DIY Family Travels with Kids – Itineraries | Reviews

15 Countries from Canada to Cambodia, Iceland to Thailand, Japan to USA, Scandinavia to Indonesia (and God-willing many more!).

Cities include: Bali, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Osaka, Penang, Queensland, , Reykjavik, Siem Reap, Tokyo.

Activities include: Ski lessons in Hokkaido, Self-Drive Iceland, Self-Drive Hokkaido, Farm stays in Taiwan, Northern-lights and Santa Claus Park in Finland.

Theme Parks include: Disneyland (Anaheim); Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disneysea, Hong Kong Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan.

Tips on Travelling with kids include: How to choose adequate winter wear, how to pack, our ‘scariest’ adventure and winter driving tips to Hokkaido plus more.

We have always travelled with our kids, believing in creating unique core memories with them and to build their resilience as global citizens.  We felt a deep loss of opportunity cost when the borders closed in early 2020.  In just 2 years, our tween became a full-fledged teen, our child-care going toddler became an independent Primary school boy.

Now that the borders are re-opening and the world is learning to live with COVID-19, we hope this serves as record of our travels with our children thus far.  While we know that many of these are experiences that we share here are pre-COVID (and some places or experiences may no longer be around), we hope the authenticity of our sharing will serve as a good reference for families planning to resume travels.

For us, it is our hope that our children will remember the many adventures we had as ‘Ohana’ – where family means, no one gets left behind.

See more of our Travel photos and connect with us on our IG: @lifestinymiracles and @doting_dad

May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.

~Trenton Lee Stewart~

America / United States

Disneyland (Anaheim): https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/05/wordless-wednesday-the-magic-of-disney/

New York: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/11/danainnyc/

Prepping Kids for New York: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2014/06/prepping-kids-for-nyc-20-great-reads/

Australia:

Adelaide:

Deep-creek Conservation Park : https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2010/01/dana-tours-adelaide-deep-creek-conservation-park/

Glenelg: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2010/01/dana-tours-adelaide-glenelg/

Melbourne: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2009/01/sq-237-danas-1st-flight-to-melbourne-we-go/

Queensland:

Australia Zoo: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/03/dana-tours-the-australia-zoo/

Strawberry Picking : https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/03/dana-tours-strawberry-fields/

Surfers’ Paradise Free & Easy: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/03/dana-tours-surfers-paradise/

Dream World: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/03/dana-tours-dream-world/

SeaWorld, Gold Coast: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/02/dana-tours-sea-world/

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2011/11/dana-tours-lone-pines-koala-sanctuary/

Cambodia:

Siem Reap, Free & Easy: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/11/diy-siem-reap-with-kids/

Accommodation Review: Marriot Courtyard, Siem Reap: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/10/courtyard-at-marriot-siem-reap-review/

Canada:

Niagara Falls: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2014/09/guest-post-at-petite-travellers-somewhere-over-the-rainbow-at-niagara-falls/

Cruises:

Royal Caribbean Cruise – Quantum of the Seas: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/12/royal-caribbean-quantum-of-the-seas-review/

Dream Cruise – On a Dream and a Cruise: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2021/07/dream-cruises-cruise-to-nowhere-review/

Denmark:

Copenhagen:

Accommodation Review – Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/12/crowne-plaza-copenhagen-towers/

Finland

DIY Northern Lights with Kids: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2022/04/diy-northern-lights-in-finland-with-kids-7d-6n/

Hong Kong:

Ocean Park: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2010/03/dana-tours-hk-ocean-park/

HK Disneyland: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2010/03/dana-tours-hk-disneyland/

Iceland:

Self-drive Tips: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/10/iceland-self-drive-tips/

Free & Easy Iceland with Kids: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/10/diy-iceland-with-kids/

Indonesia:

Batam: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/category/holiday-moments/lets-travel/indonesia/

Bintan:

Accommodation Review: Club Med Bintan Review : https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/03/club-med-bintan-review/

Club Med – A Reflection: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/01/theres-no-place-like-club-med/

Bali:

Prepping Kids for Bali: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/05/prepping-kids-for-bali/

Memories of Bali: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2009/06/back-from-bali-and-loved-it/

Accommodation Review -Alila Ubud: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/page/2/?s=Bali

Accommodation Review – Alila Manggis: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2009/07/dana-tours-bali-alila-manggis/

Bali Safari and Adventure Park: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/07/bali-for-kids-the-bali-safari-and-marine-park/

Accommodation Review – Club Med Bali – Part 1: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/02/club-med-bali-review/

Accommodation Review – Club Med Bali Part 2: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/01/a-letter-to-the-gos-of-club-med-bali-kids-club/

Accommodation Review – Le Meridien, Jimbaran Review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/08/bali-for-kids-the-le-meridien-bali-jimbaran-hotel/

Bali Treetop Adventure Park: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/07/bali-for-kids-bali-treetop-adventure-park/

Accommodation Review – Mari River Safari Lodge: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/07/bali-for-kids-mara-river-safari-lodge/

Wild Dolphin Spotting at Lovina: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/07/bali-for-kids-dolphins-at-laid-back-lovina/

Japan:

Prepping Kids for Japan – Books on Japan for kids: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/06/books-on-japan-for-kids/

Summer Itinerary: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/05/japan-trip-report-2015/

Theme Parks:

Tokyo Disneysea:  https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/07/tokyo-disneysea/

Tokyo Disneyland: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/07/diy-japan-maximising-your-day-at-tokyo-disneyland/

Universal Studios Japan: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/11/usj/

Tokyo:

Tokyo Tsukiji Market and Cupnoodle Museum: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/07/tokyo-tsukiji-market-and-cupnoodle-museum/

Asakusa, Sumida and Odaiba Free & Easy itinerary: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/07/asakusa-sumida-and-odaiba-tokyo-japan/

Hakone:

Hakone Part 1 – Surviving my first onsen:https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/08/diy-japan-surviving-the-hakone-onsen/

Hakone  – Part 2: The Little Prince Museum and Botanical Gardens of Wetlands : https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/09/hakone-botanical-garden-of-wetlands-the-little-prince-museum/

Hakone – Part 3 https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/09/diy-japan-hakone-part-3-beautiful-hakone/

Kyoto:

Free & Easy Kyoto: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/02/diy-japan-kyoto/

Osaka:

Osaka & Nara: Free & Easy Itinerary: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/11/diy-japan-osaka-and-nara/

Accommodation Review – Swisshotel Nankai hotel review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/12/swissotel-nankai-osaka-hotel/

Hokkaido:

Hokkaido Winter Driving Tips: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/01/driving-in-hokkaido-winter/

Accommodation Review – Hokkaido Ski Resorts – a comparison: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/07/hokkaido-ski-resorts/

Hokkaido, The Complete Free & Easy Itinerary: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/07/hokkaido-diy-holiday/

Niseko: Where to eat: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/07/where-to-eat-in-niseko/

Asahiyama Zoo: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/05/hokkaido-asahiyama-zoo/

Hanazono – Learn Skiing with NISS: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/12/skiing-in-niseko-niss/

Niseko (Grand Hirafu) – GoSnow Ski School: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/02/go-snow-niseko/

Niseko (Grand Hirafu) – Learn skiing in Niseko: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2020/01/skiing-in-niseko/

Accommodation Review –  Niseko, Ki Niseko Hotel Review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/03/ki-niseko-hotel-review/

Accommodation Review – Rusutsu Resort Review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/03/rusutsu-resort/

Accommodation Review – Sapporo  – Keio Plaza Hotel Review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/04/keio-plaza-sapporo-review/

Accommodation Review – Tomamu, Hoshino Resort Review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/02/hoshino-tomamu-hokkaido/

Accommodation Review – Tomamu, Hoshino Resorts VLogs: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/02/hoshino-resorts-tomamu-vlogs/

In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy you bought them, they will remember the time you spent with them.

~Kevin Heath~

South Korea:

Korea Trip Review: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/02/wordless-wednesday-korea-gangnam-style/

Jeju Island: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/01/wordless-wednesday-in-love-with-jeju/

Trickeye Museum: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/01/photo-heart-fridays-abbey-road-crossing/

Taiwan:

Free and Easy Taiwan https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/09/around-the-world-in-18-days-taiwan/

LeoFoo Resort: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2014/10/banana-returns-totaiwan-first-stop-leofoo-resort-guanshi-taiwan/

Free & Easy Taiwan – 5D4N Itinerary for Families : https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2018/09/5-days-taiwan-itinerary/

Thailand:

Bangkok:

Bangkok Beyond Malls and Massages: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/05/bangkok-things-to-do/

Bangkok Safari World: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/11/bangkok-safari-world/

Bangkok Airplane Graveyard: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/08/bangkok-airplane-graveyard/

KidZania Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/05/bangkok-things-to-do/

TrueLove Husky Café, Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/08/bangkok-husky-cafe/

Siem Ocean World: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/10/dana-tours-siam-ocean-world/

Accommodation Review – Intercontinental Hotel, Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/03/bkk-intercontinental-hotel/

Accommodation Review – So Sofitel Hotel, Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/01/so-sofitel-bangkok/

Accommodation Review – Le Meridien, Suvarnabhumi.  Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/11/le-meridien-suvarnabhumi-bangkok/

Accommodation Review – Siam Kempinski Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/01/siam-kempinski-bangkok-review/

Erawan Tea Room, Bangkok: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/10/foodie-friday-thai-afternoon-tea/

Phuket:

Free and Easy Phuket: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2010/09/dana-tours-phuket-sawadee-ka/

Phuket Highlights: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2010/08/video-of-phuket-highlights/

Accommodation Review – Holiday Inn Phuket Mai Kao Beach: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/10/holiday-inn-resort-phuket-mai-khao-beach-review/

Accommodation Review – Holiday Inn Phuket Patong Beach: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/09/holiday-inn-phuket-patong-review/

Not all classrooms have four walls.

~Anonymous~

Malaysia:

Johor:

Angrybird Park: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/08/angry-birds-park-johor-bahru/

Desaru: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/11/diy-desaru-with-kids/

Legoland: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/10/legoland-malaysia-halloween-2017/

Legoland – 20 Things To Do. : https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2012/11/top-20-things-to-do-in-legoland-malaysia-part-3/

Accommodation Review – Legoland Hotel: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2014/03/legoland-hotel-malaysia-the-final-brick-for-a-complete-lego-experience/

Legoland Waterpark – Part 1: Guide to all rides: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/10/legoland-water-park-malaysia-part-1-a-guide-to-all-the-rides/

Legoland Waterpark – Part 2: Amenities:  https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/11/legoland-water-park-malaysia-part-2-the-amenities/

Accommodation Review – Doubletree Hilton, Johor: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/09/angry-bird-doubletree-by-hilton-johor-bahru/

Kuala Lumpur:

Eating in KL: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/09/happy-food-in-kl/

Accommodation Review – One World Hotel: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/09/one-world-hotel-kuala-lumpur/

Accommodation Review  – Capri by Fraser: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/04/capribyfraserkl/

Accommodation Review – The Majestic Hotel: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/03/hotel-majestic-kl/

KidZania KL: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/09/12-tips-to-maximise-your-day-at-kidzania-kuala-lumpur/

Dimsum in KL: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2013/05/all-day-dimsum-in-kl/

Cameron Highlands: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2011/09/dana-tours-cameron-highlands/

Malacca: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2009/05/dana-tours-malacca/

Penang:

Free & Easy Penang: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/10/penangattractions/

Accommodation Review  – Doubletree Hilton: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/05/doubletree-resort-hilton-penang/

Escape Park: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/10/diy-penang-with-kids-escape-park-review/

Accommodation Review  – Golden Sands Hotel, Penang: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2014/12/golden-sands-resort-penang-review/

Accommodation Review  – Holiday Inn Resort, Penang: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/09/holiday-inn-resort-penang/

Maldives:

Club Med Kani: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/07/club-med-kani-maldives-review/

Holiday-Inn Kandooma: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/08/holiday-inn-kandooma-maldives/

Kids won’t remember the best day of television.

~Anonymous~

General Travel Tips

Building Holidays with Kids: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2019/11/build-a-holiday/

Travelling during COVID – Tips and Experience: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2022/01/what-and-how-to-prepare-for-vtl-travel/

Tips for Travelling with Kids – from infant to Primary school: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2016/07/tips-travelling-children/

Travelling with Kids –  Why we do it:

Staying Connected while Travelling: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/12/crowne-plaza-copenhagen-towers/

Dressing Kids for Winter:

Scariest Moments from our Travels: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2014/11/scariest-momentsfrom-our-travels/

When you travel with children, you are giving away something that can never be taken away. Experience, exposure, and way of life.

~Pamela T. Chandler~