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What if caravan parks didn’t look - or feel - like caravan parks anymore?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Elysia Kelly from Trentham Waters - a brand-new resort-style holiday park that’s rethinking what family travel in regional Australia can look like.

From the moment you arrive, Trentham Waters is designed to feel different. Think considered design, curated experiences, and a focus on how families feel, not just where they stay.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How caravan parks are evolving to meet modern family expectations
• The shift towards experience-driven travel (even in regional destinations)
• What inspired the Palm Springs-style design and resort feel
• Why families are looking for more than just a place to park
• What this means for the future of road trips and holiday parks in Australia

One of the most interesting takeaways? This isn’t just about adding better facilities - it’s about completely rethinking the arrival experience, the atmosphere, and the emotional connection families have with a destination.

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or working in the travel industry, this episode offers a fascinating look at where family travel is heading next.

🎧 Listen now and discover why caravan parks might be the next big thing in family travel.

LINKS:

• Royal Caribbean's New Private Island in Vanuatu
• Yes, You Can Win Your Own Swedish Island - Here's How to Enter
• Japan Boom, US Cooling, AI Rising: The Key Australian Travel Trends for 2026
• Best Western Plus Pavilions Anaheim Review: A Budget-Friendly Stay Near Disneyland

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Are family holidays starting to feel a little… surface-level?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Emily Mikus from G Adventures to explore what travelling with purpose really looks like for families.

We dive into National Geographic Family Journeys and unpack how these trips go beyond the typical holiday - combining storytelling, science, conservation, and hands-on experiences that connect families more deeply with the places they visit.

In this episode, we cover:

• What makes these journeys different from a standard family holiday
• How meaningful travel shows up in real, practical ways
• Why small-group travel can take the mental load off parents
• How these trips create a genuine positive impact
• What families take home beyond souvenirs

We also touch on a few travel trends and updates shaping family travel right now, from new family-friendly accommodation in Australia to immersive experiences in Singapore and unique travel opportunities across the country.

If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll do meaningful travel when the kids are older…” — this episode might just change your mind.

Because the best time to create meaningful shared memories is sooner, not someday.

🎧 Listen now and discover how family travel can be more than just a holiday.

For more family travel inspiration, destination guides and practical planning tips, visit familyholidaydestinations.com

LINKS from this month's episode:

• Win a Year Travelling Australia with BIG4's BIG Aussie Review
• Singapore New Attractions: What’s Just Opened (and What’s Coming Next)
• A New Family-Friendly Resort Opens on the Murray River in Mildura
• Why Travel With Kids? 10 Reasons Family Trips Are Worth It
• G Adventures

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m sharing a mix of family travel news, practical updates, and a story inspired by one exciting announcement: new direct Jetstar flights from Brisbane to Rarotonga, launching in May 2026.

With the Cook Islands now more accessible for Australian families, I revisit one of my favourite travel memories - a slower, barefoot family stay on the island of Aitutaki - and reflect on why this part of the South Pacific leaves such a lasting impression.

I also share some simple tips for visiting the Cook Islands on a budget, even when travelling with kids.

LINKS:

• Family Travel Guide to the Cook Islands
• How to Visit the Cook Islands on a Budget
• China Bound Travel Platform Simplifies Visiting China
• South Korea Waives Visa Paperwork Until December 2026
• Why Packable Beach Toys Are a Game-Changer for Family Holidays

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, we share our experience of swapping summer weather for minus 20 degrees at China’s famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

Before diving into the story, we run through the latest family travel news, including Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas debuting in Brisbane, a new no-licence boat hire option on Great Keppel Island, and the announcement of Australia’s first indoor snow resort, Winter Sports World Sydney.

Links:

• Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas Debuts in Brisbane for 2025/25 Family Cruises
• New No-Licence Boat Hire Makes Exploring Great Keppel Island Easier for Families
• Winter Sports World Sydney: Australia's First Indoor Snow Resort is Coming

Then, we wrap up with a practical travel takeaway, breaking down sustainable travel for families into the simple and achievable “three Ps” — people, place and planet — and how thoughtful choices can make family holidays more meaningful without the guilt.

Link:

• What Sustainable Travel Means for Families (and How to Do It Without the Guilt)

If you love real family travel stories, honest reflections, and practical inspiration for your next adventure, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Are group tours with kids a brilliant idea or a recipe for chaos?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Brett Mitchell from Intrepid Travel to talk about what family group travel actually looks like in real life.

We cover:

• What to expect on a family group tour (the good and the not-so-good)
• Why group tours can take the stress out of planning
• How Intrepid Travel designs trips specifically for families
• What B Corp certification really means - and why it matters for travellers

We also touch on a few travel trends shaping family holidays right now, including the rise of luxury expectations and new family tour offerings hitting the market.

To wrap up, I share some practical tips on how to reduce your travel costs when travelling with kids - without sacrificing the experience.

Links:

• Hello Kitty Cafe Gold Coast: Step Inside a Whimsical World of Kawaii
• Intrepid Launches 10 New Tours For Families
• Is Luxury Travel Ruining Family Holidays?

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, we’re talking about active family holidays - the kind that get everyone outdoors, exploring, and having fun together.

We start with some exciting travel news, including Japan’s new Pokémon theme park, Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, and the upcoming world’s tallest hotel in Dubai.

Then host Jessica Palmer chats with Will Cairns, founder of Active England Tours, about what makes an active holiday truly family-friendly - from the best destinations in the UK for walking and cycling to balancing adventure with kids on your family holiday.

In the tip segment, Jessica shares practical advice on managing younger kids on an active family holiday.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

This is Our England video by Active England Tours

Active England Tours

Family Holiday Destinations

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Planning a family holiday can feel overwhelming - so how do you know which destination is the right fit for your crew?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations Podcast, I chat with Melissa Delaware, a travel agent at Mind Body and Travel, and founder of Thrifty Family Travels and Queensland Travel Guides. Melissa shares her expert insights on:

• The destination that completely surprised her with how family-friendly it was
• Where families are booking right now (and why)
• What to consider when choosing the perfect spot for your family

Plus, I share some quick travel news updates, including record family travel trends to Fiji and Japan, and the unusual rise of selfie-related accidents in Australia.

Whether you’re dreaming of your next big adventure or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with tips to make choosing your family holiday destination a little easier.

Links from this episode:

Mind & Body Travel - Melissa Delaware

Why Aussies are Splurging on Fiji and Japan Holidays

Australia Ranks in World's Top 5 for Selfie Accidents - Here's Why

Best Farm Stays Near Brisbane for Your Next Family Haycation

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more travel tips, destination guides, and family-friendly inspiration, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, we’re diving into one of the most bucket-list-worthy trips you can do as a family - an African safari.

I’m joined by Deon De Villiers from Safari Guru, who shares expert insights on planning your first family safari. We cover everything from choosing the right country and understanding safety, to budgeting, logistics, and why booking with a specialist can make a huge difference.

Before that, we look at a few family travel updates and ideas, including a new travel stroller from Ergobaby, a handy tool for finding Europe’s best waterparks, and the opening of Monarto Safari Park Resort here in Australia.

To wrap up, I share some practical and slightly outside-the-box ways to choose your next family holiday - from following your favourite movies to exploring travel trends like astrocartography.

🎧 Considering a family African safari? You can also read the full guide here:
https://familyholidaydestinations.com/family-african-safari-first-timers-guide/

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!