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What if caravan parks didn’t look like caravan parks anymore?

In this episode, I’m joined by Elyssia Kelly from Trentham Waters in Mildura - a brand-new resort-style holiday park that’s rethinking what family travel in Australia can look like.

From the moment families arrive, Trentham Waters is designed to feel different. We’re talking thoughtful design, curated experiences, and a focus on how people feel - not just where they stay.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How caravan parks are evolving to meet modern family expectations
• The shift towards experience-driven travel (even in regional Australia)
• What inspired the Palm Springs-style design and resort feel
• Why families are looking for more than just a place to park
• What this means for the future of caravan parks and road trips

One of the most interesting takeaways? This isn’t just about adding nicer facilities - it’s about completely rethinking the arrival experience, the atmosphere, and the emotional connection families have with a destination.

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or working in the travel industry, this episode offers a fascinating look at where family travel is heading next.

🎧 Listen now and discover why caravan parks might be the next big thing in family travel.

LINKS:

• Royal Caribbean's New Private Island in Vanuatu
• Yes, You Can Win Your Own Swedish Island - Here's How to Enter
• Japan Boom, US Cooling, AI Rising: The Key Australian Travel Trends for 2026
• Best Western Plus Pavilions Anaheim Review: A Budget-Friendly Stay Near Disneyland

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Thanks for tuning in to the Family Holiday Destinations podcast! For more industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

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Are family holidays starting to feel a little… surface-level?

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica sits down with Emily Mikus, Partnerships Director at G Adventures, to explore what “travelling with purpose” really means and how National Geographic Family Journeys are helping families experience the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Together, we unpack:

• What makes National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures different from a standard family holiday
• How storytelling, science and conservation show up in real, hands-on ways
• Why small-group travel can remove the mental load from parents
• How these journeys create a genuine positive impact
• And what families often take home, beyond souvenirs

Plus in this episode’s news segment:

• A brand-new family-friendly resort opens on the Murray River in Mildura
• Singapore’s newest immersive attractions
• And how you could win a year travelling Australia with BIG4

If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll do meaningful travel when the kids are older…” - this episode might gently challenge that.

Because the best time to build shared memories is sooner, not someday.

🎧 Listen now and discover how family travel can be more than just a holiday.

For more family travel inspiration, destination guides and practical planning tips, visit familyholidaydestinations.com

LINKS from this month's episode:

• Win a Year Travelling Australia with BIG4's BIG Aussie Review
• Singapore New Attractions: What’s Just Opened (and What’s Coming Next)
• A New Family-Friendly Resort Opens on the Murray River in Mildura
• Why Travel With Kids? 10 Reasons Family Trips Are Worth It
• G Adventures

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!

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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

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!

Send a text

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.

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!

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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.

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!

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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

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!

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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

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!

Send a text

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.

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!