Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of those rare places where it feels like the whole world has been squeezed onto one lush, teardrop-shaped island – and it works brilliantly for families. Distances are relatively short, people are unfailingly warm and welcoming, and there’s a real sense of adventure without it ever feeling overwhelming. One day you’re weaving through the streets of Kandy, watching temple rituals and tasting fresh hoppers; the next you’re on a train chugging through misty tea plantations, or bouncing along in a jeep at sunrise with elephants wandering across the track. Children tend to be doted on wherever you go, and there’s an easy, unhurried pace to life that helps everyone switch off properly.

In terms of holidays and experiences, Sri Lanka is a dream for mixing culture, wildlife and beach time in one trip. You can explore ancient cities like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, where kids can climb rock citadels and scramble over ruins that look like something from an adventure film. Safaris in Yala, Udawalawe or Minneriya bring you face to face with elephants, crocodiles and, if you’re lucky, even leopard, while gentle hikes in the hill country offer cooler air and big open views. When you’re ready to slow down, the south and east coasts serve up gorgeous stretches of sand, surf schools, turtle watching and laid-back beach towns. Add in tuk-tuk rides, spice gardens, cooking classes and the simple joy of sipping a fresh coconut under a palm tree, and you’ve got a family holiday that feels wonderfully full and utterly unforgettable.