New Delhi: Summer vacations are almost here and every kid has to have a story to tell after they get over.
Hence, it's the perfect time to plan the ideal summer story for your family. Taking a break from the fast-paced lives, a vacation is a perfect opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and spend some much-needed quality time with family and friends.
As people are often spoilt for choices from across the globe, picking an ideal destination seems like a Herculean task.
Here are some of the best picks which can make for amazing locations to host your family this summer.
- Sydney, Australia
Sydney is full of beaches, art exhibitions, historical locations, and iconic buildings. Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, Royal Botanic Garden, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Martin Place, and Barangaroo are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Sydney. Also, from the end of May till mid of June, the city will be transformed into a nighttime wonderland through large-scale illuminations, laser light shows, and 3D-mapped projections for a winter festival.
Surely, the little fact that June marks the beginning of winter months in Sydney makes it the perfect destination to beat the summer heat.
- Singapore
The city of future, as Singapore is often called, is home to major attractions like the Sentosa Island, the Universal studios, and the Pulau Ubin among many more making it a hot pick for any family vacation. The island country has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, where every member of a family can unwind and celebrate. The vibrant Jurong Bird Park, the Night Safari, the Supertrees in the Gardens by the bay and the Marina Barrage are mus- visits in the beautiful country.
The country is a hop-skip-jump away from Malaysia making it all the more alluring for ardent travelers.
- Andaman Islands
If you prefer to stay local then the serene Andaman Islands can be your best bet. From rich wildlife, white sands, crystal clear water and an eco- friendly atmosphere, Andaman offers a break from the mundane life.
The Neil Island also knows as the "vegetable bowl" of Andaman offers relaxed vibes and long beaches to chill out. You can head to Port Blair for adventure sports like kayaking, trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. The picturesque coral reefs at the Havelock Islands are a haven for divers to explore the beauty of aquatic life. A visit to the Cellular jail (also known as the Kala Pani) takes you back in time.
- Sri Lanka
The small island provides an array of holiday experiences from sun-kissed beaches to a marathon of wildlife watching as well as satisfying the adrenaline junkie in you with adventure sports. Sri Lanka is a fine mix of culture, traditions, and heritage leading to a variety of festivals held throughout the year. Bentota is a must visit if your family comprises of animal lovers, giving tourists an experience of bathing elephants, swimming with whales, feeding sea turtles, etc. Sri Lanka is very famous for its tea plantations, giving a treat to not only your eyes but your taste buds as well.
- Hong Kong
If there is a city that has something to offer to every age group, it has to be Hong Kong. An amalgamation of high rise buildings and green parks, Hong Kong happens to be a top pick for every family holiday. The stunning skyline where a mix of skyscrapers and historical structures meet, the bustling city life where traditional practices are built into every local's life, the wide variety of cuisines for you to choose from - what's there not to love?
While in Hong Kong, The Peak- the highest point on the Hong Kong Island - is the one not to be missed. For the little munchkins, Hong Kong Disneyland has an ultimate lure. The place is also a shopping mecca and the ladies market is a definite feature on any must-visit list in Hong Kong. The list of attractions goes on and you have plenty to choose from like The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Ngong Park 360, and the Hong Kong Pulse Light show.
- Indonesia
Miss the family bonding time? Well pack your bags, put away your phones and head to Indonesia. The country is vast and vibrant and home to a rich culture and heritage. From beaches to diving, culture to jungles and adventure to history, Indonesia covers all your needs of a perfect family holiday.
For a family which fancies trekking, Sumatra or Borobudur are the best places to watch the sunrise and spend a day with the Orang-utans in the wild. Raja Ampat is an incredible landscape if you wish to go diving among the rich and diverse coral reefs. The island of the Gods, also known as Bali, is known to offer a lot to people of every age group. From luxurious resorts to the quiet beaches, you can pick your space to relax.
