April 6, 2026
Modern travel is no easy thing to pull off in today’s landscape. Preparation is key to traverse this new world of rules, protocols and vaccinations. Finally, the time has arrived for us to make optimistic international travel plans. It feels joyous yet strange at the same time even saying those words after the year the world has seen. Recently, many things have more or less returned to normal bar a few rules still in place to maintain a certain level of safety and confidence. So, it feels like the right time to start planning family holidays abroad post-pandemic.
Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration with Original Travel, however, all views, opinions and photos are my own. This post contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy here.
Travel After the Pandemic
Where Should YOu travel Post-Pandemic?
The unexpected travel hiatus has not spoiled our appetite to explore the world but instead kicked it into overdrive. The world has changed. Priorities have changed. If not now, when? We’ve realised more than ever that our bucket lists come with a countdown clock and we’re now ready to tick off some of those great family adventures.
When it comes to choosing where to go, many are opting to escape to the great outdoors – the world’s rainforests, safari plains or deserted beaches. Post-pandemic travel should be exactly what you need it to be. Perhaps a hedonistic blowout with friends in Las Vegas, an escape to an unforgettable experience in the Maldives or a dose of some fresh mountain air in the Dolomites with kids. Ultimately, it’s whatever makes you happy.
Travel Tip: Check out these Las Vegas must-dos before planning your next trip.
When it comes to holiday planning there has also been a dramatic dynamics shift in our household. The kids are now taking a much more active role in the decision-making process. After many a conversation, we’ve decided to embark on an epic adventure in April 2022 to the land of the rising sun – Japan!
Why Japan?
Japan’s dynamic and eclectic culture has something for everyone. It’s home to so many things that kids already know and love like robots, ninjas and Manga, Nintendo and Hello Kitty. It goes beyond that though and captures all ages with its beguiling modern yet traditional culture. Fascinated by the ancient history and the world of samurai and geishas, it’s been a dream of mine to visit since my early 20s.
We plan to explore futuristic Tokyo, delve into the ancient world of geishas and tea ceremonies and ride the world-famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to escape to Japan’s countryside for a slice of hots springs, onsens and snow monkey action, visit Hiroshima and enjoy the retro charm and modern flair of Osaka. This is all whilst it’s cherry blossom season. Dream. Come. True!
Booking A long Haul Family Holiday
With so many ever-changing rules and regulations to navigate. Even for someone who travels regularly organising a family adventure in current times is a daunting prospect. Especially when the itinerary for Japan will include multiple stops, various modes of transport and accommodation bookings. For this reason, we chose to book our two-week holiday with Original Travel, who specialise in tailor-made holidays.
We travelled to Kerala in 2018 with Original Travel and our trip was the most memorable and stress-free. Even with a holiday blip, where there was a hospital visit to remove a tiny fragment of metal in my eye. The local concierge service which comes as standard with any booking immediately organised an appointment and transport to the eye hospital, and we were back sightseeing again by the afternoon. Priceless, when travelling with a family to a foreign country and where language can be a barrier in an emergency situation.
Read Next: Kerala with Kids – Beaches and Backwaters
When booking, it’s also great to know the team of travel experts have travelled extensively within the region they cover. They know from experience exactly the type of activities to book and most importantly avoid. Our consultant, Francesca already knew our likes and dislikes from our previous holiday. Initial conversations revolve around getting to know you and brainstorming ideas. Together a holiday itinerary is built tailored to everyone’s unique requirements.
Reasons to Book with original travel
Original Travel offers certainty in an uncertain world and has definitely filled us with confidence to book holidays again. Here are some of the reasons why we recommend Original Travel for planning your holiday:
Coronovirus Confidence
Feeling reassured during times of uncertainty is exactly what travellers need at this time. From Original Travel’s Corona Confidence Page: ‘For new bookings made between now and September 30th 2021, and for departures from now until December 31st 2022, you have full flexibility to change your trip up to 30 days prior to departure. You can, for any reason, change your destinations to any other, and to any other departure date up until the end of 2022, and there will be no charge. If we are unable to fulfil the trip due to new travel restrictions being put in place 28 days or less before departure, the trip will either be postponed, credit against a future trip, or refund all monies paid.’
AirPort Services and Lounge Access included
No doubt with the extra protocol for coronavirus safety at the airport, the airport services offered will make it easier to navigate the social distancing, longer queues and test result checks.
As standard a meet and greet service at the airport is included in all bookings. A personal greeter will guide you through the new airport landscape. They’ll also help you with the fast track check-in and security, included even if you are flying economy.
Again, regardless of what class you are flying all Original Travel bookings have access to a luxurious lounge and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. The perfect way to relax in peace and privacy before your flight.
Destination Concierge Service
All bookings come with a local concierge service. The local team are informed of all your likes and dislikes and will be there to help with any last-minute changes, reservations, finding the best babysitter in town to changing flights or hotel bookings if needed. It’s always good to have recommendations from someone who lives there and has in-depth insider knowledge of the hidden gems and local haunts.
Sustainability is taken seriously
They absorb 100% of the carbon footprint generated by the air transportation of each holiday booked and also include those flights independently booked by clients by financing reforestation projects around the world. Every day, nearly 1,400 trees are planted, or about 500,000 trees a year.
Handy APp
The Original Travel app was a brilliant addition to our holiday when we travelled to Kerala. It made us paperless with all our important documents, itinerary and live updates all in one place. Total game changer.
Fun Kids Packs
This will keep the kids happy. Every child aged three to ten will receive Sharky & George packs stuffed full of exciting games and activities. We all know that happy kids mean happy parents and a happy holiday.
What about you?
Have you booked a bucket list holiday or thinking about it? Does the prospect of navigating the new travel rules put you off? If you’re in need of inspiration take a look at the Original Travel website, jam-packed with itineraries to whet your appetite.
PIN AND SAVE FOR LATER
Rezmin says:
It’s a good idea to involve children when planning for a vacation. Including their ideas and liking can make a family vacation wonderful. I must say that by choosing Japan as your next destination, you’ve done the right thing.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Well, it didn’t pan out this time as Japan is still closed to tourists in April 2022. Original Travel though helped us change the trip with ease to Colombia. Another bucket list destination!