Why We Were Sceptical About Traveling to Asia as a Family...

When we first considered traveling to Asia as a family, we had our doubts. Let’s be honest, Asia didn’t initially seem like the most family-friendly destination. Our perceptions were shaped by stories of backpackers roughing it, hostels with bunk beds, and the classic “find-yourself” trip that seemed best suited for young adults or couples looking for adventure. As a family that values a bit of comfort over the rugged charm of backpacking, we wondered whether Asia would be the right fit for us. Would there be enough to do for children? Would we find suitable accommodations? Would we end up feeling like we didn’t quite belong?

The Backpacking Conundrum

Our skepticism wasn’t just about logistics - it was also about style. Backpacking has a certain allure, but it’s not for everyone. We don’t enjoy living out of a bag for weeks on end, and we appreciate having a bit more comfort on our travels. From reliable Wi-Fi needed for homeschooling, to a cozy place to relax after a long day, we wanted a balance that would make us all happy. Most of the content we found online about traveling through Asia revolved around the backpacking experience - think hostels, sleeper trains, and bare-bones itineraries. For a family accustomed to having a bit more space and ease, this style of travel didn’t appeal to us.

The Stereotypes of Travelers in Asia

In addition to our hesitations about the logistics, we also felt that the typical image of travelers in Asia wasn’t very family-friendly. It’s easy to picture groups of young adults exploring vibrant markets or couples enjoying sunset cocktails on a beach, but families? Not so much. Would there be activities that children would enjoy? Would restaurants and hotels be welcoming to families, or would we be seen as the odd ones out? The idea of being constantly surrounded by a different demographic gave us pause. We were concerned that we’d struggle to find our place or feel like an afterthought among the more “traditional” travelers.

The Surprise of Budget-Friendly Travel

Another thing we hadn’t realized was just how far our money would go in Asia. As a traveling family, costs are always a consideration, and we feared that maintaining a comfortable lifestyle might be expensive. But we quickly discovered that the value for money here is unbeatable. We could stay in beautiful accommodations, enjoy delicious meals, and take part in unforgettable experiences - all at a fraction of the price we’d pay elsewhere. For what we’d spend on a basic hotel room in other parts of the world, we could often find spacious family suites, with room for everyone to relax and enjoy. Dining out became a joy rather than a splurge, and activities like guided tours or boat trips were surprisingly affordable. It’s a huge relief as a parent to know that you can create magical experiences for your family without constantly worrying about the budget.

Affordable Air Travel

One of the biggest game-changers for us was how easy it was to get around. While we initially thought we might be stuck on long, uncomfortable bus journeys, (and hours of having to entertain the little people) we quickly learned that flying between destinations was often a better option - and surprisingly cheap! We found low-cost airlines offering incredibly affordable flights, making it possible to hop from one destination to the next with ease. Instead of dreading long travel days, we looked forward to exploring a new city or island after just a short flight. It allowed us to see more of Asia without feeling worn out from endless overland journeys, making the experience much more enjoyable for the whole family.

We Were Majorly Wrong!

Despite all these doubts, we decided to take the plunge and set off on our adventure. And we couldn’t have been more wrong. From the moment we landed, we were blown away by how family-friendly Asia could be. It turns out, there is a whole side of travel here that goes beyond the backpacking stereotype. Family accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to spacious resorts, were more common than we imagined. And the activities? Endless. From exploring vibrant night markets that captured our kids’ imaginations to visiting cultural landmarks that enriched their understanding of the world, we found ourselves on a new adventure every day.

We quickly learned that many destinations in Asia are incredibly welcoming to families. Restaurants offered kid-friendly menus, locals often went out of their way to engage with children, and we never felt like we were an afterthought in the travel scene. It was the complete opposite of what we had imagined - there were so many experiences crafted for families, that were extremely kid friendly!

The Experience of a Lifetime

Our travels through Asia have become some of our most cherished family memories. It’s been an experience filled with learning, laughter, and the kind of moments that remind you why travel is so special in the first place. We came into this journey with uncertainty, but now, as we reflect on everything we’ve seen and done, we realise that those initial concerns were unfounded. Asia welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve lived experiences that we’ll carry with us forever.

So, if you’re a family like us - more into comfortable stays than roughing it, and uncertain about how you might fit into the travel scene here - know this: Asia might just surprise you. It certainly surprised us, and we wouldn’t trade our time here for anything.