Boracay, Philippines
The Best Part
The kids probably won’t care which particular patch of sand they’re playing in, but parents will enjoy exploring the beaches around this beautiful island, especially Pukka, which is less frequented by tourists than the world-famous White Beach. We recommend hiring a boat to go snorkeling. If you’re lucky, the little ones will eventually fall asleep and you’ll be able to have some mom-and-dad snorkel time. The boat crews will be more than happy to watch over your kids.
Food
The restaurant at Nami Resort (see below) is a must: The view is stunning, the food is the best on the island and they even have toys for kids. You can also find good barbecue joints across the island. For snacks, try a crepe; families recommend the banana, custard and Nutella-filled varieties. The kids will love the refreshing mango, green mango or kalamansi (lime) shakes that are a staple around these parts.
Tips
Boracay’s people are friendly, the water is warm and the beaches are beautiful. If you want to go diving, you will have a hard time finding a better dive shop than Free Willy’s. However as far as tropical getaways are concerned, better bargains might be found in Vietnam or Bali.
Getting There
China Southern Airlines can take you to Manila for around USD 550 roundtrip per person. Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Caticlan (the closest city to Boracay) for around RMB 90 per person return. From Caticlan, jump a boat to Boracay. They run every 15 minutes between 6am and 6pm, then by demand between 7pm and 10pm (for a higher rate). Be prepared to get your feet wet when disembarking at Boracay.
Where to Stay
Families recommend Artista Villas (www.artistaboracay.ph). Rooms are around USD 100 per night and a roundtrip airport transfer from Caticlan costs USD 35 per person. Nami Resort (www.namiboracay.com) offers Ocean View Suites for USD 180 per night and bookings are available online. Caticlan transfers are also available.
Athens and Santorini, Greece
The Best Part
Athens will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. Marvel at ancient ruins and take a peek at an archaeological excavation or two. Santorini is one of the most beautiful places in the world, made famous by its immaculate white architecture against stunning blue ocean.
Food
While in Athens, the family will fall in love with the feta cheese, olive oil, bread and of course, souvlakia. Santorini is filled with overpriced tourist eateries, so we recommend that you follow the locals to the takeaway joints that serve tasty gyros. They’re always fresh and by far the best value for money.
Tips
During your stay in Santorini, you may experience an earth tremor – don’t worry; these are normal for the area. In Athens, pick up a pair of handmade Roman-style sandals. Everyone in the city has a pair!
Getting There
Emirates offers Beijing-Athens roundtrip airfare for around USD 1,350 per person. Book online at www.expedia.com for good rates. From Athens to Santorini, Aegean Air (www.aegeanair.com) offers return flights around USD 240 per person.
Where to Stay
In Athens, Hotel Achilleas (www.achilleashotel.gr) is great value for large families. Their large rooms can easily accommodate a family of five. A four-person room will set you back around USD 215 per night. As for Santorini, families recommend Kamari Beach Hotel, offering double rooms for around USD 138 (www.kamaribeach.gr).
Vermont, US
The Best Part
Located on Lake Champlain, The Tyler Place Family Resort is a favorite vacation spot for families, offering fun daytime programs for children of all ages. Kids can take part in nature walks, gardening, swimming, horseback riding and fishing – all under the supervision of camp staff, so parents can enjoy some one-on-one time. Adults can try their hand at tennis, golf, rock climbing, yoga, mountain biking, antiquing and an assortment of water sports. Trips outside the resort are also recommended. Expect to see waterfalls, cold mountain streams and idyllic countryside. A one-hour drive lands you in Quebec, Canada.
Food
Meals are catered by the resort and include fresh salads and healthy vegetables – most of which are supplied by the resort’s on-site farm or by local growers. The buffet is different every day, but save space for lobster night. No dinner is complete without a few scoops of Vermont’s famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Tips
Take advantage of the resort’s friendly and experienced babysitters. They not only play with your littlest (6 months and up), but also feed, bathe and rock them to sleep. You’ll pay a little extra but it’s worth it for a truly relaxing vacation.
Getting There
United Airlines can get you to Vermont for around USD 1,880 per person roundtrip. When you get to the airport, simply rent a car and make the short drive to the resort. Alternatively, the Resort can arrange for airport pick-up at an additional cost.
Where to Stay
The Tyler Place Family Resort has an impressive range of cottages and suites, all designed with families in mind. Each cottage comes with a separate room for mom and dad, and the resort prides itself on not having any TVs. Inquire via their website for prices and packages (www.tylerplace.com). All accommodation is located within a ten-minute walk of the children’s centers, playgrounds, the gym and the Dining Inn.
Melbourne, Australia
The Best Part
Kids will love Luna Park (Melbourne’s old-school theme park). Located in the funky beachside district of St. Kilda, families can stroll along the sand before picking up some fish and chips on their way home. Brunswick Street (a 15-minute tram ride from the CBD) is packed with art galleries, cafes, and kitschy shops – it’s a great place to check out Melbourne’s alternative culture. The Melbourne Aquarium, National Gallery of Victoria and Botanic Garden, all within a 15-minute tram ride of the CBD, are well worth a visit. The Melbourne Zoo is also a must; there, you can feed giraffes, see the amazing Thai-style elephant exhibit, and of course, pat a kangaroo. Experience Melbourne’s eco culture by heading out to Ceres, where you can mingle with the locals, buy produce from the organic farmers market, and set the kids loose on educational and fun eco-activities. Check their website (www.ceres.org.au) for open hours, special events and festivals.
Food
Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise, with coffee shops on every corner, cafes down every laneway and cheap restaurants aplenty. Degraves Coffee in Degraves Lane serves some of the best espresso in town, and offers great people-watching. China Town on Little Bourke Street has delicious dim sum (or yum cha as the locals call it) and cheap Cantonese options. Lygon Street (Melbourne’s Little Italy) has plenty of pasta and a family-friendly vibe. Try Bimbo’s Pizza for their AUD 4 pizzas (avoid the student crowd and opt for lunch-time instead) and Veggie Bar for vegan and organic options. Both are located on Brunswick Street.
Getting There
Qantas offers Beijing-Melbourne roundtrip airfare for around USD 2,125 per person. Air China offers the same route for about USD 1,300 per person. Book online at www.expedia.com for good rates.
Where to Stay
Quest serviced apartments in the heart of Melbourne offer two-bedroom apartments from around USD 215 per night (www.questcollinsstcentral.com.au). You can also check out www.stayz.com.au for their range of family-friendly holiday rentals.
Tips
Melbourne does get chilly in June and July (Australia’s winter), so never leave home without a jacket. Day trips to Daylesford, The Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island to see the fairy penguin parade (www.penguins.org.au) will round off your holiday.
