My incessant need to plan our next family holiday got me researching. Finding that awesome holiday destination that will make everyone happy can be like searching for a missing sock.

So I have compiled my 5 best family holiday destinations, and here they are:

1. Santa and 1001 reindeer, Lapland
2. Go Lego, Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Bright lights, big city, Tokyo, Japan
4. Child friendly Fiji
5. Florida USA

1. Lapland
This is at the top of my list and has been since I was in my early 20’s and always a kid at heart, I just love the idea of getting lost in the excitement of a white Christmas with Santa himself.  Call me crazy because I actually hate the cold but could you imagine being taken on a sled ride with your children, lead by actual reindeers – amazing! Lapland is located far above the Arctic Circle. Santa’s official home comes complete with sleigh rides and post office, soaring pine trees, ice hotels and the northern lights (another item on my bucket list). This place ticks a lot of boxes for the entire family – but start saving now.

2. Copenhagen
Forget fighting to get on a bus or train and struggling with the pram, Copenhagen has free places reserved on buses and trains for prams! Children are part of everyday life in the city of Copenhagen. Not only is Copenhagen the home to Legoland, it also has the Tivoli Gardens; a fairytale for kids, a fantastic zoo, harbour baths with children pools and the ancient Round Tower.  Also opening this year is The Blue Planet, a new feature at Denmark’s Aquarium. If Legoland is the drawcard, it is situated at Vimmelskaftet 37, on the famous pedestrian street Strøget. The legends of Chima has just opened at Legoland (my son loves this series) offering a 4D movie experience with miniland. Like all theme parks there is plenty to do and explore, including rides for all ages, and they even have Duplo land for kids under five years of age.

3.Tokyo
You might be thinking, this is a strange one to pick for a family holiday and taking children to Tokyo can be a daunting prospect but if you know where to go, the city has loads of great attractions. For children under six, there is the Hanayashiki Amusement Park, Asakusa. The oldest amusement park in the country, Hanayashiki’s retro rides probably won’t do much for teens, but most of its 20 or so attractions are perfect for little ones.

The home of Hello Kitty, Sanrio Puroland is the place to go to overdose on all things pink and sparkly – my daughter would love this! Inside the park’s several theatres you can experience Kitty’s dance extravaganzas. There are also rides ideal for preschoolers, plus the chance to explore Kitty’s decadent mansion. And don’t forget about Disney Resort, which includes separate Disneyland and DisneySea parks, a brilliant day out for families. There are parades, white-knuckle rides for older children, lavish stage shows, and plenty of attractions featuring Disney characters. Plus the bright lights, energetic vibe and somewhat interesting food will keep the entire family happy.

4. Fiji
In complete contrast, Fiji comes in at number four for me. Known for its incredibly friendly people, value-packed, family-tailored travel packages and a huge number of resort options, Fiji prides itself on offering a safe haven for families to relax and have fun. Better still, you can find all this just a few hours flight from Australia.
Fiji resorts offer a range of kids’ clubs and day care centres, allowing parents to have their time together, be it a child-free dinner, an adventure activity or reading a book in peace by the pool (can you imagine?!).

5. Florida USA
Last but definitely not least is Florida USA. With something for everyone, this is the perfect family holiday destination.  Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld to iFly where you can experience what it like to Skydive without actually jumping out of a plane and then there is the John F Kennedy Space Centre.

When you are all theme parked out head to Florida Keys and while mum is being pampered at one of the many day spas, dad can take the children snorkelling and enjoy various watersports. If it is nature you want, you can enjoy hiking or canoeing at the Everglades National Park.

All of these destinations are extremely unique and offer very different family holiday experiences. What will your pick be?