Pack your bags (and the kids) for an international adventure! We’ve tallied up the votes for all your favourite overseas holidays in the annual Out & About with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards – and we’re thrilled that you love these kid-friendly destinations as much as we do.
Below is the big reveal: the best international family holiday destinations around the globe in 2025. You’ll also find the top overseas travel experiences including theme parks, family cruises and kid-friendly tour packages.
Read on to discover all the winners and finalists across our ten international categories.
Best family destination in North America: Anaheim, California
Home to Disneyland Resort, Anaheim in California has been the dream destination of kids around the globe for more than 70 years. The original Disneyland Park opened in 1955, with Disney California Adventure Park doubling the fun when it opened its gates in 2001.
Anaheim is also home to world-class shopping and dining, museums, and major-league sports stadiums, all just 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For more theme park action, jump aboard the GhostRider at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm, the West Coast’s longest wooden roller coaster.
Finalists - Best destination in North America
Best affordable family holiday destination: Bali, Indonesia
Aussie families can’t get enough of budget-friendly Bali! Only a short (and cheap) flight away, it’s easy to spend a long weekend or take an extended beachside holiday. Family accommodation in Bali is surprisingly affordable, ranging from private villas to luxury resorts, many with water slides, spas and fantastic kids’ clubs.
Don’t miss Bali’s many wildlife and bird parks, many of which offer close-up and hands-on experiences (at bargain prices). Water parks, local markets and plenty of beach play round out the perfect Bali getaway.
Finalists - Best affordable destination
Best international holiday destination for families with babies and toddlers: Fiji
Fijians are wild about kids, so it’s not surprising this island paradise has been rated the best for under-threes. For many parents who fell in love with Fiji as children, it’s the natural choice for their little ones’ first overseas trip.
Fiji’s family resorts get all those crucial details right to make travelling with a baby as hassle-free as possible. Many offer daytime or overnight nanny services and kids’ clubs to entertain older siblings, offering parents a truly refreshing holiday break.
Finalists
Best holiday destination for adventurous families: New Zealand
If your brood can’t get enough of the outdoors, you’ll find the perfect holiday destination just a quick hop over the ditch. The rugged landscape of New Zealand creates the ideal playground for adventure-loving families.
Hit up Kiwi slopes for kid-friendly skiing or snowboarding fun, experience epic ziplining thrills and go white-water rafting on some seriously gnarly rapids. Whatever floats your boat, New Zealand delivers big on family adventure holiday fun. Best of all, it’s just a three-hour flight from Australia’s east coast.
Finalists
Best destination for immersing in culture: Japan
Modern meets ancient in the cultural destination of Japan. No matter what time of year you’re travelling, there’s a festival to experience, each with a unique seasonal theme and cuisine. For fully immersive family travel, stay in a ryokan to eat, sleep and bathe in traditional Japanese style.
The delights of modern-day Japanese culture are just as exciting. At the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo’s west, family favourites like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro are brought to life. Tweens and teens can snag anime and gaming collectibles in Akihabara shopping district
Finalists
Best international ski resort for families: Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Nestled on the west side of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, in the Okanagan Valley, this award-winning family resort is famed for its dry, light champagne powder and family-friendly focus. And Big White is ‘big’ in so many ways – with the largest ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Canada,118 runs, 5 alpine bowls, the TELUS Park terrain park, 25km of Nordic trails, snowmobiling trails and Canada’s biggest tubing park.
Finalists
Best international theme park: Disneyland Resort in California, USA
From tiny tots to passionate ‘Disney adults’, the timeless magic of Disneyland Resort in California enchants guests of all ages. Experience Walt Disney’s classic attractions at the original Disneyland Park, then dive into Disney California Adventure Park for larger-than-life Pixar and Marvel-themed lands. Staying at one of three Disneyland Resort Hotels is a great way to maximise your experience: not only do kids love the themed rooms and amenities, but hotel guests unlock exclusive park perks.
Finalists
Best cruise line for families: Carnival Cruise Line
Each ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet offers an extensive array of activities, including dive-in movies, mini golf, and spectacular theatre shows the whole family can enjoy. The aqua park, where brave sailors can ride the fastest, steepest water slides at sea, is a big hit with all ages. Daily fun at Camp Ocean kids’ club gives parents some off-duty days, all en route to some great destinations, including tropical cruises to the Whitsundays and South Pacific.
Finalists
Best tour company for families: Intrepid Travel
If you’re keen on adventure travel, there’s plenty in store with Intrepid Travel’s family packages. Each small group tour brings together three to five like-minded families, ready to experience a memorable trip. Whether spotting elephants in the jungles of Borneo or exploring medinas in Morocco, little travellers are sure to make lifelong friends. Intrepid is also a certified B Corp; each trip helps support local communities and habitats.
Finalists
More OAWK Readers' Choice Awards winners for 2026
Keen for more travel inspiration? Check out the winners of these categories in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards:
Opening image: Taking a breather among the snow ghosts at Big White
