Planning a family holiday is supposed to be exciting. But between school drop-offs, work meetings and sports practice, who has the time to scroll through 500 different hotel options or work out the best route through Japan with a stroller? That’s where someone like Amy Gratton comes in. A family travel specialist at Sonia Jones Travel, Amy spends her days doing what most of us put in the too-hard basket: making holidays with kids easy.
“With the internet, there’s just too much information,” Amy says. “You look up Fiji and you’re hit with 10,000 options. We simplify all that. We tailor your holiday based on what your family actually wants and needs.”
Amy’s not just talking the talk. With two kids of her own (aged 10 and 12), and more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s been everywhere from the Maldives to Mildura — and knows exactly how to build a trip that keeps everyone from toddlers to teens happy.
Why book family travel with a travel agent?
There’s a growing trend of time-poor parents ditching DIY planning and going back to human experts, especially when those experts know how to handle everything from multi-generational trips to toddler meltdowns on layovers.
“It’s so time-consuming trying to plan it yourself, and that’s if everything goes right,” Amy says. “We’re there to help when things go wrong, too, like flight cancellations or missed connections. We’ve got the inside knowledge to fix things fast.”
Plus, every Sonia Jones Travel booking comes with a custom travel app, meaning no more folders full of printed itineraries. “The app shows your day-by-day plans, live flight updates, and even if your gate has changed at the airport. It’s all electronic and all in one place,” Amy says. “And if something does go wrong, you just message us on WhatsApp. No waiting on hold with an airline chatbot.”
The agency is also committed to sustainable travel, and the paperless process is just one small part of that ethos. It’s a streamlined, personal, and planet-friendly approach that brings real peace of mind — especially for busy parents.
To stay connected whilst overseas, Holafly’s esim for travelers is a super-easy and reliable way to stay online whilst travelling.
Skiing in Japan is a popular choice for family travel right now
Where to go: Amy’s top family travel picks right now
So, where does a family travel pro recommend booking right now? According to Amy, three destinations are topping the list: Japan, Fiji, and the unexpected rising star — Sri Lanka.
“Japan is still really hot for us,” Amy says. “It’s family-oriented, super safe, and the public transport is phenomenal — everything runs on time, colour-coded, and really clean.”
Families can enjoy everything from Tokyo’s anime scene to skiing in Hokkaido. Universal Studios, tech museums, and culture-rich neighbourhoods mean every age group is entertained. Plus, the direct flight from Brisbane to Tokyo makes it even more appealing.
Just a short flight from Australia, Fiji is a no-brainer for families. “It has something for everyone,” Amy says. “You can go resort-style on the Coral Coast with ATVs and village visits, or head to an outer island where you take your shoes off and don’t see them for a week.”
Fiji’s warmth isn’t just in the weather. “Fijians are the most welcoming people,” she says. “The nannies are incredible, and the kids’ clubs aren’t just colouring-in — they’re out planting coral, weaving baskets, and snorkelling. Your kids are having the time of their lives, and you get to have a glass of champagne on a sun lounger.”
It’s also ideal for multi-generational trips, with plenty to keep everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — engaged and comfortable.
Amy predicts this destination is about to boom. “Sri Lanka is going to be the next hot place,” she says. “It’s perfect for people who’ve already done Thailand or Malaysia and want something a bit different.”
She speaks from personal experience. “We did everything — temples, elephant safaris, leopard spotting, cooking classes in tiny villages. My kids didn’t touch their devices the whole time because there was always something to do.”
Sri Lanka also offers flexibility — from fast seven-day tours to relaxed beach weeks on the south coast. “It’s culturally rich, the food is amazing, and it’s really easy to get around,” Amy adds.
Adventure travel is a popular choice for families seeking something unique.
Smart family travel tips from a travel-pro mum
With two well-travelled kids of her own, Amy knows what it takes to survive, and even enjoy, long-haul family travel. Her go-to tips?
- Snacks. “Lots of snacks. Most kids don’t like in-flight meals.”
- Decent headphones. “Forget the scratchy airline ones. Get proper, comfortable ones that actually fit kids’ heads.”
- A pack of cards. “Even screen-loving kids get bored of their devices eventually. Cards work for every age.”
- Spare clothes. “You never know when you’ll get delayed.”
- Involve the kids. “I always ask my kids for two or three things they’d love to do. If they help plan it, they get more excited about the trip.”
Whether it’s finding a cricket stadium in Sri Lanka for a sport-mad teen or balancing temples with surf beaches, Amy believes the best holidays happen when everyone gets a say.
CONTACT AMY
Email:
Phone: 07 3778 3849
Website: Sonia Jones Travel
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