Long weekends and public holidays are the ultimate jackpot for families in Singapore craving unforgettable overseas adventures! With a little strategic planning and some clever leave alignment, you can turn these breaks into epic getaways without wiping out your annual leave. To make it even easier, we’ve handpicked a fabulous list of travel destinations perfect for family fun in 2025. So, gear up, pack your bags, and get ready to create cherished memories—no need to stress about missing too much work or school!
Here’s the list of this year’s public holidays for reference:
*Subject to confirmation
If you're thinking of bringing the family for a short getaway, you might want to consider a trip to Bali. Besides exploring the island's beautiful beaches, you can also drop by the Bali Treetop Adventure Park for thrilling activities like zip-lining and obstacle courses. The rice terraces of Tegallalang are a perfection addition to your itinerary as well, where the family can take a leisurely walk and enjoy breathtaking views. What's great is that Bali is also a very wallet-friendly travel destination, so you can easily book taxis or private drivers to get around the island without having to break the bank.
Hong Kong is a vibrant holiday destination, and is perfect for a 4-day or 5-day getaway with the family. There are a variety of attractions that cater to children of all ages, the most popular one being Hong Kong Disneyland! Kids can also enjoy scenic cable car rides to and from Ngong Ping, exploring the Tian Tan Buddha along the way, or experience a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour with Star Ferry. A day trip to Lantau Island or Tai O Fishing Village provides a tranquil experience where you can get a glimpse of Hong Kong's cultural heritage away from the bustling city.
Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal holiday destination for a short and budget-friendly trip. It's perfect for long weekends, and even a 3-day holiday lets you cover most of the city's attractions. For starters, the kids might enjoy a visit to the Bitexco Tower Sky Deck, which provides a stunning view of the city. Families can also take a boat ride on the Saigon River, or shop local products at the Ben Thanh Market. The coffee scene is pretty vibrant and diverse as well, and you can easily find trendy cafes that are more contemporary in style or more traditional coffee shops serving Vietnamese coffee. Hotels are relatively affordable, and so is transport around the city via private cars or taxis.
If you'd like to take a short getaway to Thailand but want to avoid typical holiday destinations like Bangkok, then perhaps you might enjoy exploring Chiang Mai. It's relatively quieter than their country's capital city, and there's much to see as well. If your children are older and interested in cooking, there are many different hands-on cooking classes which allow tourists to experience traditional Thai cuisine. The family can also join a day tour exploring the Doi Inthanon National Park, one that is fully conducted by a knowledgeable guide. Chiang Mai is a pretty laid-back city, and you can end the day off winding down at one of their vibrant night markets.
Taipei, the bustling capital city of Taiwan, is a perfect holiday destination for a 5-day family vacation. It offers a combination of outdoor activities and educational attractions that will keep children entertained. The Taipei Zoo is ideal for animal-loving kiddos while the Taipei 101 Observatory will give them a chance to see incredible views of the city. During strawberry season, the family can also enjoy picking strawberries at farms located in Neihu, Taipei. For a more nature-focused experience, Yangmingshan National Park is great for easy hikes and beautiful landscapes.
For the ultimate relaxing vacation, head to the Maldives with the family. Here, you'll get to experience stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters while also getting close to marine life. The kids might be pleased to know that there are exciting water activities to try out, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and paddle boarding. Families can book kid-friendly resorts as well, and they tend to cater to families with children by providing tailored experiences from kids' clubs to family-focused activities. For those looking to explore nature, guided tours to uninhabited islands or local fishing villages are available too.
Okinawa is a lovely island and fantastic kid-friendly holiday destination - chances are you'll frequently see Japanese families touring the place while you're here. There are lots to do for children of all ages, including visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. They've also got beautiful beaches where you can indulge in activities like snorkelling, jet skiing, glass-bottom boat tours, and more. It's advised to rent a car and drive while touring Okinawa, and that allows for scenic road trips on your holiday, creating wonderful memories and a fun experience that your kiddos are bound to cherish!
Melbourne is an ideal family-friendly destination that has a lot to offer. For starters, kids will love visiting the Melbourne Zoo, home to over 300 animal species. Families can also spend a relaxing day at St Kilda Beach or tour the city's abundance of green spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens. There are even guided tours to Penguin Parade (a nighttime activity), where children can watch wild penguins return to their burrows after a day of fishing, making it a magical experience as they waddle up to the beach in groups. For accommodation, you can consider serviced apartments instead of hotels, since they are relatively more cost-effective and also widely available in the city.
Shanghai isn't too far from Singapore, and a short 5-day getaway might probably be adequate for you to explore the city. It offers a blend of modern and cultural experiences, including attractions like Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, Tianzifang and Xintiandi. Families can also enjoy a full day at Shanghai Disneyland, an experience which is sure to delight the kids! Day trips to the nearby Zhujiaojiao Water Town, Suzhou and Hangzhou are recommended, and can easily be accessed via high-speed trains. Overall, Shangha is a pretty budget-friendly travel destination, with metro rides costing around SG $0.50 to $1.50, and meals costing an average of SG $5-10 per person - depending on what type of eateries you visit, of course!
If you're planning a vacation that's to take place over the Christmas public holiday, you might want to consider heading to London. It's a magical experience during the festive period, as the city comes alive with festive lights, Christmas markets and seasonal attractions like Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Fans of Harry Potter will also be delighted to know that their studio tour becomes more special during this season, with Christmas-themed decorations all over. While in London, families can enjoy visiting attractions like the Natural History Museum, London Eye and Tower of London.
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