Having been in the travel industry for many years, one of the most common questions is…..”Can you recommend family friendly holidays?” So, we @ Uniquest Travel decided to put together our list of recommended family holidays.

1. Mauritius 

It’s a short flight from Durban / Johannesburg / Cape Town +- 4 hours. Air Mauritius, SAA and British Airways operate direct flights from these main cities to the magical island of Mauritius. South African passports do not require any visas for a maximum stay of 3 months or any recommended travel vaccines.

Mauritius is the ideal island getaway with beautiful hotels & resorts, delightful shopping, amazing food, white sandy beaches, friendly locals and something for everyone in the family. World Leisure resorts, Beachcomber, Club Med & Hilton are some of the prominent hotels & resorts that can be found on some of the best beaches in Mauritius. Most 4 and 5 star resorts offer excellent facilities for young ones from kids clubs, teen clubs, specialized activities, babysitting and tours tailor made to suit the kids. Hotels offer daily programs for adults wanting to enjoy a game of volleyball on the beach to aqua aerobics in the pool. Or if you’re like me, I would be soaking up the sun ordering cocktails on the beach.

The choice is yours! Mauritius offers a idyllic holiday for the whole family. There are lovely tours for those that want to experience life like the locals, trying out local delicacies in Grand Baie, shopping for bargains at one of the many malls or if you’re an adventure seeker, take in the island with a lovely helicopter tour or enjoy a zipline tour along the falls.

Whatever your choice, Mauritius ranks number 1 as our family holiday destination!

2. Walt Disney world – Florida

A family holiday with Mickey & friends is just what the travel counselor ordered! Kids will ravel in the magic of Disney world Florida.

Yes, it is a long flight to get there but our well traveled consultants will ensure that you chose an airline that is family friendly to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Magic Kingdom, Hollywood studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and so much more….you need at least 8 nights @ Walt Disney world to enjoy the park, rides, Disney characters, Disney shows and parades. There is so much to do! Disney caters for all ages of your family from the toddlers to adults, there is something for everyone. Kids enjoy the sparkle of Magic Kingdom or into the future rides @ Epcot….amazingly adults “relive” their childhood by taking on the highest roller coasters or simply enjoying a family 4D ride. There are 100’s of food outlets and entertainment at Disney downtown. Shopping, music & entertainment for the entire family.You have a choice of staying in the park or staying at a hotel or self catering apartment outside the park.

The choice is endless! These are a few reasons that Walt Disney Resort Florida tops our charts at number 2 on our top family holidays! 3. Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures in the East! Offering designer labels, fantastic infrastructure, entertainment and friendly locals, it is definitely one of the best Asian cities for a family holiday. Singapore airlines flies from South Africa directly into Singapore daily. No connections, a direct flight with one of the best rated airlines in the world. Service on Singapore airlines is amazing and children are well taken care of with child meals (ordered in advance) and little gifts to keep them entertained during their flight.

Singapore offers world class hotels like Hilton, Shangri la, Holiday Inn to name a few. Hotels are located in the city or Sentosa island. If you’re looking to shop, visit Singapore Zoo, enjoy a cruise on the water front and soak up the local culture and flavour, then staying in the city, near or on Orchard Road is perfect. If you’re looking for a laid back, relaxing getaway but with entertainment for the entire family, then Sentosa island is for you. Universal studios opened on Sentosa island a few years ago and offers an amazing day for all ages of the family. Sentosa island has a lovely beach….so you actually do have city, lights, beach, food & entertainment all in 1 package.

This is the reason, Singapore in number 3 on our family holiday list!

4. Bali

Bali makes our family holiday list for so many reasons, beach, city & culture. When you think of Bali, think of an exotic resort located on Nusa Dua beach, sheer relaxation, beach activities of the kids, spa treatments for mum and adventure for dad.

Bali is an island of adventure. The volcano of Mount Batur, water sports on the beach,  Balinese culture & dance, local foods and flavor are just some of the reasons that Bali welcomes thousands of tourists each year. South African passports get visas issued on arrival at the airport. Weather in Bali is great all year round. Resorts located on Nusa Dua, Tuban, Legian beaches are best for families. These 4 & 5 star resorts are located on the beach and offer kids clubs, keeping your little ones busy throughout the day.

Kuta which is famous for it’s nightlife is a short distance away for adults wanting a night out! Spa treatments in Bali is amazing, leaving feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and they cater for kids massages too. Locals are friendly offering you the best service always and also advise on where to shop & eat.

If you’re looking for a beach holiday with a difference then Bali is for your family.

This is the reason why Bali makes our top family holidays at number 4!

5.  Australia

Australia makes our top 5 family holidays for so many reasons…..the weather is similar to South Africa, so you can go in Winter or Summer and know what to expect, there are direct flights from Johannesburg to Sydney and Perth, locals are friendly and Australia  is much like South Africa  and has so much to offer.

Looking for a beach break, then head down to Brisbane or you want to experience that magical firework display on New Years eve at Darling harbor, then head to Sydney. Kangaroos and koala bears, every child wants to see this. Lovely hotels, apartments or beach resorts await your family. Adventures along the Great Barrier reef, Aboriginal culture or Australia unique outback….there is no destination like Australia.

SA passport holders require a visa for Australia, however there is no need to panic as our well versed travel consultants can assist with this. Australia offers the whole family an unforgettable experience.

Australia tops our holiday family list at number 5!