Family Holiday Destinations Podcast

Jessica Palmer

Welcome to Family Holiday Destinations, the podcast exploring the destinations, trends and ideas shaping modern family travel. Hosted by Jessica Palmer, founder of Family Holiday Destinations, each episode combines destination inspiration, expert interviews, practical travel tips and the latest travel news to help families plan memorable holidays while keeping tourism professionals informed about the trends influencing family travel. Whether you're a parent planning your next adventure or part of the travel industry, you'll discover fresh ideas, practical insights and conversations that explore where families are travelling - and why.

  1. Jun 30

    Discovering Okinawa: Japan's Tropical Island Paradise for Families

    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 JapanHow island hopping works across Okinawa's islandsWhat makes Okinawa so different from mainland JapanWhether it's a good choice for a first family trip to JapanFamily-friendly experiences beyond the beachesThe easiest ways to get around with kidsHow Okinawa's famous Blue Zone lifestyle shapes the visitor experienceWhy more Australian families are discovering Okinawa nowHow to combine Okinawa with mainland Japan for the ultimate family itineraryPlus: The latest travel trends reshaping Australian family holidaysAnd 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 HolidaysAustralia Makes the World's Top 20 Theme Park Destinations for 2026Travel Loyalty is No Longer About Points - It's About PassionFamily Holiday Destinations WebsiteOkinawa TourismSupport 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!

    Discovering Okinawa: Japan's Tropical Island Paradise for Families

  2. May 27

    Singapore With Kids: Why Ease Is Its Superpower | With Singapore Tourism

    Send us Fan Mail Singapore is often seen as a stopover city - but what if its biggest strength for families is actually how easy it makes travel feel? In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, Jessica Palmer chats with Kimberly Spykerman from Singapore Tourism about why Singapore continues to stand out as one of Asia’s best family destinations. From efficient public transport and compact neighbourhoods to nature spaces, food culture and family-friendly attractions, this episode explores why ‘ease’ has become such a valuable part of modern family travel. Jessica and Kimberly discuss:  • Why Singapore works so well for time-poor families  • How it compares to destinations like Japan for first-time Asia trips  • New attractions families should know about  • Where locals actually take their kids beyond Sentosa  • Singapore’s balance of city life and green space  • Food experiences families shouldn’t miss  • A suggested 7-day Singapore itinerary for first-time visitors Plus:  • Intrepid Travel launches new Premium Family tours  • Why Australians are prioritising travel emotionally despite rising costs  • Tokyo’s new family-friendly sumo experience  • And a reflection on how wellness travel is changing for families. 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!

    Singapore With Kids: Why Ease Is Its Superpower | With Singapore Tourism

  3. Mar 31

    Inside Trentham Waters: The Resort-Style Holiday Park Changing Family Travel

    Send us Fan Mail What if caravan parks didn’t look - or feel - like caravan parks anymore? In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Elysia Kelly from Trentham Waters - a brand-new resort-style holiday park that’s rethinking what family travel in regional Australia can look like. From the moment you arrive, Trentham Waters is designed to feel different. Think considered design, curated experiences, and a focus on how families feel, not just where they stay. In this conversation, we explore:  How caravan parks are evolving to meet modern family expectations  The shift towards experience-driven travel (even in regional destinations)  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 road trips and holiday parks in Australia One of the most interesting takeaways? This isn’t just about adding better 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 VanuatuYes, You Can Win Your Own Swedish Island - Here's How to EnterJapan Boom, US Cooling, AI Rising: The Key Australian Travel Trends for 2026Best Western Plus Pavilions Anaheim Review: A Budget-Friendly Stay Near DisneylandSupport 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!

    Inside Trentham Waters: The Resort-Style Holiday Park Changing Family Travel

  4. Feb 28

    National Geographic Family Journeys: Meaningful Travel with G Adventures

    Send us Fan Mail Are family holidays starting to feel a little… surface-level? In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Emily Mikus from G Adventures to explore what travelling with purpose really looks like for families. We dive into National Geographic Family Journeys and unpack how these trips go beyond the typical holiday - combining storytelling, science, conservation, and hands-on experiences that connect families more deeply with the places they visit. In this episode, we cover:  What makes these journeys different from a standard family holiday  How meaningful travel shows up in real, practical ways  Why small-group travel can take the mental load off parents  How these trips create a genuine positive impact  What families take home beyond souvenirs We also touch on a few travel trends and updates shaping family travel right now, from new family-friendly accommodation in Australia to immersive experiences in Singapore and unique travel opportunities across the country. If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll do meaningful travel when the kids are older…” — this episode might just change your mind. Because the best time to create meaningful 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 ReviewSingapore New Attractions: What’s Just Opened (and What’s Coming Next)A New Family-Friendly Resort Opens on the Murray River in MilduraWhy Travel With Kids? 10 Reasons Family Trips Are Worth ItG AdventuresSupport 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!

    National Geographic Family Journeys: Meaningful Travel with G Adventures

  5. Jan 28

    Why the Cook Islands Should Be on the Radar for Aussie Families

    Send us Fan Mail 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 IslandsHow to Visit the Cook Islands on a BudgetChina Bound Travel Platform Simplifies Visiting ChinaSouth Korea Waives Visa Paperwork Until December 2026Why 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 industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

    Why the Cook Islands Should Be on the Radar for Aussie Families

  6. 12/28/2025

    Harbin Ice Festival: A Family Travel Story from China

    Send us Fan Mail 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 CruisesNew No-Licence Boat Hire Makes Exploring Great Keppel Island Easier for FamiliesWinter Sports World Sydney: Australia's First Indoor Snow Resort is ComingThen, 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 industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

    Harbin Ice Festival: A Family Travel Story from China

  7. 11/25/2025

    Family Group Tours Explained: Insights from Intrepid Travel

    Send us Fan Mail Are group tours with kids a brilliant idea or a recipe for chaos? In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Brett Mitchell from Intrepid Travel to talk about what family group travel actually looks like in real life. We cover:  What to expect on a family group tour (the good and the not-so-good)  Why group tours can take the stress out of planning  How Intrepid Travel designs trips specifically for families  What B Corp certification really means - and why it matters for travellers We also touch on a few travel trends shaping family holidays right now, including the rise of luxury expectations and new family tour offerings hitting the market. To wrap up, I share some practical tips on how to reduce your travel costs when travelling with kids - without sacrificing the experience. Links: Hello Kitty Cafe Gold Coast: Step Inside a Whimsical World of KawaiiIntrepid Launches 10 New Tours For FamiliesIs Luxury Travel Ruining Family Holidays?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!

    Family Group Tours Explained: Insights from Intrepid Travel

  8. 11/01/2025

    Active Family Holidays: Tips from Will Cairns (Active England Tours)

    Send us Fan Mail What does an active family holiday really look like - and how do you make sure it actually works with kids? In this episode of the Family Holiday Destinations podcast, I’m joined by Will Cairns from Active England Tours to chat about planning active holidays that are genuinely family-friendly. We cover:  The best destinations in the UK for walking and cycling with kids  How to balance adventure with downtime (so it doesn’t all end in meltdowns)  What makes an active holiday enjoyable for the whole family - not just the adults We also touch on a few travel updates, including new family-focused attractions in Japan and Australia, and what’s coming next in global travel experiences. To wrap up, I share some practical tips for managing younger kids on active holidays, so you can get out there and enjoy it - without overcomplicating things. 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 industry interviews, inspiration, family travel news and travel tips, visit our website at familyholidaydestinations.com. Until next time, happy travels and safe adventures!

    Active Family Holidays: Tips from Will Cairns (Active England Tours)
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About

Welcome to Family Holiday Destinations, the podcast exploring the destinations, trends and ideas shaping modern family travel. Hosted by Jessica Palmer, founder of Family Holiday Destinations, each episode combines destination inspiration, expert interviews, practical travel tips and the latest travel news to help families plan memorable holidays while keeping tourism professionals informed about the trends influencing family travel. Whether you're a parent planning your next adventure or part of the travel industry, you'll discover fresh ideas, practical insights and conversations that explore where families are travelling - and why.

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