Hangdong Grand Canyon

Chiang Mai, Thailand

If you’re a fan of cliff-jumping, this is the perfect spot for you to have your adrenaline rush. Just a few hours away by flight, Chiang Mai’s own ‘Grand Canyon’ boasts a 8m high cliff and a designated jumping spot with lifeguards on duty. Bored of jumping? A two-way zipline stretches across the canyon for a bird’s eye view of the attraction. The less-adventurous can always opt to lounge at the sunbeds or get on a bamboo raft to drift on the water.

LUX * South Ari Atoll

The Maldives

Your dream resort holiday can’t get more perfect: 193 private villas at the edge of tranquil blue waters, instant access to the white sandy beach, and a gentle sea breeze greeting you when you wake. This resort has one of the largest range of water sports options in The Maldives, including Flyboarding and Hoverboarding. Or simply grab your snorkels and take a dip in the clear waters, where you would be sure to spot sea creatures like dolphins and manta rays.

Kalami Beach

Corfu, Greece

Most beaches can claim to be legitimately award-winning. But Kalami Beach can— it was awarded the Blue Flag for meeting the highest standards of cleanliness and organization. The beach, which is located in the town of the same name, is a hugely popular tourist spot. Hire a boat to take you for a spin or do it yourself on a canoe. Despite being highly sought-after, this destination is most ideal for a relaxing and peaceful vacation as the local culture is one of tranquility and a slow-pace.

Kitsilano Pool

Vancouver, Canada

Kitsilano pool, or more affectionately known as “Kits Pool”, is North America’s longest pool and Vancouer’s only saltwater pool. Fans of man-made baths can be delighted to know that “Kits Pool” made it to CNN’s Top 20 Places for Swimming. It’s not difficult to see why, as the mammoth 137m pool offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Vancouver’s West End.

Pink Sand Beach

Harbour Island, The Bahamas

How is this peach even so pink! Turns out, the colour comes from foraminifera, a microscopic marine organism with a reddish-pink shell. The whopping 5km stretch of beach makes for a feast for your eyes and guarantees an aesthetic Instagram-worthy post. Head there any time of the year as the Bahamas enjoys a year-long summer just like Singapore. If you have young children raring to swim, be rest assured as outlying coral reefs keep the strong currents out of most shallow areas.

Dao Be Beach

Ly Son Island, Vietnam

This unique island was created from five prehistoric extinct volcanoes, and is currently most famous for the many types of garlic grown there. Some call it the “Jeju Island of Vietnam” for its stunning sunset views and beautiful landscape all year round. Most beaches on the island are very rocky, but Dao Be Beach is perfect for a tropical swim. Try to spot seaweed and colourful reefs while you’re at it!

Havasu Falls

Arizona, USA

Natural swimming holes are a rare gem, and you sure will not want to miss this one out. Located near the Grand Canyon, it is a breathtaking sight to behold: turquoise-blue spring-fed water gushing down a 30m waterfall. Do note that you will need to apply for a permit, which can get quite competitive during peak periods. But persistence will pay off when you get to soak in the magical, picturesque surroundings.

Jibei Island Beach

Penghu County, Taiwan

Jibei is Taiwan’s haven for water activities, including swimming, banana boating and paragliding. The beach environment is rather fast-paced with many activities going on at any one time. So you and the little ones will be spoilt for choice. The ample space also provides for a splashing good time if you just want to be creative and have your own family fun.

Blue Lagoon

Grindavík, Iceland

Just 45 minutes away from the airport by car, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is quite a character. Contrary to what most tourists may assume, it is not a natural hot spring. The land is from hardened lava, but the water in the pools is from a geothermal plant nearby. The pools are a maximum of 1.7m deep, so do look out for the young kids at all times! There is also an adjacent spa and restaurant to complete your lagoon experience.

Kalia Beach

Kalya, Israel

No, this is not just another beach— it’s one of the beaches leading to the Dead Sea! If you’re unfamiliar with the Dead Sea, it is the lowest point on Earth, and one can float effortlessly because the water is so salty. Apparently the further out you go, the more buoyancy you will experience! Guess there simply isn’t a better place to practice floating on your back! Kalia is situated at the northern part of the Dead Sea, 25 minutes away from Jerusalem.

Conclusion

There sure are many more places worth exploring, but these are our top picks for an unforgettable holiday for the whole family. Meanwhile do stay safe while we look forward to being able to travel again!

I’m Isabel, your friendly uni student who’s always waddling knee deep in readings and projects. But I’ll go through hell and high water to have regular suppers with my friends. You can find me with a film camera in one hand and a flat white in the other on the weekends. Also am able to rescue you if you ever capsize from a sea kayak.