Favorite Family Travel Destinations

Going on vacation gives families the perfect opportunity to spend time together, reconnecting with and rediscovering each other after months and months of being immersed in school and work. Most families thus favor vacations amidst beautiful and peaceful settings, away from the everyday grind of deadlines, traffic, and noise, either real or from social media. Here, moms reveal their favorites.

Taiwan’s street eats

Amidst a field of blooms in Toucheng Leisure Farm

The Upside Down House

A shoe shop at Taiwan’s Shilin Market

TAIWAN
“I just recently came from Taiwan and want to go back with my family! Taipei was a pleasant surprise to me, discovering so many food choices which go beyond the famous Din Tai Fung, xiao long bao, and milk tea which originated from Taiwan. My kids and I will spend hours in the artsy-hipster-feel shops in the Huashan 1914 Cultural Park and they will also enjoy visiting the Upside Down House here. Shopping at the Shilin Market will delight my shoe-fanatic hubby and son. For families that love nature and want some peace and relaxation, a visit to the Toucheng Leisure Farm is a must!
-Janice Villanueva

SHANGRI-LA MACTAN
“Our family went to Shangri-La Mactan and loved it! My son loved that he was a few steps away from the pools and the beach. We went kayaking, played board games, made sun castles. The restos had plastic plates, spoons, forks, and cups for kids. The kids’ adventure zone was uber fun. My son also enjoyed our karaoke evening. They had a kiddie album song collection. Totally hassle-free!”
–Marga Nograles

HONG KONG
“It has a lot of parks for kids, lots of activities to do together, plus shopping. Kids enjoy the food with wide variety.”
–Patricia Jayme

DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY
“My husband and daughter love Discovery Shores Boracay! My husband says he feels like a king. He gets to relax and enjoy all the treats. My daughter enjoys the pool, the long beach, and the little surprises in the room. Personally, I enjoy the room, food, and the spa!”
–Frances Maniquis

ANTULANG-DUMAGUETE
“Great snorkeling just off the beach, diving at Apo Island for the grownups, and endless swimming—beach and pool—for the kids! White sand, really clean water, no fuss food and different types of accommodations for families.”
–Meluchi Rivera

EL NIDO AND THE INN AT CLIFFHOUSE TAGAYTAY
“I love El Nido. Nearer to home would be Tagaytay, specifically Cliffhouse Inn! I can just stay in the the room the whole time. Nevertheless, we just love to go anywhere we have never been to with the kids. They have simple joys and going places makes them happy.”
–Rache Diaz

SHANGRI-LA MACTAN

“Kid’s adventure zone, all-day activities for kids, many swimming pools to choose from, including shallow kiddie pools, parents can enjoy Chi, the Spa.”
–Della Yilmaz

SUBIC
“Lots of fun activities to do like go to Zoobic, Ocean Adventure, and of course, the beach just around the corner.”
–Rosa Liamzon

This article first appeared in Urban Mom magazine, except for Villanueva’s entry.

Hong Kong image from Visit Hong Kong Facebook page
Antulang image from Antulang’s Facebook page
Discovery Shores image from Discovery Shore’s Facebook page
Shangri-La Mactan images from Shangri-La Mactan’s Facebook page
Zebra image from Zoobic Facebook page
Taal Lake image from The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay’s Facebook page