Stuck at home this school break? Social media feeds flooded with happy snaps of other families on holiday? Even if you aren’t overseas, you can still enjoy the flavour of an international holiday. Launch on an around-the-world adventure from the comfort of your living room with these handy travel-themed activities for an exotic staycation.
No need to leave your kitchen for an adventure. Credit: Shutterstock
Books
A book is like a ticket to any destination on the globe. Reading can be a great way to learn about other cultures and get your imaginations firing. To start, littlies will love following the illustrated adventures of Mr. Chicken, including Mr Chicken Goes to Paris. Head on a road trip around Australia with Are we There Yet? by Alison Lester. Her stunning illustrations in Imagine and Isabella’s Bed are also sure to inspire. Tintin comics and Jules Verne novels will also awaken your family’s intrepid streak. And while you’re at it, peek at our top 13 literary destinations from your favourite books.
Books and audiobooks are also a great diversion on long drives. Credit: Yaoinlove/Shutterstock
Music
The right song can transport you straight to the heart of an Indian bazaar or verdant hills of an Irish countryside. Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan are two Ed Sheeran hits with a distinct Irish essence. Belt your heart out to the Serengeti sound of Toto’s Africa and Nashville twang of John Denver’s Take me Home Country Road. For more inspiration, read our story on America’s top music cities for families.
Cooking
Taste test your way from Asia to Europe in your own kitchen. Cooking as a family is always great fun, especially with an added international twist. Vietnamese rice paper rolls are light, fresh and summery. Making your own pasta or pizza dough from scratch is hands-on and messy in the best possible way. Foodie teens can challenge themselves to perfect the art of the crème brulée or experiment with spice balances in hearty Indian curries. Visit a market or local grocer for exotic ingredients. Book in to kid-friendly classes at Sydney Cooking School for a holiday camp with a delicious difference.
Cook up a global storm. Credit: Sydney Cooking School
Movies and technology
As far as family-friendly animation goes, Disney Pixar and DreamWorks have the globe well and truly covered. Sweep across gritty Scottish Highlands in Brave, or sun-bake in the South Pacific in Moana. Scope out Scandinavia in Frozen, and rug up for an Antarctic adventure in Happy Feet. Nemo, Rio, Cars, Coco, Kung Fu Panda and Ratatouille show off countless other exciting destinations. In summer, check out what’s showing at your nearest outdoor cinema for a unique movie experience. Read more about dates and locations of Moonlight Cinema’s return with more outdoor fun this summer.
Techy families should get their hands on a VR headset. Google Earth VR lets you teleport around the world. YouVisit has great 360-degree views of top tourist attractions.
Melbourne is just one of the awesome Moonlight Cinema capital city venues Credit: Moonlight Cinema
Magazines
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Read more:
51 sensational FREE things to do with kids
How to do a staycation these school holidays
School holidays on a shoe-string
Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.