Top Countries to Visit During School Holidays

The first school holiday trip I planned for a family of four ended with a seven-year-old asleep on a Rome pavement and two adults arguing over a map. We had chosen the destination because it looked wonderful in photographs, not because it suited a child who needed lunch at noon and a playground by three. I have been planning family trips out of Singapore ever since, for my own relatives and for friends who keep asking me the same question every March, June, September and November: where should we go this holiday?

The honest answer is that the right country depends on who is travelling, how many days you have, and what time of year it is at the other end. A place that is perfect in June can be miserable in December. So instead of a glossy list of six famous names, this guide walks through Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Italy the way I would explain them to a friend over kopi: what the trip is really like with children, when to go, what it tends to cost, which days are tiring, and which paperwork you cannot leave until the last week.

One note before we begin. Every price in this guide is a rough shape in Singapore dollars, based on how I travel as a mid-range family. Exchange rates, airfares and school-holiday surcharges move all the time, so use the numbers to compare places against each other and then check live prices for your own dates. Where I mention a ticket price on HolidaySG, it is the 'from' figure at the time of writing.

How Singapore school holidays shape the choice

Singapore's school calendar has four breaks: a short one in March, the long mid-year break in June, a short one in September, and the year-end holiday that runs from late November into the new year. Every other family in the country is looking at those same weeks, and so are the airlines. That matters more than any destination guide will admit.

The June and December weeks are when fares climb, popular hotels fill, and the queue for any famous attraction gets longer. The March and September breaks are shorter, but they are far kinder on the wallet, and they happen to line up well with certain seasons. Early March is the tail end of the cool season in northern Thailand and the start of cherry blossom forecasts in Japan. September is the shoulder of Australia's ski season and the beginning of spring in New Zealand.

My rule is simple: decide the travel window first, then let the season pick the country. The table below is the cheat sheet I give friends.

Notice that no single country wins every row. That is the point. If somebody tells you there is one perfect family holiday destination, they are selling you something.

Japan: the safest bet if your children love routine and rides

Japan is the country I recommend first to anyone travelling with a child under ten for the first time abroad. The trains run on the minute, the toilets are clean, the food is predictable in the best way, and nobody minds a child who needs to stop and look at a vending machine for five minutes. I have never had a stressful day there that wasn't self-inflicted by trying to fit in too much.

What a family week actually looks like

A first week works best with two bases: four nights in Tokyo, three in Kyoto or Osaka. Tokyo is where the theme parks live, where the big toy shops and arcades are, and where a morning at a fish market followed by a river boat feels like a proper adventure. Kyoto gives your children a calmer chapter: bamboo paths, temple gates, and the small thrill of being allowed to ring a temple bell. Keep each day to one big thing and one small thing. The big thing is the part you booked. The small thing is whatever your child finds on the way.

If you are going in winter, Hokkaido is a different trip altogether. The snow is dry, the day tours are well organised, and the idea of an ice festival on a frozen lake is the kind of thing a ten-year-old remembers for years.

The Hokkaido Noboribetsu day tour out of Sapporo is on HolidaySG from S$78.91. It covers the Jigokudani valley, Lake Toya, the bear ranch and Lake Shikotsu, so expect a full day on a coach; fine for school-age children, long for toddlers. See the details here.

Practical points for Japan

• Getting around. Work out your actual route before buying a rail pass. For a Tokyo and Kyoto trip, a pass is not always cheaper than individual tickets. Price both before you commit.
• Data. A pocket Wi-Fi device or an eSIM saves you from hunting for hotel Wi-Fi. A family with several phones usually finds a single shared device easier to manage.
• Temple manners. Remove your shoes when asked, keep your voice low, and explain to children beforehand that some places are for quiet looking.
• Cash. More places take cards than before, but small restaurants and temple entrance machines still prefer coins and notes. Carry some.
• Luggage. Trains are not built for giant suitcases. Pack one medium case per adult and use luggage forwarding between cities.

Costs vary enormously by city and season, and Tokyo during cherry blossom week is a different price world from Sendai in October. Treat these as a starting shape only.

When it comes to staying connected, the cheapest way is almost always sorting it out before you leave. The Japan Pocket Wi-Fi with unlimited data shows from S$6.00 on HolidaySG and can be picked up at Japan airports, which is handy if you want one device for the whole family. Check the pick-up details.

On entry rules: Singapore passport holders have generally been able to enter Japan without a visa for short tourist stays, but rules change and apply differently to other passports. Before booking, look at our visa requirements checker and compare it with the official embassy page. That is especially important if anyone in your group travels on a different passport, which is common in Singapore families.

Thailand: easy flights, flexible budgets, brilliant for mixed ages

Thailand is the destination I recommend when the grandparents are coming. The flight is short, the hotels are used to families, a good meal costs very little, and you can dial the pace up or down by the hour. I have taken my parents there twice, and both times the best moments were unplanned: a street vendor who gave my niece an extra coconut, a long lunch where nobody looked at a phone.

Bangkok in two days, not five

Most families do better limiting Bangkok to two or three nights. The Grand Palace and the big riverside temples are spectacular but hot, and children get overwhelmed. A half-day guided temple visit is easier than doing it alone: the guide takes care of dress codes, queues and explanations, and you can leave before anyone melts. After that, spend the afternoon by a hotel pool.

The half-day Bangkok temples and Grand Palace tour with halal buffet lunch is on HolidaySG from S$49.57. It is a useful option if you need to plan halal-friendly meals; it is an early start, so bring water and hats. See the details here.

Pattaya for children, Chiang Mai for slower days

Pattaya divides opinion, but for a short trip with children it is practical. It is about two hours from Bangkok by road, has beaches and animal parks, and a good family day can be assembled without much stress. A family-friendly farm park is a gentle option for toddlers who have had enough of temples.

The full-day Pattaya beach tour with halal set lunch and rooftop sunset is on HolidaySG from S$92.43. Includes a floating market visit, so it is more varied than a plain beach day. See the details here.

Family Park Pattaya Sheep Farm and Great & Grand Sweet Destination is on HolidaySG from S$7.00. A low-cost stop that suits younger children who like animals; allow a couple of hours. See the details here.

Chiang Mai is cooler in the dry season and has a more relaxed pace: elephant sanctuaries that do not offer rides, cooking classes for older children, and night markets that you can walk through without a plan. Fly up from Bangkok rather than taking the overnight train unless your children are seasoned travellers.

The best months are generally November to February, when it is drier and cooler. The rainy season runs roughly May to October and, while showers are usually short, some islands become much quieter. That can be a good thing if you want low crowds.

For connectivity, the Airalo Thailand eSIM is on the site from S$4.53; that is hard to beat compared with roaming. Details here. Singapore citizens could enter for short stays without a visa at the time of writing, but always confirm before you fly.

Malaysia: the weekend trip that can become a week

Malaysia is the country I would pick for a short break, a first trip abroad with a toddler, or a family that includes someone who dislikes flying. It is a bus, train or short flight from Singapore, the food is a joy, and the language barrier is practically non-existent.

Kuala Lumpur with children

Kuala Lumpur works well for rainy days, which is lucky because you will probably get at least one. The malls have indoor attractions that would be a hit with children from preschool upwards. My niece spent a full afternoon in an interactive indoor city where children aged four to fourteen can try real jobs, and left asking when she could be a pilot.

Kidzania Kuala Lumpur is on HolidaySG from S$23.61. Plan for a half day at least, and arrive at opening time if you want to try the popular roles before queues build. See the details here.

For older children, an ice rink or an escape room is a good way to share an hour of teamwork.

Blue Ice Skating Rink at Sunway 163 Mall is on HolidaySG from S$14.00. Handy when the weather turns. Bring socks; most rinks require them. See the details here.

Breakout Escape Game at Avenue K is on HolidaySG from S$13.00. Pick the easier story if your group includes children under ten. See the details here.

Beyond KL

Melaka is a pleasant day trip with its old streets and river cruise, Penang has the best food in the country if you are asking me, and Langkawi gives you the island holiday without a long-haul flight. The Cameron Highlands offer cool air and strawberry farms, which is surprisingly refreshing after a week in Singapore humidity.

A practical tip about the causeway: weekends and school holidays can mean long queues at Woodlands and Tuas. If you are driving, leave early in the morning and be ready for delays. Coaches and trains are less stressful for many families. Bring your passports, check validity of at least six months, and confirm any entry requirements for anyone not holding a Singapore passport.

For mobile data, the CelcomDigi tourist SIM from S$9.00 is a straightforward option. Take a look.

New Zealand: for families who like to be outdoors

New Zealand is not a casual weekend trip. It is a long flight, usually with a connection, and the country is made for road trips rather than hopping between cities. But for a family with children old enough to enjoy fresh air, it is one of the most rewarding places I have been to. My cousins went in September and came home talking about lambs, waterfalls and the fact that you can drink the tap water everywhere.

Queenstown and Milford Sound

Queenstown is the adventure hub, but you do not need to be a thrill seeker to enjoy it. Gentle lake walks, gondola rides and a jet boat through a canyon are all options. For Milford Sound, the drive from Queenstown is long, so many families book a tour that handles the transport. Take a window seat, bring a charged camera and wear layers.

The Cruise and Kayak Milford Sound tour is on HolidaySG from S$224.02. It combines a scenic cruise with a kayak outing, so it suits families with fit teenagers; check age and weight rules for the kayaking part. See the details here.

The Skippers Canyon tour with jet boat ride is on HolidaySG from S$142.01. It is a good alternative if the long drive to Milford Sound does not appeal. See the details here.

When to go and what it costs

September to November is spring: lambs, blossom and fewer crowds. December to February is the warmest and most popular time, and so also the most expensive. June to August is ski season. If you are travelling during the Singapore year-end break, book well ahead, since campervans and family rooms disappear first.

Entry rules are stricter than most Asian destinations. Many visitors need an electronic travel authority before departure, plus a tourist levy. Check the official government pages and apply early rather than the night before. Our visa requirements page is a useful first stop for what applies to your passport.

Australia: a family classic with a long list of options

Australia suits families who want variety: beaches in Queensland, zoos and harbour views in Sydney, laneway cafes in Melbourne, and wildlife encounters everywhere. It is also big, which is the mistake first-timers make. They try to see Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru in ten days and spend half of it in airports. Choose one region and do it properly.

Sydney or Melbourne for a first visit

Sydney is easy for children: ferries, beaches and a good zoo. Melbourne has an excellent museum, parks and playgrounds, and an easy tram network. If you only have a week, base in one city and take a couple of day trips. If the school holiday sits in December to February, expect heat and long daylight hours, which are wonderful for outdoor days but tiring for toddlers.

Practical points

• Seasons are reversed. June to August is winter, which is fine in Sydney and cold in Melbourne.
• Distances. A domestic flight between cities takes two to three hours, so plan travel days carefully.
• Sun. The sun is stronger than in Singapore on many days. Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are not optional.
• Tipping and tax. Tipping is not expected, and prices shown usually include tax.
• Mobile data. An eSIM saves money over roaming; the Airalo Australia plan shows from S$4.01. Browse it here.

Most visitors need an electronic visa or travel authority before flying, and processing can be quick or slow depending on the season. Apply well before you buy non-refundable tickets. If anyone in your party is on a different passport, check the rule for each person separately.

Italy: history, with a plan for the children

Italy is the destination with the highest chance of going wrong with young children, which is why I include it. It can go beautifully. But you need to plan around naps, queues and the fact that a child's tolerance for churches is about forty minutes.

Rome, Florence and Milan

A first trip usually covers Rome, Florence and Venice or Milan. Rome is where children understand ancient history because it is right there in front of them. Skip-the-line entry is not a luxury in summer; it is the difference between a happy visit and a meltdown in the sun.

The Castel Sant'Angelo and Pantheon skip-the-line ticket is on HolidaySG from S$36.45. It saves time at two busy stops, which matters on a hot afternoon. See the details here.

Brunelleschi's Dome climb entry ticket with the Duomo is on HolidaySG from S$99.10. The climb involves hundreds of steps in narrow stairways, so it suits older children and is not for anyone with a fear of heights or small spaces. See the details here.

Milan Cathedral and the Duomo's Terraces is on HolidaySG from S$36.63. The rooftop walk is one of the easier highlights for children because it is outdoors and has plenty of space to look around. See the details here.

When and how to do it

Italy in July and August is hot and crowded. April to June and September to October are better. If your school holiday falls in June, begin sightseeing early and rest in the afternoon. Book fixed-time tickets ahead, keep a small bag of snacks, and accept that you will see about half of what you planned.

Italy falls under the Schengen area, so your entry requirements follow the Schengen rules, and those have been changing. Check the latest requirements for your passport before you book. If you need proof of onward travel or a flight itinerary for a visa application, our flight reservation service offers a reservation for visa purposes. It is a reservation, not an issued ticket, so do not treat it as a purchased flight.

What I pack for children, whatever the country

After a dozen family trips I have trimmed the list to the things that actually get used. The rest is weight. Start with a small day bag per child that they carry themselves: a refillable bottle, a hat, a light jacket, a snack and a small toy or book. Children who carry their own bag feel responsible and are less likely to complain about the walk.

• A change of clothes in your hand luggage. Delays, spills and airplane sickness are all more common than anyone admits.
• A basic medical pouch. Plasters, rehydration salts, a thermometer, motion sickness tablets and any prescription medicines in their original packaging.
• Layers, not bulk. Even in warm countries, air-conditioning and evenings can be cold. In New Zealand and Italy in shoulder seasons, three thin layers beat one thick coat.
• Comfortable shoes that are already broken in. New shoes on a cobbled Italian street are a recipe for blisters and tears.
• A power bank and a multi-country adaptor. Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Italy each use a different plug from Singapore's.
• Printed copies of key bookings. Phones die, and a paper ticket at a gate is a relief.

A ten-day sample plan for a first big family trip

Friends often ask me to write out a plan. Here is the one I give to families with children between six and twelve who want something that feels like an adventure without being exhausting. It uses Japan because the logistics are the gentlest, but the pacing works anywhere.

The secret is the spare day. Every successful family trip I have seen has one. It is the buffer that absorbs a late train, a sick child or a rainstorm without wrecking the plan.

Comparing the six side by side

Here is the comparison I draw on a napkin when friends ask which one to choose. The 'effort' column is my honest read of how tiring the trip is for adults, not how much fun it is.

If you are a first-time family traveller, begin with Malaysia or Thailand. If you have already done a few trips and want something that feels like a milestone, Japan is a rewarding next step. New Zealand, Australia and Italy are for when the children are old enough to remember the experience and for when you have the energy for a long journey.

Planning the paperwork without panic

The part of family travel that causes the most arguments is not the destination. It is the paperwork. Passports that are valid for the required period, children whose names must match the booking exactly, and a family where one parent holds a different nationality. I have seen travellers turned away at check-in over problems that were completely avoidable.

• Passports. Check expiry dates the day you book, not the week you fly. Many countries want at least six months of validity.
• Visa or travel authority. Apply in good time and keep the approval on your phone and on paper.
• Onward proof. Some applications ask for a flight itinerary. A reservation may be accepted for certain visa applications, but a reservation is not an issued ticket, so confirm what your embassy accepts.
• Insurance. Make sure it covers the activities you plan, including adventure sports in New Zealand.
• Children's names. They should match the passport exactly, with no nicknames.
• Digital copies. Keep photos of passports, tickets and insurance in a shared folder everyone can access.

For a start, use the visa requirements section to see what applies to your passport and your destination. Then check the official embassy page, because that is the final word.

Keeping the costs honest

Budget surprises come from the same places every time. The flight is the big number, but the quiet leaks are airport transfers, taxis at awkward hours, snacks for children, and the souvenir shop you could not walk past. I add fifteen percent to every plan as a cushion, and I have never regretted it.

• Book big attractions ahead for the days you really want them, and leave one or two days open.
• Eat one big meal out and one simple meal in. Apartments with a kitchen are a lifesaver for families.
• Pack medicines, plasters and a thermometer. Finding a pharmacy with the exact brand you know is not always easy.
• Use an eSIM or local SIM rather than roaming.
• Travel in the shoulder weeks within a school break, for example leaving a day or two after the rush.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is best for a first family trip abroad?

Malaysia and Thailand are the easiest. The flights are short, the food is familiar, and the pace can be adjusted to match your children. Japan is a very good next step.

When is the cheapest time to travel from Singapore?

Usually the weeks just before or after the school break, not the middle of it. Fares and hotels in the first week of June and December are often the highest.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

It depends on your passport and changes over time. Singapore passport holders have generally not needed a visa for short stays in Japan, Thailand and Malaysia, while New Zealand, Australia and Schengen countries involve a travel authority or visa step. Always confirm on official pages and use our visa requirements page to check what applies to you.

Can I get a flight reservation for a visa application?

Some visa applications ask for proof of onward travel. Our flight reservation service provides a reservation for that purpose. It is not an issued ticket, and you should check that your embassy accepts it.

How many days do I need for each destination?

Malaysia works in three to five days, Thailand in five to seven, Japan in seven to ten, and Australia, New Zealand and Italy are best with ten days or more.

Is Italy too difficult with young children?

It is manageable if you plan shorter sightseeing days, book timed entry, and leave afternoons free. Many families find it easier once children are over eight.

What is the best way to stay connected abroad?

An eSIM or local SIM is usually cheaper than roaming. Buy and test it before you leave, and keep a backup option such as a pocket Wi-Fi device.

How do I book tickets for attractions?

You can browse attraction tickets on HolidaySG and book online. Tickets are emailed after our team confirms your booking, so do not leave time-sensitive entries to the last minute.

My final suggestion

If I had to put it in one sentence: choose the trip your family can enjoy at its worst moment, not at its best. A child who is tired, hungry and hot should still find something to smile about. Malaysia and Thailand do that easily. Japan does it with ordered calm. New Zealand and Australia do it with space and wildlife. Italy does it with ice cream, which is a more effective bargaining tool than any parent will admit.

Pick your dates, choose one country, and book the one or two experiences that will anchor the trip. Then leave room for the unplanned bits. They are usually what your children talk about afterwards.

Featured experiences in this guide

Japan Pocket Wi-Fi - Unlimited Data / 3GB per day(Pick-Up at Japan Air...From S$6.00 Book →Family Park Pattaya Sheep Farm and Great & Grand Sweet Destination Pat...From S$7.00 Book →Airalo Thailand e-Sim PackageFrom S$4.53 Book →Blue Ice Skating Rink @ Sunway 163 MallFrom S$14.00 Book →Breakout Escape Game Avenue KFrom S$13.00 Book →Celcomdigi Tourist Sim cardFrom S$9.00 Book →Airalo Australia e-Sim PackageFrom S$4.01 Book →Cathedral and Duomo's TerracesFrom S$36.63 Book →