel experts can organise your family adventure of a lifetime, whether you're looking for the best family-friendly resorts or experiential destinations for teenagers...