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With the summer getaway just around the corner, Booking.com has given a selection of great destinations for families thinking of heading to Asia and Oceania. Here’s some food for thought for families still in search of the ideal vacation location.
The accommodation booking giant has delved into its 91 million user reviews, gauging the opinion of experienced family travelers to compile a list of seven top destinations in Asia and Oceania.
POKHARA, NEPAL
As the gateway to Annapurna — a hotspot for trekking — this city in central Nepal also has plenty of family activities on offer, Booking reports. The destination, which gives its name to the surrounding valley, has many nearby lakes for scenic bike rides, swimming and boat trips.
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Siem Reap, the capital of the Cambodian region of the same name, is world famous as the home of Angkor Wat, the impeccably preserved imperial and religious temple complex of the Khmer civilization. In fact, many travelers consider it one of
the most beautiful sights on earth. If kids aren’t keen on the idea of visiting a temple, Booking suggests telling them that Angkor Wat is where “Tomb Raider” was filmed, turning the trip into a Lara Croft-style adventure.
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
Families in search of an authentic and exotic destination should check out Luang Prabang in Laos. Booking recommends bathing in the Kuang Falls, which will enthrall even the youngest of visitors with its turquoise waters. Families can enjoy elephant tours, kayaking and boat trips on the river.
PORT DOUGLAS, AUSTRALIA
The land of kangaroos is a prime destination for families thanks to its diverse range of activities and incredible wildlife. In Queensland — a northeastern state with the Great Barrier Reef just offshore — Port Douglas makes a good alternative to the famous Gold Coast, and it’s only 70km (44 miles) from Cairns. For younger travelers, the destination is also a gateway to the Daintree Forest, just 1½ hours’ drive away.
CRADLE MOUNTAIN, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Tasmania is probably the least well-known of Australia’s states, yet it has plenty of natural landscapes that are ideal for fun and physical family activities. Booking’s traveler reviews suggest Cradle Mountain as a key destination for its breathtaking views. It’s also highly recommended for walkers.
BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA
In New South Wales, Bondi Beach, in the Sydney suburbs, is a hotspot for experienced surfers. Byron Bay, on the other hand, is a more welcoming destination for beginners. Even the youngest surf dudes and dudettes can learn to ride the waves in this beachy bay, known for being the easternmost point of mainland Australia. Families can also take a trip to Cape Byron Light, the country’s most powerful lighthouse.
NELSON, NEW ZEALAND
Australia isn’t the only option in Oceania. Families will find all the ingredients for a great holiday in Nelson, New Zealand. Nelson is the capital of the country’s smallest region, which is also said to be the sunniest. On the north-western coast of the southern island, Nelson is a great destination for wannabe seafarers, who can try their hand at sailing. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the region.
PARIS’S ONLY CAMPSITE
Spending a night in Paris doesn’t necessarily mean checking into a hotel or booking a holiday apartment rental, as the French capital is also geared up to welcome campers. The only campsite within the city limits, located on the western edge of the city in the Bois de Boulogne park, has now been fully renovated.
The Indigo Paris campsite is located in the Bois de Boulogne, a vast public park in the city’s 16th arrondissement. It’s the only campground located within the City of Paris, on a seven-hectare site on the unspoiled banks of the River Seine. In partnership with the City of Paris, which owns the site, the campground has been recently renovated with new accommodation options and modern facilities. The Huttopia & Cie group has developed the site in a responsible way, combining the comfort of modern campsite facilities with an environment respecting natural biodiversity.
As well as offering 410 pitches, the renovation brings a new look and feel to the site with the installation of mythical American Airstream aluminum caravans. Figures from Paris’s city hall reveal that the campground counts 250,000 overnight stays each year, 70% of which are booked by non-French guests of over 25 nationalities. The campsite is priced at €195 per night until August 31. The tariff then drops to €165 or €149 depending on the time of year. A breakfast is delivered each morning, including pastries, French bread, butter, jam, freshly squeezed orange juice and hot drinks. A food truck serving pizzas, grilled meats and fresh salads is also on site. Indigo Paris camp site, 2 allée du Bord de l’Eau, Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris, France.
SPORTS TOURISM
Meanwhile, Sports tourism has been seen as an increasingly popular way to travel. With the Euro 2016 soccer tournament in full swing in France, a new AirBnb study, carried out by YouGov, shows that travelers are increasingly keen to organize upcoming getaways around sporting events.
Europeans, it seems, are champion sports fans. Half of the British, French and German travelers surveyed were interested in sports results, a passion that leads some to kill two birds with one stone by planning holidays in destinations where they can take in a fixture.
In fact, 20% of French and 25% of British people surveyed did just that, while 34% of Germans said they made the most of a trip to catch a local sports event. The 2016 UEFA European Championship soccer tournament has no doubt drawn its fair share of foreign supporters to France, making the most of the tournament to discover host cities like Lyon, Lille, Marseille and Nice.
The study found that following a favorite team has become a way of planning holidays for many travelers. Younger Europeans, aged under 44, were the most likely to book sports-related getaways, with the British leading the way (77%). Plus, when heading on sporting getaways, 27% of French travelers said they looked to book an apartment rather than a hotel to be closer to the local population.
The YouGov poll surveyed 6,276 people, with 33% in the UK, 33% in France and 33% in Germany, or 2,071 people per country.
