Best Places for Family Vacations: Top 15 Destinations in India & Abroad
Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays
A family vacation is more than just a getaway—it’s an opportunity to bond, create lifelong memories, and experience new cultures together. Whether you’re looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing retreat, we’ve curated a list of the best family-friendly destinations in India and abroad. Each of these locations offers unique attractions, kid-friendly activities, and accommodations suited for families.
Which family vacation you wish to enjoy
Best Family Vacation Destinations in India
Best Family Vacation Destinations Abroad
How to Choose the Perfect Family Vacation Spot
1.Budget-friendly vs. Luxury Options
When choosing a family vacation spot, consider your budget. If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, destinations like Switzerland, Dubai, and the Maldives offer premium resorts with exclusive experiences. For budget-friendly trips, consider Thailand, Bali, and domestic locations in India like Ooty and Darjeeling, which offer affordable accommodations and fun experiences without breaking the bank.
2. Travel Seasonal and Best Time to Visit
Each destination has its peak season. Plan your travel during the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and get the best deals (just before or after peak tourist months). For instance:
- Beach destinations like Goa and Bali are best visited from October to March.
- Hill stations like Manali and Darjeeling are perfect from March to June.
- Winter destinations like Switzerland are best for skiing between December and February.
3. Accessibility and Kid- Friendly Amenities
For a smooth family vacation, consider destinations that are easy to reach and have child-friendly amenities. Look for direct flights, family-friendly resorts with kids’ activities, and access to medical facilities. Destinations like Singapore, Dubai, and Orlando are known for their excellent infrastructure, making travel stress-free for families with kids.
Best Family Vacation Destinations in India
1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Islands are perfect for a beach getaway with kids. Explore Radhanagar Beach, go snorkelling at Havelock Island, and visit the Cellular Jail for a glimpse into history. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride or a dolphin-watching tour—kids will love it!
Best time to visit: October to May
Best Places to Stay: Taj Exotica Resort, Seashell Havelock
Top Activities: Snorkeling, boat rides, visiting the Marine National Park
2. Jaipur & Udaipur, Rajasthan
Experience royalty with a family trip to Jaipur & Udaipur. Explore the grandeur of Amber Fort, enjoy a traditional puppet show, and stay in a heritage hotel. In Udaipur, boat rides on Lake Pichola offer breathtaking views.
Best time to visit: October to March
Best Places to Stay: Rambagh Palace, Oberoi Udaivilas
Top Activities: Camel rides, exploring forts, cultural experiences
3. Darjeeling & Gangtok
A paradise in the Himalayas, Darjeeling offers the Toy Train Ride, mesmerizing tea gardens, and panoramic mountain views. Gangtok adds adventure with cable car rides and Rumtek Monastery visits.
Best time to visit: March to June, September to November
Best Places to Stay: Mayfair Darjeeling, The Elgin
Top Activities: Toy train rides, trekking, monastery visits
4. Kerala (Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam)
Take a relaxing houseboat cruise in Alleppey, explore Munnar’s tea plantations, and enjoy beach fun in Kovalam. Kerala offers unique wildlife experiences at Periyar National Park.
Best time to visit: September to March
Best Places to Stay: Kumarakom Lake Resort, The Leela Kovalam
Top Activities: Houseboat stays, elephant rides, backwater tours
5. Rishikesh & Jim Corbett National Park
Perfect for adventure-loving families, Rishikesh offers river rafting (for older kids) and yoga retreats, while Jim Corbett promises thrilling wildlife safaris.
Best time to visit: October to June
Best Places to Stay: Aloha on the Ganges, Jim’s Jungle Retreat
Top Activities: River rafting, wildlife safaris, nature walks
6. Ooty & Coorg
Ooty’s Toy Train, beautiful botanical gardens, and boating in Ooty Lake make it an ideal family destination. Coorg offers coffee plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Best time to visit: March to June, September to November
Best Places to Stay: Taj Savoy, Evolve Back Coorg
Top Activities: Toy train ride, plantation walks, trekking
7. Goa (Beyond Beaches)
Goa is not just about beaches! Families can visit spice plantations, enjoy dolphin-watching tours, explore Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and visit historic churches.
Best time to visit: November to March
Best Places to Stay: Taj Exotica, The Leela Goa
Top Activities: Dolphin spotting, spice farm visits, waterfall tours
Best Family Vacation Destinations Abroad
8. Singapore
A dream destination for families, Singapore offers Universal Studios, Sentosa Island, the Singapore Zoo, and Gardens by the Bay.
Best time to visit: February to April
Best Places to Stay: Marina Bay Sands, Shangri-La Singapore
Top Activities: Theme parks, aquarium visits, night safari
9. Dubai, UAE
Dubai has it all—theme parks, desert safaris, and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Families can also visit the Dubai Aquarium and Legoland.
Best time to visit: November to March
Best Places to Stay: Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Top Activities: Desert safari, aquarium visits, amusement parks
10. Switzerland
A perfect fairytale destination, Switzerland offers scenic train rides, chocolate factory tours, and breathtaking Alps experiences.
Best time to visit: June to October (summer), December to February (winter sports)
Best Places to Stay: Badrutt’s Palace, Victoria Jungfrau
Top Activities: Train rides, skiing, lake cruises
11. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is great for families looking for beaches, culture, and adventure. Visit Waterbom Park, Monkey Forest, and Ubud’s rice terraces.
Best time to visit: April to October
Best Places to Stay: Four Seasons Bali, The St. Regis Bali
Top Activities: Beach fun, cultural shows, water parks
12. Australia (Gold Coast & Sydney)
Visit Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and take a wildlife tour to see kangaroos & koalas. The Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks.
Best time to visit: September to March
Best Places to Stay: QT Gold Coast, Shangri-La Sydney
Top Activities: Wildlife tours, beaches, amusement parks
13. USA (Orlando, New York, California)
A family trip to the USA is incomplete without visiting Disneyland, Universal Studios, and national parks.
Best time to visit: Year-round (varies by state)
Best Places to Stay: Disneyland Hotel, The Plaza New York
Top Activities: Theme parks, museums, nature tours
14. Thailand (Bangkok & Phuket)
Enjoy theme parks, elephant sanctuaries, and beach activities in this vibrant country.
Best time to visit: November to April
Best Places to Stay: Banyan Tree Phuket, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Top Activities: Floating markets, water parks, island hopping
15. Japan (Tokyo & Kyoto)
Japan is a mix of modern and traditional experiences—visit DisneySea, Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and samurai museums.
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
Best Places to Stay: Aman Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Top Activities: Cherry blossom viewing, Disney theme parks, cultural visits
Travel Tips for Family Vacations
- Packing Essentials for Kids and Seniors
- Carry enough snacks, diapers, baby wipes, and formula for young kids.
- For seniors, pack medications, easy-to-wear clothing, and comfortable footwear.
- Keep a small first-aid kit with essential medicines.
2. Safety Tips for International Travel
- Always carry copies of passports, visas, and travel insurance.
- Teach kids basic safety rules, including whom to approach if lost.
- Stick to reputable accommodations and transport services.
3. Fun Activities to Engage Kids During Long Journeys
- Carry coloring books, audiobooks, and puzzle games.
- Download movies and interactive learning apps.
- Play travel games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions.”
4. Managing Travel Schedules Efficiently
- Plan flights around kids’ nap times to ensure a smoother journey.
- Take breaks during road trips for stretching and quick meals.
5. Food & Hydration Tips
- Carry refillable water bottles and stay hydrated.
- Opt for familiar foods to avoid digestion issues in young children.
6. Choosing Family- Friendly Accommodations
- Look for hotels with play areas, babysitting services, and kid-friendly dining options.
- Opt for serviced apartments when travelling with large families for extra convenience.
Making Memories That Last a Lifetime
A great family vacation is about fun, adventure, and shared moments that become cherished memories. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, exploring a new city, or immersing yourself in nature, the right destination can make all the difference.
At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we specialize in curating tailor-made family vacations that are stress-free, exciting, and filled with unforgettable experiences. From selecting the perfect destination to planning every little detail, we take care of everything so that you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
Let’s start planning your dream family getaway today! Reach out to Flying Squirrel Holidays and let’s curate the perfect itinerary just for you.
Call us at +91 33 4052 5777
Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com
