FAMILY VACATION
Fun For All
Choose the right destination for an enjoyable
and memorable family vacation this summer
Holidaying with the entire family is always special. The laughs and activities during the vacation give each member opportunities to form pleasant memories for a lifetime. However, travelling with family often means taking into account the concerns of kids and senior citizens. One can reduce their discomfort to a great extent by cutting down on the air travel time. Select a destination that is close by and prepare an itinerary that spells fun for all. Senior citizens in the family will appreciate the deep-rooted culture in Sri Lanka while the kids can have a field day at the elephant orphanage. The temples in Hong Kong and the giant limestone formations in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam are other things worth travelling to see. Dubai is also a fun destination, with world class theme parks in its midst. That each of the destinations mentioned have an array of shopping options, is good enough reason to keep the entire family on its toes.
SRI LANKA
Contrary to the island’s small size, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of diverse natural beauty. If one had to summarise Sri Lanka in as few words as possible, it would be, wildlife, green escapes and beach fun, which form the crux of most visits here. Make good use of sunny days on the island as you pack a picnic basket and head out to a beach where you can also indulge in a variety of water sports. Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is a must-visit for the entire family. You can see numerous elephants go about their daily routine in the orphanage but a spectacular sight also awaits outside. The sight of dozens of elephants being ridden to the orphanage, almost everyday is an overwhelming one. Be careful to stand out of the way when the elephants are on their way home. One can also visit Polonnaruwa for its Buddhist remains and Galle to witness its colonial legacy. www.srilanka.travel
DUBAI
If you wish to see and experience different parts of the world in one destination, Dubai is the place to head to. There’s also beauty, albeit man made and the views from the top of some sky scrappers, like the Burj Khalifa are truly amazing. Foodies can savour in global cuisines and the best culinary delights in seven star hotels like the Burj Al Arab. Fancy some snow in the middle of a shopping bout? It’s all possible in Dubai. Check out Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort! For shopaholics, Dubai is a mecca for shopping, so if you’re visiting now, there’s the likes of Dubai Mall and Ibn Battuta to keep you occupied.
www.definitelydubai.com
FOODIE
TRAIL The
best way to truly experience a destination is to indulge in its local culinary
delights. The options are vast and varied, so you’ll never tire of them. Sip on
authentic Arabic coffee at a mall in Dubai for a refreshing break from
sightseeing or shopping. Another favourite Middle East dish is kebabs, fresh
off a skewer. There are plenty of options for vegetarians too as you can easily
avail of a vegetarian version these days. When in Sri Lanka, dig into spicy
crab or lobster and try a bowl full of delicate ., © EMORE CO IMAG dumplings in
soup while in Hong Kong (and spot the vast differences between how the dish is
prepared in India and Hong Kong with each bite).
HONG KONG
The culture, the people and the heritage form a big part of Hong Kong. It is a prime example of a blend of modernity and tradition and Aberdeen Harbour stands testimony to this. One can see numerous fishing boats here against the backdrop of tall beautiful buildings. It is also a great place to have authentic and yummy Hong Kong style seafood. Once you’ve had your fill, visit the various temples here for a mesmerising feeling.
The slowly burning incense lanterns at the entrance of most temples will envelope you with a strange aura, urging you to come back again. Ocean Park is another attraction that all members of the family are bound to enjoy. Home to animals like Chinese alligators, Chinese giant salamanders and pandas, the kids will have a field day at their very sight.
www.discoverhongkong.com
VIETNAM
It has beaches, islands, caves, lakes and theme parks. Ha Long Bay is a classic and no visit to Vietnam is complete without a tour here. A basic tour later, you can always go back to spend more time in the bay, sailing. Get onboard a cruise ship or rent a junk sail vessel and enjoy the experience. Kids in the family will definitely take a liking to the natural beauty in Vietnam — the bright green rice paddies of Mekong Delta, endless beaches to play and make sand castles in Hoi An and the limestone cliffs in the Bay. They won’t complain of a dull moment here. One can also set off on bicycle trails, and explore the farmlands, little villages and meander around the Mekong Delta, to gain an insider’s perspective of life in the area. Another interesting site is that of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The town of Sa is a trekkers paradise. It is ideal for day long treks or week long treks excursions as well. Once free, head to see the sight of vast rice terraces in the Muong Hoa valley. www.vietnamtourism.com
HONG KONG
The culture, the people and the heritage form a big part of Hong Kong. It is a prime example of a blend of modernity and tradition and Aberdeen Harbour stands testimony to this. One can see numerous fishing boats here against the backdrop of tall beautiful buildings. It is also a great place to have authentic and yummy Hong Kong style seafood. Once you’ve had your fill, visit the various temples here for a mesmerising feeling.
The slowly burning incense lanterns at the entrance of most temples will envelope you with a strange aura, urging you to come back again. Ocean Park is another attraction that all members of the family are bound to enjoy. Home to animals like Chinese alligators, Chinese giant salamanders and pandas, the kids will have a field day at their very sight.
www.discoverhongkong.com
VIETNAM
It has beaches, islands, caves, lakes and theme parks. Ha Long Bay is a classic and no visit to Vietnam is complete without a tour here. A basic tour later, you can always go back to spend more time in the bay, sailing. Get onboard a cruise ship or rent a junk sail vessel and enjoy the experience. Kids in the family will definitely take a liking to the natural beauty in Vietnam — the bright green rice paddies of Mekong Delta, endless beaches to play and make sand castles in Hoi An and the limestone cliffs in the Bay. They won’t complain of a dull moment here. One can also set off on bicycle trails, and explore the farmlands, little villages and meander around the Mekong Delta, to gain an insider’s perspective of life in the area. Another interesting site is that of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The town of Sa is a trekkers paradise. It is ideal for day long treks or week long treks excursions as well. Once free, head to see the sight of vast rice terraces in the Muong Hoa valley. www.vietnamtourism.com
Compiled by Sujata Reddy ETTR130523
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