Where to go during the school holidays in 2026

Cristal Dyer
7 min read

School holidays creeping up again? Don’t stress. Whether you're craving the beach, new sights, or just a break from lunchbox duty, there’s a trip that fits. Summer holidays is prime time to explore the southern parts of the country, or head overseas for everything from island escapes to a bucket-list worthy white Christmas.

The best part? These destinations are big on fun, light on effort, and great for families travelling on any budget. Pack the bags (and maybe leave the jackets behind) because your next school holiday starts here.

A snow monkey in Nagano, Japan

Nagano, Japan

Best for: Snow bunnies and ski buffs

Prime beach time in Australia, means prime ski time in Japan. From December to March, Japan's mountains get blanketed with powder and offer some of the best skiing in Asia. If it was good enough for the Olympic Games, it's good enough for us! If you're not into skiing, there's still plenty to do around here, including seeing the adorable snow monkeuys, visiting snow-covered temples and warming up with steaming bowls of ramen.

Things to do in Nagano

Where to stay in Nagano

  • Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku: Close to the monkey park and offering a Japanese guesthsouse experience, Kanbayashi offers a true taste of Japan's mountain life.
  • Hotel Abest Hakuba Resort: Just a few kilometres from the ski fields and home to a soothing onsen, it's the perfect place to stay if you're hitting the slopes.
  • Mercure Nagano Matushiro Resort & Spa: If you're after a big brand name without the pricetag, then the Mercure in Nagano may be your bet. It's close to the old Olympic stadium and guests rave about the extravagant breakfast.

Bali, Indonesia

Best for: Families and beach lovers

Bali’s a no-brainer any time of the year. Warm weather, easy flights, and spots like Nusa Dua and Sanur that are made for families. Think beach days, smoothie bowls, and resorts with kids’ clubs (so you can sneak in a proper nap). If you’re after a bit of green, Ubud’s rice paddies and jungle swings are just an hour away.

Things to do in Bali

Where to stay in Bali

Padma Resort Legian: Beachfront, laid-back, and packed with fun. This lush Legian resort has five pools, a kids’ club, foam parties, and even mermaid swimming lessons.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua: A family favourite right on the sand, with a kids’ club, spa, six restaurants, and big rooms that come with garden or ocean views.
Prama Sanur Beach Hotel Bali: A chilled-out beachfront stay in Sanur with a family splash zone, watersports, and loads of dining options just steps from the sea.

Singapore

Best for: Foodies and first-time travellers

Singapore is clean, super easy to get around, and packed with things to do. It’s a top pick if you’re travelling with kids…or just hungry. From the hawker stalls to the theme parks, there’s something happening on every corner. Head to the family-friendly Sentosa Island for plenty of resort options, beaches, theme parks and attractions that will keep your kids entertained all day long. We guarantee it.

Things to do in Singapore

Where to stay in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands: Go big with epic views, luxe rooms, and that famous infinity pool — great for families who want a wow-factor city stay.
Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay: A solid pick for families, with connecting rooms, free brekkie, and a rooftop pool that’s made for cooling off after a hot day out.
Hotel Boss: Close to Little India and Bugis, this budget-friendly option has an outdoor pool, playground, and easy MRT access to everywhere you need to be.
A family walking along Gold Coast beach

Gold Coast, Australia

Best for: Theme park fans and beachgoers

Not keen on long, international flights? No worries. The Goldie’s got sunshine, surf, and all the thrill rides you could want. It’s easy to get around, packed with family-friendly places to stay, and a great mix of action and chill.

Things to do on the Gold Coast

Where to stay on the Gold Coast

JW Marriott Gold Coast: Fancy but still super family-friendly. There’s a saltwater lagoon with tropical fish, waterslides, and enough space for everyone to spread out.
RACV Royal Pines: Sporty families, this one’s for you. Expect golf, tennis, a splash park, and big rooms just a short drive from the theme parks.
Sea World Resort: Stay right next to the action with direct access to Sea World, waterslides, character appearances, and kid-approved buffet nights.
Langkawi

Langkawi, Malaysia

Best for: Slow travellers and sun seekers

Langkawi’s your tropical island escape without the price tag. It’s laid-back, lush, and lined with quiet beaches. Plus, it’s duty-free, so snacks and souvenirs come cheap. Perfect for families or couples keen to switch off for a week.

Things to do in Langkawi

Where to stay in Langkawi

Temple Tree Resort: A one-of-a-kind stay in rescued heritage houses, with loads of space for families, a pool, and a few friendly cats roaming the gardens.
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa: Beachfront bliss with family-sized suites, a top kids’ club, multiple pools, and just enough luxury to keep everyone happy.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort: Tucked into the rainforest with a private beach, this resort has family chalets, a great pool, and easy access to nature adventures.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Best for: Adventure junkies and nature seekers

Nestled among the Southern Alps, Queenstown packed with action whether it's ski season or not. It's got cosy pubs, lakeside restaurant and scenic mountain views fro just about everywhere in town. From day trips to Milford Sound and Wanaka, to hikes on nearby mountains and luge rides down them, it's a great pick for families with older kids or teens.

Things to do in Queenstown

Where to stay in Queenstown

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa: Spacious two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and a heated lap pool perfect for ski trips or lake breaks with the kids.
Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown: Lakeside and close to town, this value pick has family rooms, a pool, and plenty of space to unwind after a day out.
Heritage Queenstown: Great mix of room types for families, plus an outdoor pool, spa, and mountain views that make it feel like a proper alpine escape.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Best for: Culture lovers and beachside chill

Da Nang hits the sweet spot between a beach town and a culture hub. It’s super relaxed, with great food and easy day trips to places like Hoi An and Hue. The beach is wide, sandy, and rarely packed, even in July.

Things to do in Da Nang

Where to stay in Da Nang

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa: A beachfront resort with five pools, a kids’ club, and easy access to both the beach and day trips to Hoi An.
Bay Capital Danang: Sleek and family-friendly, this hotel has spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and extras like a spa and golf nearby to keep everyone entertained.
Merry Hotel Da Nang: A solid budget-friendly stay near the city, with family rooms, friendly service, and easy access to food, shops, and local sights.

Phuket, Thailand

Best for: Beach bums and active families

Phuket’s got it all: warm seas, family-sized resorts, water activities, and plenty of day trips. Whether you're snorkelling off nearby islands or grabbing a pad thai by the beach, it’s a stress-free pick that’s easy on the wallet. Patong is lively, while Karon and Kata offer a more relaxed pace.

Things to do in Phuket

Where to stay in Phuket

The Slate Phuket: Just minutes from the airport, this creative beachside resort has family villas, a top kids’ club, daily activities, and a “Kids Eat Free” deal that makes it a win for parents, too.
Aleenta Phuket: A quieter, eco-conscious spot north of the crowds, with beachfront villas, wellness classes for parents, and a kids’ club packed with fun activities.
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket: Right in Patong, this family-friendly stay comes with themed rooms, a splash zone, a kids’ club, and the bonus of kids eating free.

Written by: Cristal Dyer

Cristal Dyer is a writer at Traveloka with more than a decade of travel writing experience that' has taken her to more than 70 countries. She travels full-time, sharing insider tips on her favourite cities, must-try food spots, and the best travel deals she can find.

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