The Ultimate Family Gap Year Destination and Accommodation Guide
The Ultimate Family Gap Year Destination and Accommodation Guide
The exact route from our 365-day adventure with our kids, ages 5 and 7. Every country, every story, and every place we actually slept.
Plan your family gap yearWhat it really costSome links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to places we stayed ourselves.
“Is it me, or has Lonely Planet left families behind? I will not recommend a hotel, homestay or hostel we did not like, and I will point out the ones we found amazing or that gave exceptional value.”
Stephen, Gap Year Family dad- 365days on the road
- 12countries
- 50+places we slept
- 2kids, ages 5 and 7
Our route around the world
Each stop links to a destination guide with our exact itinerary and every place we stayed along the way. Tap a country to jump to it.
01Stop 1 · 31 days
South Africa with Kids
Oh, South Africa, you stole my heart in so many places. This was the very first stop on our trip. Thank goodness, because the first bit was hard for my kids as they adjusted to being away from home, school, family and friends. Luckily, South Africa was there to welcome us with open arms. When people ask me about my favorite place on the trip, I often name another destination, but honestly, I think it may very well have been South Africa. With nature, beauty, history, animals and budget accommodations, it may be the perfect family destination.
Read our South Africa guideBudget safari with kids
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickHermanus Esplanade HermanusAn entire fisherman's cottage for our family. We paid $55/nightFamily stays in HermanusAgoda
- Avoca River Cabins AddoOur base for Addo Elephant Park. See it on Booking.com
- Karu Soul OudtshoornOur stop for the Karoo and the ostrich farms. Family stays in OudtshoornAgoda
02Stop 2 · 31 days
Bali with Kids
The Balinese are a Hindu people holding on to their heritage amid a swarm of tourists, and they do it with such grace and style that it will leave you in awe. They are some of the warmest people on earth. They love children, and the food is spectacular. Just about every hotel or homestay will leave you speechless and still below budget.
Read our Bali guideKid-friendly Bali hotels
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickHotel Puri Bambu JimbaranSpectacular and budget-friendly. It is hard to leave the pool. See it on Booking.comAgoda
- ★ Stephen’s pickPondok Pitaya Balian BeachOne of the best places we have ever stayed! See it on Booking.comAgoda
- Amertha Bali Villas PemuteranHard to beat for kids, snorkeling, beach and relaxation. See it on Booking.comAgoda
- Satriya Cottages KutaNice, well-priced and central. See it on Booking.comAgoda
03Stop 3 · 35 days
New Zealand with Kids
If it weren't for the expensive food, New Zealand may just be my favorite place on planet earth. Every direction I turned looked like a page ripped from National Geographic. Go here with your kids, hike, get in touch with nature and cozy up in an RV or holiday park. I was afraid our kids wouldn't have enough adventure in them to handle NZ. Boy, was I wrong.
Read our New Zealand guideHoliday parks explained
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickWaitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park WaitomoWalking distance to the glowworm caves. Worth two nights. See it on Booking.com
- City Oaks Serviced Apartments AucklandCentral, two bedrooms, reasonable price. Family stays in Auckland
- Nikau Serviced Apartments NelsonGood value in the center of town. Family stays in Nelson
- Shining Star Beachfront HokitikaJust 50 meters from the beach. See it on Booking.com
04Stop 4 · 34 days
Australia with Kids
Australia! Could I live here? Yes! I'm a surfer, so Australia was like a chocolate ice cream lover taking a job at Baskin-Robbins. But beyond the surf, Australia had it all: amazing wildlife, hikes, diving, snorkeling, iconic cities, rainforests, scary snakes and flesh-eating crocodiles. The food is expensive and the accommodations can break the budget, but we love you, Australia!
Read our Australia guideChristmas in Australia
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickThe Nimrod Serviced Apartments Port DouglasRecommended. Yes! See it on Booking.com
- ★ Stephen’s pickCape Trib Beach House Cape TribulationRecommended. Rainforest meets the reef. See it on Booking.com
- BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park Tweed HeadsHoliday-park fun for the kids. See it on Booking.com
- Swell Resort Burleigh Heads Gold CoastA Gold Coast base near the surf. See it on Booking.com
05Stop 5 · 49 days
Thailand with Kids
We spent more time in Thailand than anywhere else on our trip. Thailand has world-class beaches, great food, accommodations to fit all budgets, endless massages, cooking classes, temples, and some of the best places on earth to learn to dive or rock climb. It's a bit more touristy than the rest of Southeast Asia, but there is a reason for this. From north to south there is plenty to please everyone, and our kids loved every second of it.
Read our Thailand guideMuay Thai with kids
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickDolphin Bay Resort Sam Roi YotVery "resorty," but a haven for families. See it on Booking.com
- ★ Stephen’s pickRailay Phutawan Resort RailayA bit of a walk up the hill, but the view is spectacular. See it on Booking.com
- ★ Stephen’s pickHometel Krabi Town Krabi TownCentral location with a great restaurant. Family stays in Krabi Town
- Baan Ngern Village Chiang MaiQuiet street in the old city, walking distance to everything. Family stays in Chiang Mai
06Stop 6 · 13 days
Cambodia with Kids
Angkor What? Exactly. Cambodia has so much to offer as a family destination. We spent only two weeks here, and we wish we had more. It is a land steeped in history (much of it dark), yet its people have come out stronger. With elephants, temples and some of the most beautiful countryside I have seen in Southeast Asia, Cambodia shouldn't be missed.
Where we slept
- Siem Reap Rooms Guesthouse Siem ReapOur Angkor base. We paid $25–35/nightFamily stays in Siem ReapAgoda
- King Grand Boutique Hotel Phnom PenhComfortable city stay. We paid $45/nightSee it on Booking.comAgoda
- ★ Stephen’s pickThe Nature Lodge Sen MonoromOur base for the elephant trek. See it on Booking.comAgoda
07Stop 7 · 17 days
Vietnam with Kids
Vietnam stole more than my limited-time visa; it stole a bit of my heart along with it. The trip from Ho Chi Minh City up to Da Nang was beautiful and fun-filled. We will return to finish our trip someday, because I cannot die without seeing Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.
Read our Vietnam guideMekong Delta with kids
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickLeSimoLe Boutique Apartments Nha TrangAn 8-bed family room with a kitchen. We paid $60/nightFamily stays in Nha TrangAgoda
- Hoang Kim Hotel Mui NeFamily room at a great price. We paid $26/nightFamily stays in Mui NeAgoda
- Dragon Palace Hotel Ho Chi Minh CityDistrict 1, right in the action. We paid $35/nightFamily stays in Ho Chi Minh CityAgoda
- Hung Family Homestay Mekong DeltaA real homestay on the river. Family stays in Mekong DeltaAgoda
08Stop 8 · 7 days
Hong Kong with Kids
No place surprised me more than Hong Kong. Clean is an understatement. I was even kicked off a playground for taking a nap because it wasn't sanitary! We loved every single second of our week. It is expensive, but careful planning helps, as does being OK sleeping in a space the size of a walk-in closet.
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickThe Mira Inn Tsim Sha TsuiA triple room with bunk beds for the kids and a queen for us. (Not the Mira Hotel!) We paid $69/nightFamily stays in Tsim Sha TsuiAgoda
09Stop 9 · 34 days
Malaysia & Borneo with Kids
Malaysia knocked my socks off! We spent well over a month exploring peninsular Malaysia and Sabah in Borneo. It is a true melting pot of cultures and amazing cuisines, with big-city delights in Kuala Lumpur, small-town wonders in Penang, cool mountains in the Cameron Highlands and underwater worlds around the islands. Diving, mountain climbing, jungle treks and spectacular food: there is something for everyone.
Read our Malaysia & Borneo guideCameron Highlands hike
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickPaganakan Dii Tropical Retreat SepilokOne of the coolest places we stayed, with bungalows over the rainforest. See it on Booking.comAgoda
- ★ Stephen’s pickShari-la Island Resort Perhentian IslandsProtected snorkeling bay and a breakfast buffet included. We paid $69/nightFamily stays in Perhentian IslandsAgoda
- Ceria Hotel Bukit Bintang Kuala LumpurDeluxe family room. We paid $49/nightSee it on Booking.comAgoda
- Hotel 54 Kota KinabaluSuperb before or after a Kinabalu climb. The owner is a gem. Family stays in Kota KinabaluAgoda
10Stop 10 · 8 days
Singapore with Kids
We came to Singapore to see what all the fuss was about. It proved to be a cool, modern city with plenty of great food and fun for the whole family, and it gave us a much-needed week of respite. It is expensive by Southeast Asian standards, but the food was amazing and surprisingly affordable.
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickBeetle Box SingaporeA wonderful family stay at a rare Singapore price. We paid $74/nightFamily stays in SingaporeAgoda
11Stop 11 · 25 days
Taiwan with Kids
Taiwan wasn't on our original plan, but after several families raved about it, we made it a stop on our way to Japan. Farm stays, surfing, hiking and some of the friendliest people we met on the whole trip. If you enjoy pristine nature, suspension bridges, bike paths, family-friendly hikes and swimming holes galore, Taiwan is definitely for you.
Read our Taiwan guide7 reasons to visit Taiwan
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pickKenting Stony Brook Hotel KentingSpectacular. Book the hotel rooms, not the fancy villas. Family stays in Kenting
- ★ Stephen’s pickWisdom Garden Homestay HualienA beautiful retreat with wonderful hosts. Family stays in Hualien
- Harbor Resort Hotel Sun Moon LakeBasic, good mid-week rates, prime location. Family stays in Sun Moon Lake
12Stop 12 · 19 days
Japan with Kids
Japan was our final stop before flying home from Narita, and it proved to be the icing on the cake. We loved it, and it brought the perfect end to our journey.
Where we slept
- ★ Stephen’s pick88 House Hiroshima HiroshimaA wonderful family-run homestay. You won't find better hosts. Family stays in HiroshimaAgoda
- ★ Stephen’s pickGuest House Tomaru TakayamaOur amazing homestay in the Japanese Alps. Family stays in TakayamaAgoda
- Hotel Plaza Osaka OsakaOur Osaka base. See it on Booking.comAgoda
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3 comments
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