Still Haven’t Booked A Year-End Family Holiday? 5 Nature Getaways To Consider

Nothing finishes the year off with a bang quite like a good family holiday. As a mum, I want to give my children experiences they would not normally get in Singapore, and for me, that means escaping the heat and heading for a nature-based escape.

Being surrounded by fresh air, blue skies, and nature as far as the eye can see is a very uplifting experience, and a great one to share with kids of all ages (and grandparents!). It’s a reminder to slow down, leave the daily grind and tuition centres behind, and soak in the scenery. It’s also a great way to introduce new cultures to children and broaden their horizons (in a chill, no-stress environment).

If you’ve not booked your year-end holiday yet, there is still time to do so. I have looked at 5 year-end options from Chan Brothers Travel — Bhutan, Lijiang, Taiwan, Hokkaido and Germany — and which family travel style each destination suits best. 

With flights, accommodation, transport and activities planned within the relevant itineraries, there is also much less for the family’s usual holiday planner (we know it’s usually us mums!) to coordinate.

Bhutan: A quieter family escape rich in nature and culture

Best for: Families seeking a quieter reset

Previously hard to access with limited package tours and flights, Bhutan is blossoming and has become an exciting choice for families looking for something entirely different from their daily lives. 

There is so much in Bhutan to explore for families of all ages. Beautiful scenery with forests, rivers, and valleys beckons, while the country’s rich culture is easily accessible and visible through traditional architecture. 

Visit Bumthang for the craft village, Paro for the farmer’s market, Buddhist monasteries, and local farmhouses to really get in touch with the local culture. Children (and adults) will also love the opportunity to spend time outdoors, exploring forest trails and even get to see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, as well as the black-necked crane.

Beyond that, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that children and older, more active travellers can enjoy. For example, this 7 Days Bhutan Special package tour includes trying archery, dressing in traditional Gho and Kira costumes, and hiking on trails like the famed Tiger’s Nest (pony rides up are available for a fee). Grandparents will enjoy the cultural experience and scenery, without having to fight big crowds of tourists. 

One thing to note is that holidaying in Bhutan can come with a hefty price tag, particularly with high airfares and associated taxes and surcharges. Visa applications can also be complex, with various requirements to navigate. 

Booking a package tour with Chan Brothers Travel takes the hassle out of planning, offering more affordable airfares, taxes, and surcharges through its chartered flight departures, along with seamless visa arrangements. 

Travelling with Chan Brothers Travel is also stress-free in other ways. Package tours to Bhutan span a diverse range of themes, with thoughtfully curated itineraries offering a wide variety of experiences and activities. Even when you’re travelling with people who have different interests, there is something for everyone. 

Larger groups, including multi-generational families seeking great value, can opt for the bestselling 7 Days Bhutan Smart Saver package tour while families with children who love nature can look forward to a birdwatching adventure.

And if you are craving even something more off the beaten path, there is also a 7 Days Hidden Wonders of Eastern Bhutan package tour offering a fresh perspective beyond the usual iconic spots.

Mum POV: For many, Bhutan is a “bucket list” destination and who better than your kids to share this experience with? Older children are more than ready to understand the cultural aspects the country has to offer and appreciate it alongside their parents.

Explore all Bhutan chartered flight tours

Lijiang, China: Dramatic mountains and ancient towns

Best for: Active families with older children drawn to mountain adventures

One of China’s premier destinations for breathtaking mountains and glistening clear blue lakes, Lijiang in December means crisp weather in the mid-teens and colder nights. It’s also the best time to see iconic sites like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with its snow-capped peak.

Adventurous types with older kids and active grandfolks will love the opportunity to get up close to dramatic mountain views and plunging gorges. If you’ve set your heart on going into the mountains, embark on this 8 Days Yunnan Gems package tour.

Do factor in altitude sickness for kids and grandparents. For example, the cable car to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area takes you up to an altitude of 4,506m. However, I’ve done high altitudes with my daughters (aged 4 and 6) and it only resulted in a bit of crankiness. So, it really depends on the individual.

Beyond Lijiang’s natural wonders, Yunnan offers a wealth of cultural and scenic discoveries far removed from the bustle of Singapore city life. Along the tranquil shores of Lugu Lake, discover the fascinating matrilineal traditions of the Mosuo people, while Meili Snow Mountain puts on a spectacular show as the first rays of sunlight turn its snow-capped peaks golden. 

With captivating landscapes and cultural encounters for all ages, Yunnan is an ideal destination for families to explore, bond and create lasting memories together.

One of the best things about travelling with Chan Brothers Travel is the convenience of flying direct from Singapore to Lijiang in approximately 5 hours. With an extensive selection of direct flight departures, travellers can enjoy greater flexibility of dates and a more seamless journey, saving valuable travel time compared to flying into Kunming and continuing to Lijiang on a 4-hour high-speed rail journey.

Mum POV: Lijiang’s natural wonders need to be seen to be believed, and sharing that with family is an experience not to be missed. The 7 Days Lijiang and Dali package tour offers a wonderful opportunity for families with kids in tow to soak up Yunnan’s timeless charms at a more leisurely pace.

With 3-night stays each in Dali and Lijiang, there’s less packing and changing of hotels, and more time to slow down. That way, you can better savour every moment together.

Explore all Lijiang direct flight tours

Taiwan: Scenic escapes with family-friendly fun 

Best for: Families with younger children who want a pleasantly cool year-end escape, with an easy mix of nature, food and city fun. 

Everyone loves Taipei for the food, ease of travel, and general family-friendly atmosphere, but did you know this extends to the rest of Taiwan as well? Going beyond the capital means experiencing more of Taiwan’s natural wonders – in cooler, breezier weather. 

Scenic mountain towns and delicious foods at night markets beckon, all of which can be combined into a single trip. The best part is, no matter what time of year you choose to make the trip, you can enjoy cooler temps without the headache of buying and lugging heavy winter gear around.

A nature-based trip like this 8 Days See Iconic Taiwan Anew package tour will take you through the famed Alishan National Forest Recreation Area in Chiayi to a train ride through Taichung to see the Sika Deer Sanctuary and the landscaping of the Flower Home Leisure Farm in Miaoli. There is much to see and explore, so be sure your family is ready for lots of walking. If you take it easy and move at your own pace, the package tour is doable for all ages. 

Spending just over a week can ensure you get the opportunity to see many of the region’s most beautiful settings, with vacations made easier if you opt for a Chan Brothers Travel Taiwan package tour and let them take care of all the transport via bus or train. You can traverse the whole island or focus on just Southern Taiwan and immerse yourself in culinary delights, night markets and cultural monuments.  

Chan Brothers Travel itineraries are known for catering to diverse travel interests, so family fun, island exploration, and regional spotlights are guaranteed. It’s also worth mentioning that they have the most departure dates in December with Singapore Airlines, which ensures a comfortable trip both to and from Taiwan.

Mum POV: It’s really nice to be able to take the kids on a holiday that offers them plenty of kid-friendly activities. Not having to overthink what to do is great for parents too! With tours that offer a mix of nature walks and animal encounters, this is the kind of trip my kids learn so much from.

As a mum with 2 young kids, I would definitely go for the 8 Days Taiwan Family Fun package tour so I don’t have to plan activities myself. Bedtimes might go out the window, but after all, it’s as much my holiday as theirs.

Explore all Taiwan tours flying by Singapore Airlines

Hokkaido: Snow adventures and restorative onsens

Best for: Families who want snow play for the kids and onsens for the adults

If you’re looking for a winter getaway complete with snowy days, then Hokkaido is the place to book your end-of-year vacation. As Japan’s northernmost island and its biggest agricultural producer, Hokkaido is brimming with wide open spaces, beautiful scenery and delicious, fresh food.

By the time December arrives, Hokkaido will be blanketed in thick, powdery snow, creating the perfect winter wonderland for snow sports like skiing and snowmobile rides. The environment makes Hokkaido perfect for young families as well as older grandparents looking for a leisurely, winter experience.

A visit to Hokkaido can be as action- or sightseeing-packed as you want it to be, and with Chan Brothers Travel, there are several Hokkaido package tours to choose from. There are lots of awe-inspiring natural stops along the way from Shiretoko National Park to Lake Akan, which was formed by a volcanic eruption. 

When you want a respite from the cold, head indoors and visit the famous Shiroi Koibito cookie factory in Sapporo, the Okhotsk Seal Centre in Mombetsu, and try your hand at making a lavender pillow. 

For those who still love the outdoors, the Asahiyama Zoo is not to be missed. For the adventurous types, snowmobile rides add extra thrill to the itinerary.

After each fulfilling day of exploring Hokkaido, retreat to the comfort of 3 different onsen resorts over 3 nights, where you can unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in warm, soothing hot springs. Complete the experience with a feast of fresh produce and local delicacies, from exquisite kaiseki dinners to beloved snacks.

Psst! When travelling on your own, you may find yourself having to transit in Tokyo, with limited direct flight options to Sapporo. Chan Brothers Travel offers a wide selection of December departure dates with direct Singapore Airlines flights to Hokkaido, giving you greater flexibility when juggling everyone’s schedules.

Mum POV: All Singaporeans looove going to Japan, but instead of going to Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, try Hokkaido as it provides an exciting range of activities kids can take part in. The 9 Days Hokkaido Club Med Snow Fun package tour gives you access to Club Med’s famed kids’ activities and snow experiences they would never get in sunny Singapore. 

It’s also a great (and possibly more affordable) way to expose them to winter sports. In a country that is surprisingly very welcoming of kids, it’s also a great place to introduce them to new foods, cultures, and ways of life. 

Explore all Hokkaido direct flight tours flying by Singapore Airlines

Germany and Holland: Festive markets, castles and old-world charm

Best for: Families who want to experience a ‘fairy-tale’ Europe with breathtaking castles and magical Christmas markets.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it makes sense to visit as much as possible and to take advantage of the continent’s excellent interconnecting railways and roads. But it can be overwhelming when looking at the plethora of options, especially if you aren’t already familiar with the country or its language.

For those looking for an easy trip that still allows you to see Europe’s beautiful ancient architecture and Christmas markets, start your European journey in Germany with Chan Brothers Travel’s direct flights and easy-paced tours.

For example, their 10 Days Germany and Holland Delights package tour spans 2 countries and gives you a good mix of Germany’s famed castles, including Neuschwanstein (the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle) and Heidelberg. The package tour also includes a 1-night stay in storybook Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a jewel along Germany’s Romantic Road (the country’s most famous holiday route), as well as magnificent historic landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral.

From there, the package tour takes you easily and quickly to the Netherlands, where it includes stops in Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, which allows you to experience another culture in the same trip.

Speaking of culture, if you’re planning a trip close to the festive season, it’s worth checking out their 12 Days Christmas Markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland package tour. It explores the Christmas markets in not 1, but 3 countries. Children will enjoy the sparkling lights, festive treats and night-time activities, while adults will love the opportunity to shop for unique Christmas gifts. 

After an evening of walking and exploring, return to your hotel with the confidence that Chan Brothers Travel books only 4-star hotels and above, like the Meiser Design Hotel Dinkelsbuhl, to ensure their guests experience maximum comfort.

Mum POV: I love visiting Europe but admit that the language differences and lack of familiarity with their hospitality brands can sometimes make me nervous. Knowing Chan Brothers Travel is taking care of the accommodation and transport is reassuring and takes a load off my plate. Instead of worrying, I can focus on having a good time and making precious memories with my family.

Explore all Germany direct flight tours

Booking your last-minute year-end holiday

Many people book their year-end trips many months in advance. But if you haven’t booked your end-of-year holidays yet, there’s still time to get a good deal with an all-in-one package tour that fulfills everything you need.

Travelling in a big group that includes young children or older adults requires a lot of headspace for planning. It’s worth taking this off your plate and letting Chan Brothers Travel handle it for you. They’ll co-ordinate transport and handle hotel bookings and activity planning.

This way, your only responsibility is making sure you’re packed and at the airport on time. Who wouldn’t want to start their holiday this way?

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Language note: Featured package tours may be conducted in Mandarin. Please check the individual package tour page or confirm the tour language with Chan Brothers Travel before booking.