DESTINATIONS FAMILY HOLIDAYS | SOUTHEAST ASIA
multigen trips in Asia
Gary King
head of trade sales, Wendy Wu Tours
“For travel agents, multigenerational travel presents a significant growth opportunity, especially when selling destinations like Asia, which can seem
daunting due to its vastness and logistical challenges. Specialist touring offers a fully inclusive experience that allows agents to reassure their clients that every aspect of the journey is meticulously handled, making it the perfect fit for families.”
ABOVE: Scenic rail route through Perlis in Malaysia PICTURES: Shutterstock/Huzairi Halim
resigned to it at first, but ended up having a great time on the waterslides amid limestone karsts – and even managed to take turns having dips in the hot springs. We boarded the spacious train to Alor
Setar (from where we’d catch the ferry to the island of Langkawi) as a trio of seasoned commuters. On the tropical island, I’d splurged on a family beach villa at the Four Seasons, where my dad could enjoy the private plunge pool while my toddler and I joined a naturalist- led boat trip to the Unesco-listed Kilim GeoPark to see wild monkeys and eagles.
THAI TIMES
Our final segment of public transport came after Langkawi, when a cab took us to Padang Besar, on the Thai border, to board the sleeper train to Bangkok – a 15-hour ride. “I haven’t been on a sleeper train for about 50 years,” said Dad as we were shown to our ultra-wide seats. We collectively watched in glee as the guard made his way along the aisle an hour later, transforming each seat into a spacious bunk bed. Having been swayed to sleep, my dad and son disembarked in Bangkok sporting huge grins, feeling like proper adventurers. For our final stop at the Four Seasons next to the Chao Praya River, we opted for
58 6 MARCH 2025 Dad said: ‘What I’ve
loved, apart from the sights and the trains, is that I’ve got to know you better [thanks to] this holiday’
separate rooms to give my dad a night to himself. “That was a huge holiday,” said my son as we once more lay on our backs – this time on the hotel sunloungers watching the sky turn a dusky pink. “We’re the same family, but we each bring something different,” said Dad, laughing. “What I have loved the most, apart from the sights and the trains, is that I've got to know you both better. I don't think we would have got to this stage had it not been for this holiday.”
TW BOOK IT
Wendy Wu Tours sells a private 17-night Singapore to Bangkok by rail tour from £6,595 per adult and £3,925 per child. Includes breakfast and some lunches, excursions and flights in November.
wendywutours.co.uk
Farzana Dobbs founder, Travel Gallery “Sri Lanka is the perfect multigenerational
destination, offering something for everyone. From unforgettable wildlife safaris and surfing to cultural experiences and iconic train journeys, families can bond over diverse adventures. With family-friendly boutique hotels and easy travel access, it’s a safe, affordable and fun option for families of all ages.”
Rebecca Barry
South Korea senior product executive, InsideAsia Tours
“Travel is not always about the destination, but the journey itself. In Korea, most of our journeys are done by train and the high-speed KTX. The experience ticks all age group interests – kids love them, and adults appreciate them when they work as intended. Train travel, instead of being in a ‘tourist bubble’ [as with] cruise or coach travel, also shows a slice of local life.”
travelweekly.co.uk
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