Kids tell us their dream destinations

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? We ask six of our junior readers to tell us their dream destinations, then found the best way parents can tick off each wish list in five star style.

Marcus de Rous, 13, from Brisbane, QLD

I’d love to spend two weeks in Italy, where my family is from, to see all the tourist places like the Vatican and the Colosseum. In particular I’d love to spend a couple of days in Nervesa della Battaglia [near Venice], where my grandfather was born. Plus I’d really like to see one of my favourite football teams, AC Milan or Juventus, play. Then I’d spend a week in Hawaii. I’ve been before but I’d love to go back. I love the laidback atmosphere, the beaches, the friendly people and the shopping.

What we say

On Oahu kids can make new friends learning to surf at Waikiki Beach, swimming with green sea turtles at Turtle Bay on the island’s North Shore or enjoying a leisurely horseback ride across 1618 hectares of lush private reserve at Kualoa Ranch where Jurassic Park was filmed. Shopping is another favourite pastime with plenty of outlets.

Where to stay in Hawaii

Positioned beachside, away from the crowds in Ko Olina on the island’s leeward coast, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii resort ticks all the boxes for a memorable stay, with spacious villas to spread out in, a spa offering family treatments (and a space exclusively for teens), supervised pool parties, a splash zone and the island’s only private saltwater snorkelling lagoon.

Stella Hutchens, 9, from Sydney, NSW

My dream destination is Italy because of all the delicious foods like gelato, pizza, pasta, chocolate cannoli and hot chocolate. I also want to see what a different culture is like and how they do things. I would do lots of interesting things and love to meet some new friends.

What we say

Kids will love playing gladiators, hunting for treasure in the Vatican, making wishes in bubbling fountains and time travelling through ancient ruins like the Colosseum.

Where to stay in Italy

The opulent Westin Excelsior, a former palace, is a perfect setting for any young prince or princess situated between the Spanish Steps and expansive Villa Borghese gardens. Best of all, the long list of activities The Westin offers families includes an ice-cream-making class taught by a chef from Fatamorgana, one of Rome’s most popular gelatarias. Parents can also enjoy a guided tour of Rome’s gastronomic hotspots.

Sofia Hutchens, 8, from Sydney, NSW

My dream destination is Paris. I want to see the Eiffel Tower because it is so pretty, especially at night when it is all lit up. I’d like to climb to the top of the tower and look out over the whole city.

Where to stay in Paris

The Peninsula Paris’ Academy program helps makes dreams come true with exclusive activities that get you up close and personal to the city’s most famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre (where children can recreate an iconic artwork to take home). Child-friendly hotel amenities include personalised and child-sized bathrobes and slippers and 3D TVs in rooms, plus a children’s menu and sweet treats. Parents will also enjoy the facilities of this new hotel in a historic, palatial building which features 200 luxury rooms including 34 suites and award-winning spa with 20-metre swimming pool plus three exquisite restaurants, one featuring a terrace bar overlooking the City of Light’s most iconic views.

Oliver Ongaro, 8, from Sydney, NSW

I would love to travel to New York City. I want to be a singer-songwriter and I know that’s where I can make my dreams come true. I love Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ song about New York [‘Empire State of Mind’] and it does say you can make it there and be anything you want. Plus I’m a really good dancer so I might do that as well.

What we say

Draw artistic inspiration from a behind-the-scenes tour of Radio City Music Hall. Listen to Bach emanating through New York’s subways. Catch a Broadway show and check out the work of emerging artists in theatre, dance, opera and music at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Where to stay in NY

In the midst of the theatre district, on the corner of 42nd and Broadway, you’ll find The Knickerbocker, overlooking Times Square. Contemporary in style – from its bespoke furnishings to its the state-of-the art-technology – the ‘Knick’ provides a wide range of amenities for kids, including pint-sized robes and Xbox on request.

Emily Erasmus, 7 (and a half), from Brisbane, QLD

My dream is to spend more time in the rainforest. We’ve been camping at Binna Burra [located in Lamington National Park] every summer school holidays for the last few years. I like going on long rainforest walks because it’s great exercise and very peaceful. It is a lovely place to go in the middle of summer when it’s so hot and it’s not as crowded as a holiday on the beach.

Where to stay in the rainforest

Emily can add a five star twist to her rainforest experience in one of Binna Burra Lodge’s contemporary Sky Lodges. These eco-friendly one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments allow you to enjoy thrilling activities by day, and cosy accommodation with spectacular views over the valley by evening.

For teens looking for a luxury rainforest stay, consider awardwinning resort, Silky Oaks Lodge, hidden within the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland.

Lewis Leary, 7, from Brisbane, QLD

If I could go anywhere in the world for a holiday it would be San Francisco, so I can go on the Golden Gate Bridge and see famous people. I’d also like to see all the hot cars and the trams!

Where to stay in San Francisco

Enjoy unmatched views of the City by the Bay from atop Nob Hill, where each of the city’s cable car lines meet, with a stay at Fairmont San Francisco. The 592- room family-friendly hotel is central to all the big attractions, including Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Cable Car Museum is also just around the corner. If you need a good reason to cross the famous bridge, try Muir Woods National Monument, home of the giant redwoods, the world’s tallest living things.

Main image © Silky Oaks Lodge