Planning your next epic family holiday? Whether it’s a much-anticipated school holiday or a special occasion, a family getaway is the perfect way to break routine, make lasting memories, and recharge (parents, we’re looking at you!). 

From sunny, coastal escapes to cultural adventures to vibrant city experiences, we’ve rounded up 8 popular holiday destinations for families, including Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Europe (Paris).  

We know that school holiday demand can drive up prices, and booking last-minute often means paying more. That’s why we’ve crunched the numbers, so you can get a good idea of what to budget for flights, accommodation, transport, and activities in each destination, based on a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids under 12). 

Let’s jump right in! 

Indonesia Travel for Families 

If you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise with plenty of things for the kids to do, Indonesia is always a winner. A popular hotspot for all kinds of travellers is Bali, with its pristine beaches and lush rice terraces, making it perfect for a mix of relaxation and cultural discovery. 

While you’re there, the Gili Islands offer safe snorkelling adventures perfect for children, and Komodo National Park provides guided tours to see Komodo dragons. Another Java’s Borobudur temple sparks curiosity in young explorers. The Islands of Java also offer unique experiences for families, including the Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple. 

Indonesia Travel Budget Breakdown

For this budget breakdown, we’ve focused on Bali and how much it would cost a family of four to stay for 7 days. Here is a ballpark figure of what to budget for if you’re travelling over the September/October school holiday period: 

• Flights: From $2000 AUD for the family, flying from Brisbane to Denpasar return.  
• Accommodation: Starting from $2000 AUD, your family can experience the relaxation of a 4-star beachside resort.
• Food: From $500 AUD with plenty of affordable options such as local cafes, fresh seafood, and family-friendly restaurants.
• Activities: From $250–$400 AUD for family experiences like spending the day at Waterbom Bali, taking a guided walk through Ubud’s Monkey Forest, snorkelling around the Gili Islands, or enjoying a Balinese cooking class together.  

Total: From $4750 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to IDR 

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), symbolised as Rp. 

When you’re ready to convert AUD to IDR, we recommend taking both a travel money card, such as our Currency Pass, and some Indonesian Rupiah cash with you for markets, street vendors, and local businesses. 

You can order Indonesian Rupiah online or visit a Travel Money Oz store to get all the foreign currency you need.  

Travel Money Tip: For a quick estimate, remove the last four zeros from IDR prices for a rough AUD equivalent (e.g., 100,000 IDR ≈ 10 AUD).

New Zealand Travel for Families 

From the North to the South Island, New Zealand is a treasure chest of unforgettable things to do and experience as a family. New Zealand’s North Island is home to the cities of Auckland and Wellington, geothermal wonders of Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, and the magical Hobbiton Movie Set - a must-visit for Lord of the Rings fans. Just to name a few things!  

Whether you’re road-tripping or flying into the South Island, you’ll find Queenstown – the adventure sport capital of New Zealand – along with Fiordland National Park and its stunning Milford Sound, plus the city of Christchurch. Just to name a few things!  

New Zealand Travel Budget Breakdown

To give you an idea of what to budget for your New Zealand family holiday, we’ve based our estimate on a week-long stay in Auckland over the September/October school holidays.

• Flights: From $2200 AUD for the family, flying from Brisbane to Auckland return, with short travel times, making it easy for kids.
• Accommodation: From $1500 AUD for a week's stay in a 4-star hotel family room close to Auckland’s main attractions.
• Food: From $700–$900 AUD with choices ranging from local fish and chips to farm-to-table restaurants and family cafés.
• Activities: From $500–$650 AUD, including a day at Hobbiton, a visit to the Sky Tower, and ferry rides to Waiheke Island’s beaches. 

Total: From $5000 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to NZD 

The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), symbolised as $. 

While travel cards are widely accepted, it’s smart to take a small amount of New Zealand cash for rural areas and national parks. You can grab all the currency you need from Travel Money Oz, in-store or online! 

Japan Travel for Families 

From the magic of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea to the thrills of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, there’s no shortage of theme-park fun to keep the kids entertained. Beyond that, soak up culture and history with a visit to Kyoto’s stunning temples and shrines, wander through the peaceful bamboo forests of Arashiyama, or experience the energy of Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing.

Whether you’re chasing pop culture, outdoor adventures, or traditional experiences, Japan has something for every member of the family to enjoy and your budget in check (always important!).

Japan Travel Budget Breakdown

If you’re planning to go to Japan over the September/October school holidays, you might experience increased costs due to holiday demands. But, we’ve put together a rough budget to help get an idea: 

• Flights: From $5000 AUD for the family, flying from Brisbane to Tokyo return, based on the lowest price available.
• Accommodation: From $1500 AUD for a 4-star family room located near Tokyo’s transport hubs for easy access to attractions.
• Food: From $700–$950 AUD with meals ranging from sushi restaurants to ramen shops and kid-friendly izakayas.
• Activities: From $500–$700 AUD covering entry to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, Kyoto’s historic temples, and cultural family experiences such as samurai or ninja shows  

Total: From $7700 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to JPY 

The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), symbolised as ¥. 
When exchanging AUD to JPY, keep in mind that cash is still preferred in Japan. So, it’s best to travel with both a Currency Pass and some cash to cover all bases. 

Grab your Japanese Yen at Travel Money Oz, either online or in-store. 

China Travel for Families 

China is bursting at the seams with experiences to thrill both kids and adults! Take a stroll along Shanghai’s famous Bund and absorb the glittering skyline, then dive into a day of fun at Shanghai Disneyland, filled with rides and entertainment. 

In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City, where young explorers can marvel at centuries of imperial tradition. And no trip to China is complete without walking along the legendary Great Wall – even if just part of the way along! You’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking views with one of the world’s greatest wonders.

China Travel Budget Breakdown

Ready to explore China these school holidays? Here’s a rough breakdown of how much you’ll need to budget as a family: 

• Flights: From $5000 AUD for the family, flying from Brisbane to Shanghai return, with direct routes available.
• Accommodation: From $2000 AUD for a 4-star family room but cheaper apartment options are available.
• Food: From $550–$750 AUD with meals ranging from dumpling houses and noodle shops to larger family restaurants.
• Activities: From $600–$800 AUD, including Shanghai Disneyland, guided tours of the Forbidden City, and evening river cruises along the Huangpu. 

Total: From $8100 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to CNY 

The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), symbolised as ¥ or CN¥. 

Digital payments are common in China, but it’s always worth taking a small amount of Chinese Yuan with you for rural areas and small vendors. 

When converting AUD to CNY, pop into your local Travel Money Oz store, or if you’re strapped for time (we get it!), order cash online. 

Thailand Travel for Families 

With Thailand’s Phuket beaches, the vibrant Bangkok Grand Palace, and plenty of native wildlife to spot, it is an unforgettable family adventure destination. Little ones will love splashing in the crystal-clear waters of the Phi Phi Islands, while older kids can snorkel among colourful fish. 

For a dose of history and culture, explore the ancient temples of Ayutthaya, where you can wander through ruins and learn about Thailand’s fascinating past. Add in tuk-tuk rides through bustling night markets, floating market visits, and delicious Thai food (don’t worry, there are plenty of mild options for kids!), and you’ve got a holiday that blends relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery.

Thailand Travel Budget Breakdown

Phuket is a family favourite with its endless activities, but school holiday demand can inflate prices. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what it would cost a family of four to stay a week in Phuket: 

• Flights: From $6000 AUD for the family, flying out of Brisbane to Phuket with a wide choice of airlines and stopover options.
• Accommodation: From $1500 AUD for a private villa with a pool that gives families extra space and comfort.  
• Food: From $450–$650 AUD with delicious options such as beachside Thai restaurants, fresh tropical fruit, and night market snacks.
• Activities: From $350–$600 AUD with family favourites like snorkelling at the Phi Phi Islands, cooling off at Splash Jungle Water Park, exploring the Grand Palace in Bangkok, or visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries. 

Total: From $8300 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to THB

Thailand’s official currency is the Thai Baht (THB) and is symbolised as ฿. 

Cards are widely accepted in Thailand, especially in big cities like Bangkok, but cash is still king for street food stalls, tuk-tuks, and markets. It’s always a good idea to keep some Thai Baht on hand.

When converting AUD to THB, swing by your local Travel Money Oz store or order your cash online and pick it up in-store before you fly.

Vietnam Travel for Families 

Vietnam’s Hoi An Ancient Town, with its lantern-lit streets and bustling markets, is a magical spot for families to explore together. A cruise through stunning Ha Long Bay gives kids the thrill of floating past towering limestone cliffs, while Ba Na Hills near Da Nang brings fun for all ages with its famous Golden Bridge, cable cars, and theme park vibes. 

The Marble Mountains are perfect for little adventurers keen to climb caves and pagodas, while My Khe Beach offers soft sand and gentle waves for a more relaxed family day. Top it off with Vietnamese street food (banh mi and fresh spring rolls are always a hit), and you’ve got a holiday full of culture, adventure, and downtime in equal measure.

Vietnam Travel Budget Breakdown

For this breakdown, we’ve focused on Da Nang, offering sandy beaches and budget-friendly prices. Here’s an estimated breakdown: 

• Flights: From $3300 AUD for the family, flying from Brisbane to Da Nang with affordable options compared to other destinations.
• Accommodation: From $1000 AUD for a 4-star family room located near the beach or city centre.  
• Food: From $350–$550 AUD with choices such as street food stalls, local pho restaurants, and fresh seafood along the coast.
• Activities: From $250–$550 AUD, including a Ha Long Bay cruise, a cable car ride to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, a day exploring the Marble Mountains, or a lantern-making class in Hoi An. 

Total: From $5000 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to VND 

The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), symbolised as ₫. 

Cash is still king for local vendors, though cards are accepted in tourist hubs. You can pick up both a Currency Pass travel card and Vietnamese Dong from us! Pop in-store or online at Travel Money Oz. 

Singapore Travel for Families 

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, with its giant Supertrees and magical light shows, will leave kids (and parents!) in awe. Thrill-seekers can spend a whole day at Universal Studios, while curious minds will love the hands-on exhibits at the Science Centre Singapore. Over on Sentosa Island, families can enjoy sunny beaches and kid-approved attractions like Adventure Cove Waterpark. 

For a dose of city buzz, head to Marina Bay Sands, where the observation deck offers incredible skyline views. Add in easy public transport, delicious hawker food (perfect for even the fussiest eaters), and a reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, and you’ve got a family holiday that blends excitement, culture, and comfort. 

Singapore Travel Budget Breakdown

Singapore is a premium destination with family-friendly attractions, but holiday demand raises costs. However, here's a rough idea of how to budget as a family of four: 

• Flights: From $6500 AUD for the family, flying from Brisbane to Singapore based on lowest price available.
• Accommodation: From $3000 AUD for a 4-star family room located close to Sentosa Island or Marina Bay.
• Food: From $600–$800 AUD with plenty of hawker stalls, modern malls, and kid-friendly international dining.
• Activities: From $550–$700  with family favourites including Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island’s beaches, and a Night Safari. 

Total: From $10,600 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to SGD

The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), symbolised as $. 

Cards are commonly accepted, but cash is useful for hawker markets, so it’s wise to pack both! Luckily, we have all the Singapore Dollars you’ll need ready to order online or in-store. 

Europe (Paris) Travel for Families

What is there not to love about Paris? With its iconic Eiffel Tower, magical Disneyland Paris, and world-famous Louvre Museum, it is a dream destination for families. Kids will love spotting the city from the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks, while Disneyland Paris brings fairy-tale adventures just outside the city. 

Wander along the Champs-Élysées for shopping, cafés, and street performances, or hop on a Seine River cruise for a relaxed, kid-friendly way to see historic bridges, cathedrals, and the charming Parisian skyline. Don’t forget the smaller joys too, like picnics in the Luxembourg Gardens, crepes from local vendors, and discovering quirky bookshops along the Seine. 

Paris Travel Budget Breakdown

Paris offers iconic family experiences, but it’s the priciest destination on this list due to long-haul flights and high holiday demand. Here’s a rough budget breakdown: 

• Flights: From $8500 AUD, flying from Brisbane to Paris with long-haul routes often including meals and baggage for the whole family.
• Accommodation: From $3500 AUD for a one-bedroom apartment that sleeps four, giving families the chance to live like locals.
• Food: From $1000–$1300 AUD with options such as French bakeries, casual brasseries, and creperies that kids will love.
• Activities: From $400–$700 AUD, including Disneyland Paris, the Louvre, a family cruise along the Seine River, and visits to the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. 

Total: From $13,400 AUD

How to Exchange AUD to EURO

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR), symbolized as €. 
Paris is mostly card-friendly, but you will need some cash for things like accessing public bathrooms and tipping. 

Ready to convert AUD to EUR? We’ve got all the Euros you’ll need and more, available for you to pick up in-store or order online. 

^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published September 11th, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors.}