Where to go family of 4 big birthday and end of GCSEs in 2026

[Puppyteeth]

Summer 2026 it will be a big birthday for my DH, one child will have finished GCSEs and other child not in a significant school year. Where would be a great family holiday? For good reason don’t want holiday vaccinations so was thinking Japan or Australia. Where have you been and where would you recommend. Previously did Sri Lanka which was very good. Could go anywhere subject to vaccines. All suggestions welcome. I’m expecting it will cost a fortune but can start saving now.

The summer is generally not considered the best time to visit Japan, but it’s still a wonderful destination. If you’re ok with the heat, then you might still enjoy it. We went to Taiwan in August many years ago. Yes it was hot and humid and I was a sweaty, hot mess at times. However, I’m still glad I went. It’s another awesome destination.

Nova Scotia and the Maritimes? Spend a few days in Halifax for the Titanic museum and Citadel, Peggy's lighthouse, Mahone bay. Then drive North to Prince Edward Island. There are lovely cabins available, lakes, beaches and amazing seafood. Only a 6 hour flight too.

I know, those are the reasons I haven’t ruled it out on another trip. We just prioritised other things when we went the first time

If you don’t want holiday vaccination, I'd suggest places like Lake Garda (Italy), Nice (France), Bergen (Norway), or the Austrian Alps – all safe, stunning, and no extra holiday vaccination required. We've done similar – totally stress-free with just the usual routine ones.

We took a road trip on highway 1 , Pacific highway from Santa Monica to San Francisco stopping off at Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach and Monterey.
We have also driven South from Seattle along the Washington and Oregon coastlines then headed inland to Lake Tahoe,Yosemite,Death Valley and finally Las Vegas.

So many brilliant suggestions and thank you to all who kindly took the time to post. I’m keen to Japan or USA or Canada. We have done Italy and Europe a lot in recent years. You’re all right Oz or NZ just too far for two weeks. We went to NY in May one year and there was a heatwave which youngest DC (the one who makes holiday jabs an issue due to her health) really struggled with, so weather is a significant factor which I hadn’t thought about. We will get researching. I’m very grateful for strangers taking time to assist. You’re all so kind and helpful.

@Puppyteeth We’ve been to Alaska in July and it’s been a pleasant 70 degrees. We’ve also been in August when part of the trip was colder. We have to face facts that weather patterns as we knew them are no longer what you get. We’ve just come back from Denver 10 days ago and it was 85 degrees. It won’t get colder. My general view is that you now add 5 degrees on to historic temperatures. Id also factor in tolerance of humidity. This is deeply unpleasant in Tokyo in July for example. So I would look at northern areas first! Good luck.

Japan is awesome but not a good choice at that time of year for anyone who has health issues that could make extreme heat an issue. I’d save Japan for when you can go at a different time of year.