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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

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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.

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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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This month, we’re talking about BIG changes in the world of family travel. The Gold Coast now has its very own Hello Kitty Café (yes, it’s as cute as it sounds), Intrepid has dropped 10 new family tours for 2026, and we’re chatting about the rising pressure for every holiday to be “luxury.”

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?

Jessica also chats with Brett Mitchell from Intrepid Travel about what family group touring actually looks like - the good bits, the tricky bits, and why it works so well for families who want adventure without the planning stress. We also touch on what B Corp certification means and how Intrepid puts responsible travel into practice.

Plus, stick around for some quick tips on how to reduce your costs when travelling with kids.

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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 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

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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

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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 covering everything from practical gear to wild African adventures. First up in travel news: the brand-new Ergobaby travel stroller, a handy booking resource for finding Europe’s best waterparks, and the exciting opening of the Monarto Safari Park Resort.

Then we dive into the big feature: an inspiring chat with Deon De Villiers from Safari Guru, where we unpack how to plan your first family African safari - from choosing the right country to safety tips, budgeting, and why booking with a specialist can make all the difference.

Considering a family African Safari adventure? Check out this article over on the website: https://familyholidaydestinations.com/family-african-safari-first-timers-guide/

We wrap up with ways to choose your next holiday destination, from following your favourite movies, to checking out Lonely Planet’s new Where to Go When with Kids book, to exploring the rising trend of astrocartography.

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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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What do you get when you mix a curious toddler, ancient limestone caves, and a whole lot of bat guano? A family travel memory you’ll never forget, and probably never stop scrubbing from your brain. In this episode, I share our hilarious (and slightly gross) adventure through the Capricorn Caves in Queensland, including that unforgettable moment my toddler decided the cave floor looked… tasty.

We’ll chat about whether the caves are worth visiting with kids, what to expect on the tours, and how to handle the wild card that is travelling with small humans.

Read the full story and guide to visiting Capricorn Caves with kids here:
👉 https://familyholidaydestinations.com/capricorn-caves-with-kids/

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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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Noosa is packed with stunning beaches, but which one should you visit with your family? In this episode, we chat about our top picks for beaches in Noosa, from calm coves perfect for paddling to surf spots with nearby coffee. Whether you're after a safe place for little ones to splash or something a little more adventurous for your grommets, we've got you covered.

We also share practical tips on parking and when to go to avoid the crowds. So grab your towels and tune in for some sunshine-filled inspo for your next family beach day in Noosa!

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!