Easter family adventures - Focus on:
The Galapagos and Ecuador, Costa Rica, Vietnam and Cambodia, Thailand and Japan.
Vietnam and Cambodia
Still surprisingly good value, these adjacent SE Asian countries offer their own unique culture, experiences and scenery, which is accessible and safe.
Fly directly into Hanoi from the UK for a couple of nights to experience world class museums and the national dish pho, before travelling to Bai Tu Bay for an overnight stay on one of the traditional boats. Here you can witness the beautiful rock formations and in the smaller boats snorkel or kayak along the coast.
Afterwards spend a few nights in a beach resort close to Hoi-An for a Vietnamese cookery and market experience and their legendary hospitality.
Finally fly from a nearby airport to Siem Reap the gateway to the exquisite temples of Cambodia. As well as Ankor Wat, considered the 8th wonder of the world, families can experience floating villages and vast paddy fields and even partake in rice planting.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers everything; interesting animals - both sloths and a particularly beautiful bird called a quetzal, stunning scenery - volcanos can be accessed on horseback, zip wire and rainforests accessed on a white water raft and the the Caribbean coast - with it’s white sand beaches, water sports and the opportunity to just fly and flop. The weather in April is perfect for both sides of the country.
Currently there is no direct flight from the UK to San Jose airport, but connecting options are available.
We’d recommend a couple of nights in San Jose (depending on flight arrival time), before heading to Arenal Volcano and experiencing the hot springs. Then two nights in Monteverde’s cloud forest, where a suspended bridge takes you to the top of the canopy.
Manuel Antonio National Park offers the opportunity to see both two and three toed sloths lazing in the trees. From there the shell strewn beaches of the pacific resorts can be easily reached, or head to the Caribbean side and the coral reefs of Tortuguero National Park.
We’d recommend hiring a 4 x 4 and traveling between destinations yourself. There has been a huge investment in road infrastructure in Costa Rica and roads are often in a better state than in Buckinghamshire. Signs are often in English as well as Spanish and tourist attractions are easily located.
Japan
April is the best time to travel to Japan for moderate temperatures and a chance to catch the cherry blossoms blooming. It’s also the most popular time, so book early, especially if you want to fly direct. October also offers temperate weather and brings striking red and gold hues to the landscape.
Fly to Tokyo to experience kawaii kitsch, animal cafes, futuristic art instillations and of course the best sushi in the world. Teens who are into anime will want to visit the Ghibli museum.
Then relax for a couple of days near the Japanese alps, where you can bathe in the hot springs and watch the snow monkeys.
Kyoto, is a must-see. Golden temples and striking Toril gates. Bustling markets, ramen cooking classes and Samuri sword experiences make memorable family moments.
Osaka is a only 15 minutes by bullet train from Kyoto has Japan’s Universal Studios with it’s own unique rides not found elsewhere. In 2025 it also hosts the World Expo, an event only held every 5 years, which brings together innovative exhibition pavillions from 37 nations.
Finish with a final trip to Hiroshima’s peace park and a trip to the magical island of Miyajima.
The Galapagos Isands and Ecuador
Off the coast of the South American country of Ecudador, lies the Galapagos archipelago, a series of protected islands with the most diverse wildlife on the planet. Viewing the exotic birds, reptiles and mammals which inhabit these islands, is easy, with no innate fear of man, Blue footed boobies nest and dance on paths, seals bask on the beach and giant lizards cross your path, whilst chewing their cactus.
Visiting is strictly controlled and easy booking (at least 12 months ahead) recommended. Flights are not direct and you must stay in the mountainous city Quito before and after your journey.
We’d recommend staying on board a small ship - these travel overnight between islands, you arrive at a new destination each morning. Each has it’s own naturalist, native Galapaguenos. Together you hike, swim, snorkel, kayak and explore these amazing islands together. Land based hotels on the two main islands have their own boats, or you can spend time after a cruise enjoying the sandy beaches and good food. Other attractions include a hilltop centre, where you can swing over the rainforest and a giant tortoise reserve dedicated to the work of Charles Darwin.
Once back in Quito, head for the rainforest for some harder to spot, but equally fantastic wildlife. Luxury hotels offer unique experiences.
