Top 10 'Different' Family Holiday Destinations for 2025

December 12, 2024
Family holidays are a wonderful opportunity to bond, explore new places, and create lifelong memories. If you’re planning your next adventure, 2025 offers a host of incredible destinations designed to entertain every family member, from toddlers to teens and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach escape or an action-packed adventure, here’s our list of the best family holiday destinations for 2025 that go beyond the usual week on a beach in the Med.

1. Gold Coast, Australia

Family of surfers on the Gold Coast

Why Visit?
The Gold Coast is a family paradise, offering golden beaches, thrilling theme parks, and plenty of outdoor activities. With its sunny weather and welcoming vibe, it’s a perfect choice for families in 2025.

Top Attractions:

  • Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for koalas and kangaroos
  • Surfing lessons on Surfers Paradise Beach

Best For: Families looking for sun, sea, and endless entertainment.

2. Lapland, Finland

Finnish Lapland


Why Visit?
Bring your kids' fairy tale dreams to life with a trip to Lapland. Known as the home of Santa Claus, it’s a magical destination full of snowy adventures and holiday cheer.

Top Attractions:

  • Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
  • Husky sledding and reindeer sleigh rides
  • Northern Lights viewing tours
  • Best For: Families with young children seeking a winter wonderland experience.


3. Mediterranean Cruise

Cape Verde

Why Visit?
A Mediterranean cruise offers a hassle-free way to explore multiple destinations while keeping kids entertained. With family-friendly onboard activities and exciting shore excursions, it’s a win for everyone.

Top Highlights:

  • Explore historical sites in Greece and Italy
  • Beach days in Spain’s Costa del Sol
  • Water parks and kids’ clubs onboard

Best For: Families with diverse interests who enjoy a mix of relaxation and exploration.

4. Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver island

Why Visit?
For families who love the outdoors, Vancouver Island is a fantastic choice. It offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a range of activities that bring you closer to nature.

Top Attractions:

  • Whale watching tours
  • Hiking in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
  • Butterfly Gardens in Victoria

Best For: Nature-loving families looking for adventure and tranquility.

5. Mauritius

Madeira

Why Visit?
Mauritius is an idyllic island destination with crystal-clear waters, family-friendly resorts, and plenty of activities for kids. Its safe and welcoming environment makes it a great pick for 2025.

Top Attractions:

  • Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours
  • Casela Nature Parks for safari adventures
  • Dolphin spotting and underwater walking

Best For: Families craving a tropical getaway with a touch of luxury.

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh

Why Visit?
If you’re looking for a family-friendly city break, Edinburgh offers a mix of history, culture, and fun activities that everyone can enjoy. Its compact size makes it easy to explore with kids.

Top Attractions:

  • Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • Dynamic Earth science museum

Best For: Families who enjoy history and city adventures with a touch of magic.

7. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket beach

Why Visit?
Phuket is a family-friendly destination with stunning beaches, exciting attractions, and a relaxed vibe. Thai hospitality and great food add to its appeal.

Top Attractions:

  • Splash Jungle Water Park
  • Elephant sanctuaries and jungle treks
  • Island-hopping to Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island

Best For: Families seeking a tropical escape with plenty of activities for all ages.

8. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin

Why Visit?
Dublin offers a mix of history, culture, and family-friendly activities. Its warm and friendly atmosphere makes it a great destination for families.

Top Attractions:

  • Dublin Zoo at Phoenix Park
  • The Viking Splash Tour for a quirky city experience
  • Imaginosity, Dublin’s Children’s Museum

Best For: Families looking for a short-haul city escape with plenty to do for kids.

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Why Visit?
Costa Rica is an adventure-packed destination ideal for families who love exploring nature and wildlife. Its eco-friendly focus ensures unforgettable experiences.

Top Attractions:

  • Rainforest canopy tours and zip-lining
  • Arenal Volcano and hot springs
  • Spotting sloths, toucans, and monkeys in the wild

Best For: Families who want to combine relaxation with adventure.

10. Dubai, UAE

Dubai

Why Visit?
Dubai continues to impress as a family holiday destination with its incredible attractions and warm weather. Its modern amenities and cultural experiences make it ideal for families of all sizes.

Top Attractions:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark and LEGOLAND Dubai
  • Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
  • Desert safaris and camel rides

Best For: Families who enjoy luxury with a side of adventure.


Tips for Planning Your 2025 Family Holiday


  1. Book Early: Popular family destinations fill up fast, so secure your spots early.
  2. Consider Interests: Involve the whole family in choosing activities to ensure everyone has a great time.
  3. Pack Smart: Research your destination’s weather and pack accordingly, especially for places with varied climates.


Wherever you choose to go, 2025 is packed with exciting opportunities to explore the world with your loved ones. Ready to plan your family getaway? Contact your personal travel agent to start your journey today!

July 17, 2025
If you love the idea of unpacking just once but waking up in a new destination every day — a river cruise could be your dream holiday. Think gliding past vineyard-clad hillsides, docking in the heart of historic towns, and sipping wine on the top deck as medieval castles drift by. River cruising offers a more intimate, immersive, and peaceful alternative to ocean cruises — with all the luxury, but none of the crowds.
July 17, 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing lions roar at sunset, watching elephants cross the savannah, or waking up to birdsong in the African bush — a safari holiday should be at the top of your bucket list. Safari holidays are more than just a holiday. They’re an unforgettable journey into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, where the wildlife is wild, the skies are vast, and every day feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
July 17, 2025
If you love the idea of ticking off multiple sights, soaking up local culture, and having everything organised for you — all while someone else does the driving — a touring holiday might just be your perfect match. Whether it's a scenic coach trip through the Italian lakes, a cultural deep-dive through Japan, or a road trip across the USA, touring holidays offer a stress-free, immersive way to explore the world.
July 17, 2025
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves a bit more adrenaline than a sun lounger and a cocktail, adventure travel might just be your next obsession. From volcano hiking in Costa Rica to kayaking through Norwegian fjords, today’s travellers are swapping spa robes for walking boots and chasing experiences that challenge, inspire, and change the way we see the world.
July 17, 2025
August is one of the most popular months for travel – and for good reason. School’s out, the sun’s shining across Europe and beyond, and there’s a buzz in the air wherever you go. Whether you’re craving beach bliss, cultural treasures, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures, here are our top 5 destinations to consider for your August getaway.
June 6, 2025
At The Good Travel Agent, we believe that seeing the world shouldn’t come at the cost of harming it. And the good news? Sustainable travel doesn't mean sacrificing luxury, convenience, or enjoyment. In fact, with a few thoughtful choices, you can have a fabulous, feel-good holiday that leaves a lighter footprint on the planet — and an even bigger impression on your heart. Here’s how to travel sustainably without compromising comfort: