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It’s always the perfect time to take a well-deserved break with your entire brood. With so many new things to do, see, and eat, you’ll surely have a grand time spending a few days at any of these nearby countries!
1. Taiwan
If you’re into affordable eats and picturesque terrains, head to Taipei for a few days then drive out to see the country’s rustic regions. In the capital, everyone will have a blast visiting the bamboo-shaped skyscraper Taipei 101, seeing adorable pandas and other unique animals at Taipei Zoo, and trying exotic street food at Shilin Night Market. (Milk tea, stinky tofu, and pork buns, anyone?) Take a day trip and head to the northern coast to see the Queen’s Head and other geological formations at Yehliu Geopark. Travel back in time by walking the quaint alleyways of Jiufen Market, then write all your wishes on colorful paper lanterns and say a prayer as they soar to the heavens at Pingxi.
2. South Korea
Known for producing some of the best pop acts and most romantic telenovelas, Seoul is a must-see for families craving a mix of old and new. Dress up in traditional hanbok and enter the centuries-old palaces for free. Shop till you drop and eat your heart out at the Myeongdong district (try the honey-filled hotteok or the Instagram-worthy rose gelato), then walk up to see the sparkling city lights from the romantic N Seoul Tower. Don’t forget to buy a padlock with your spouse, write your names, and declare your eternal love for each other by locking it and throwing away the key. For some thrills, take the kids to Everland or Lotte World!
3. Japan
Soak up the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun through intricately designed castles and sacred shrines, but don’t think Japan is all about historical structures. Tokyo is synonymous with Disneyland and DisneySea while Osaka houses Universal Studios Japan—a place you shouldn’t miss if the kids are big fans of Minions and the Harry Potter series! Come to Kyoto to walk through the 10,000 bright red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the gold leaf-gilded Kinakuji, or visit nearby Nara to feed the polite, bowing deer. Enjoy the freshest sushi and delicately crafted ramen wherever you go. If you’re lucky, your family can even witness the blooming of delicate cherry blossoms when you visit from late March to April.
4. Singapore
There’s so much to do in this island country! Spend at least two days at Sentosa to meet the colorful characters inside Universal Studios Singapore, ride high-speed water slides at Adventure Cove Waterpark, pose with 3D art installations at Trick Eye Museum, try indoor skydiving at iFly, or even bungee jump by the beach at the newly opened AJ Hackett Sentosa. Recharge with any of these beloved Singaporean fare: kaya toast, Hainanese chicken, and ais kachang. Go on an amphibious urban exploration by riding the Duck Tours then hop on the Singapore Flyer for 360-degree aerial views of the city. Explore a nature-themed interactive playground at Gardens by the Bay or stay up late to discover nocturnal animals at the Night Safari.
5. Hong Kong
Start your adventure right by sampling their renowned dimsum, beef brisket noodle soup, char siu, and egg tart. Whether you’re headed to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, get to your destination in a unique way by riding the vintage, football-shaped Star Ferry. Scale the hillside on a tram to reach the city’s highest point (aptly named The Peak) for touristy family shots with the stunning skyline, and then hobnob with 100 of the biggest wax personalities at Madame Tussauds. Have fun while learning at the Hong Kong Science Museum with over 300 hands-on exhibits ranging from robotics to virtual reality. At night, surprise the family with A Symphony of Lights—a free nightly musical light show that’s presented across various iconic buildings amidst the mesmerizing Victoria Harbour!
No matter which country you decide to visit next, be a smart traveler and see the sights without worries! Visit http://po.st/SmartTraveller1 and get a free travel insurance quote for your next family outing.