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Can an airport actually be part of the holiday, not just the place you endure on the way to it? Singapore Changi Airport makes a strong case that it can, especially for families juggling kids.

I’m joined by Vera Leng and Jia Xin from Changi Airport Group to unpack what’s really going on behind the “wow” factor. We clarify the big point that catches travellers out: Jewel Changi Airport (yes, the Rain Vortex) is in a public landside area, so transit passengers may need to clear immigration and customs to see it. From there, we dig into what makes Changi feel family-friendly in practical ways, including play areas, gardens, nursing rooms, dining that goes beyond beige kids’ food, and attractions inside the terminals as well as at Jewel.

Plus:

• The latest family travel news, including how more Aussies are visiting Hong Kong, Tangalooma's new beach club and travel experience booking stats from Arival and Phocuswright.
• This month's travel tip on managing Changi Airport.

Links:

• Travel Experiences Are Booming, but Tourists Are Watching What They Spend
• More Australians Are Visiting Hong Kong Again. Should Families Take Another Look?
• Australia's First Beachfront Cabana Club Is Coming to Tangalooma

If you’re planning a Singapore stopover, travelling through Changi Airport with kids, or just want better family travel planning ideas, hit subscribe, share this with a travel-loving mate, and leave a review so more families can find the show.

Support the show

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Choosing the right family holiday isn't just about the destination - it's about finding the right style of travel for your family.

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica chats with Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel, about what makes a truly memorable family tour and why guided holidays are evolving to meet the needs of modern families.

From balancing adventure with downtime to creating authentic cultural experiences that both parents and children enjoy, this episode explores how thoughtfully designed itineraries can take the stress out of travelling while helping families connect more deeply with the destinations they visit.

Jessica and Erica discuss:

• What families are looking for from guided holidays in 2026 and beyond
• Why Intrepid launched its new Premium Family range
• How to balance comfort with authentic travel experiences
• The role local tour leaders play in creating memorable holidays
• Why slower-paced itineraries often lead to better family experiences
• How guided tours help families experience destinations like India with confidence
• Why free time is just as important as organised activities
• How travelling with other families can enhance the experience for children
• What parents should look for when choosing a family tour

Plus:

• The latest family travel news, including Quest Apartment Hotels' success in Tripadvisor's Best of the Best awards.
• This month's travel tip on choosing a family tour that suits your family's travel style.

Links:

• Why More Families Are Choosing Quest Apartment Hotels for Their Australian Holidays
• Intrepid Launches New Premium Family Tours With Small-Group Adventures Across Asia, Africa and Beyond
• Why an Intrepid Bali Family Tour Changed The Way I Think About Family Travel

Support the show

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Japan continues to soar in popularity with Australian families, but there's one destination that's still flying under the radar.

In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica chats with Toni from Linkd Tourism about Okinawa - Japan's subtropical island paradise that's often described as the "Hawaii of Japan".

From turquoise waters and island hopping to unique culture, incredible food and a slower pace of travel, this episode explores why Okinawa feels surprisingly familiar to families who love destinations like Fiji or Bali, while offering an experience that's unmistakably Japanese.

Jessica and Toni discuss:

• Why Okinawa is often called the Hawaii of Japan
• How island hopping works across Okinawa's islands
• What makes Okinawa so different from mainland Japan
• Whether it's a good choice for a first family trip to Japan
• Family-friendly experiences beyond the beaches
• The easiest ways to get around with kids
• How Okinawa's famous Blue Zone lifestyle shapes the visitor experience
• Why more Australian families are discovering Okinawa now
• How to combine Okinawa with mainland Japan for the ultimate family itinerary

Plus:

• The latest travel trends reshaping Australian family holidays
• And this month's travel tip on creating a balanced Japan itinerary for families.

Links:

• From ‘Seatox Travel’ to Screen Sourcing: The Australian Travel Trends Shaping Family Holidays
• Australia Makes the World's Top 20 Theme Park Destinations for 2026
• Travel Loyalty is No Longer About Points - It's About Passion
• Family Holiday Destinations Website
• Okinawa Tourism

Support the show

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!