Where’s a good place for family from around the world to meet up?
Idea
Michael Gebicki is Traveler’s expert Tripologist. Each week he covers the thorny topics in travel and answers your questions. Have a question for Tripolog? Email tripologist@traveller.com.au
I plan to join a group of about 20 people, ages six to 74, in July 2028. Children and grandchildren will join us from England, USA, France, Melbourne and Darwin. I need warm and accessible accommodation, ideally with an accessible pool. I’m considering Broome but an overseas destination is an option, preferably a short direct flight from Melbourne and access from all other places isn’t difficult.
E.Fitzgerald, Camberwell, Vic
Broome is difficult to access for your long-distance international travel. Flights from Perth, the nearest international gateway, are expensive, as is accommodation in Broome. The main attraction in the immediate area is the rugged, sun-baked and incredibly beautiful Kimberley region, but it’s not to everyone’s taste.
One of the most suitable places for such meetings is Sri Lanka. You can get there on a one-stop flight from Melbourne, two stops away from other destinations where you have family members and plenty to love about Sri Lanka. Although compact, the island offers beautiful beaches, misty tea plantations, rice paddies, Buddhist temples and historical complexes, national parks with wild elephants and leopards, a vibrant culture, great food and competitive accommodation prices.
I booked a Mediterranean cruise that included a stop in Gibraltar. My father was born in England and emigrated to Australia. As Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, will I need a British passport to take part in the shore excursion? If I don’t have a British passport and travel with my Australian passport, will I be refused entry?
K. Wade, Ringwood, Vic
It currently appears that Australians with British parents will be able to enter Gibraltar with their Australian passports, provided they have an Electronic Travel Permit. However, this may change during your visit and Gibraltar may become compliant with UK entry requirements. In this case, a British citizen, who also considers you possibly a descendant of a British-born father, can only enter Gibraltar with a UK passport. It will be in your best interest to cover all the basics and apply for a UK passport well in advance of your trip.
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Can you recommend a resort or villa in southern Japan that can accommodate eight adults and seven children ages 3-12 for a 50th wedding anniversary celebration? Looking at February/March or June/July, a family is traveling from Toronto.
L. Iacovangelo, Dondale, Vic
While a resort for your extended family will probably work better, villa accommodation for a large family group is not widely available in Japan and catering can be problematic. Miyako Resort Shima Bay Side Terrace It is located in a beautiful area on the beach, south of Nagoya. Quiet and relaxing, the Spanish-style property’s rooms are large by Japanese standards and feature a pool in landscaped gardens.
But Japan is a tough choice for a large family group like yours with very different ages and needs. Although Miyako Resort has non-Japanese guests, accommodations at the resort are generally geared towards the Japanese domestic market, and the Japanese diet can pose problems, especially for younger members of your group. English is not widely understood outside major cities and can be problematic even there.
In your case, I would be more inclined to look for resort or villa accommodation in Thailand. Phuket is an option and Twin Palms Surin Beach It is an outstanding choice for a family or for Krabi. ShellSea Krabi or Luxury Family Villas can offer you the holiday you are looking for. A word of caution: June/July in Southern Thailand is wet and sticky, while February/March is a better time.
We are planning to spend a month traveling around Scotland between July and September. Do you have any suggestions for travel planning? Obviously we need to stay away from Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games and would love to visit an island or two.
J. Butler, Balaclava, Vic
A month in Scotland is perfect for a road trip, and this anti-clockwise loop starts in Edinburgh. Start your trip at the beginning of September; you will be traveling during quieter times and will miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August. Start by spending three to four days in Edinburgh, visiting the castle and Arthur’s Seat and walking the Royal Mile. Note that the Edinburgh International Festival and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are scheduled for 7-30 August; It’s a great time to visit but expect to be crowded. Grab your vehicle and hit the road Aviemore In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a few days, including the Strathspey Steam Railway and Rothiemurchus, 10,000 hectares of ancient Caledonian forest, lakes, rivers, valleys, mountains and home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
Head north to Inverness, the “Gateway to the Highlands” and visit nearby Loch Ness. From here head north North Coast 500A classic road trip known for its castles, sea stacks, sea-lined beaches, lakes and Pictish trails, but it suffers from overtourism, which is another reason to travel in September. The concept of a 500-mile journey defies belief in little Scotland, but the route turns into a fast-paced adventure that winds around long fingers jutting out to sea and ice-carved coastline into an 830-kilometre loop.
Expect to spend seven days on the trip, there’s so much to see and do, and anything less feels rushed. Travel to the Isle of Skye using the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast and spend at least three nights there. Travel along the southern coastline of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe in the spectacular valley, then head inland towards Fort William, continue to Oban and take a car ferry journey to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. The final leg of your journey takes you to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where Glasgow is a short drive away. For accommodation see Visit Scotland website.
Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances
Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer best known for his Tripologist column, which has appeared in Traveler for over 15 years. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favorite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebickiConnect via email.
