1. Fiji

It's not hard to adjust to the relaxed Fijian way of life. As soon as you arrive, you can smell the wafts of frangipani, hear the tropical guitars serenading and see the welcoming smiles from the locals.

With its renowned Kids Club, Castaway Island Resort is the perfect destination for the family. It's a one-hour speedboat ride from the mainland, and its bures are set among lush tropical vegetation.

Water-based and craft activities like woodcarving will keep the kids entertained all day, and there are many walking tracks. Those less energetic can perch themselves by the pool or on the beach with a good book, or have a therapeutic massage in the resort's spa.

The resort's location in the Mamanuca Islands means that dives are second to none, with more than 200 dive sites. The family
can also sail a catamaran, take a banana boat ride or play tennis.

What's new: A shopping mall has opened at Port Denarau near Nadi.

Insider tip: Make sure you attend a beach lovo feast.

To go: See your travel agent or visit www.castawayfiji.com or www.bulafiji.com Pacific Blue, airline of Virgin Blue, offer great deals to Fiji and the Pacific Islands - visit www.pacificblue.com.au

One-way fares to Fiji are: from Sydney, $289; from Melbourne, $339; from Brisbane, $269; from Perth, $369; and from Darwin, $375.

2. Hawaii

Whether you choose to stay in Honolulu on the island of Oahu or visit one of the other beautiful islands, Hawaii is hotter than ever for families.

You can choose to sit by the pool or on Waikiki Beach, or the family can go out and explore. Be sure to catch a wave - Surf-N-Sea offer board hire and two-hour surfing lessons - visit the famous Kilauea Volcano and don't forget the privately owned Lanai island, with its pristine reefs where you can swim through a lava tube.

Hawaii is a shopping haven. The Ala Moana Center is one of the largest open-air shopping centres in the world, while bargain hunters should head to Waikele Premium Outlets in Waipahu where you get massive discounts at such stores as Barneys New York, Guess, Saks Fifth Avenue, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

What's new: The Waikiki Nei, created by the masterminds behind Cirque du Soleil's O, is about to open. This $23 million visual extravaganza has been 10 years in the making and features a production that recreates the story of Waikiki through an astounding performance by musicians, singers and actors.

To go: Hawaiian Airlines have scheduled services from Sydney to Honolulu (departing mid-evenings and arriving mid-morning the same day Hawaii time), with connecting flights by partner Virgin Blue from 19 other Australian destinations. Return airfares to Honolulu are: from Sydney, $799 plus $382 tax; Melbourne/Brisbane, $949 plus $418 tax; Adelaide $1139 plus $418 tax; and Perth $1299 plus $418 tax. Conditions apply. See your travel agent, call Hawaiian Airlines on 1300 669 106
or visit www.hawaiianairlines.com.au. For more information about Hawaii, visit www.hawaiitourism.com.au.

3. Bali

Visitors to Bali experience the feeling of absolute relaxation as soon as they arrive. The island's heritage and culture is fascinating, the resorts are beautiful and the surroundings are amazing.

One such resort, Villa Coco, is located at the heart of Seminyak's shopping and nightlife area, and is only 100 metres from the beach. Prices start at just $54 a night for a minimum four-night stay.

For those who want to explore, adventure awaits with walks, horse riding, diving, surfing, bungee jumping and whitewater rafting. And the kids will love the array of water slides at Waterbom Park.

What's new: Renowned foodie Maeve O'Meara has just launched her Gorgeous Safaris to Bali. Visit www.gourmetsafaris.com.au

Insider tip: Pick which restaurants you want to dine at before you go. Visit www.balieats.com.

To go: Call Garuda Orient Holidays on (02) 9930 9292 or visit www.balionanybudget.com.au

4. Hong Kong

Always a favourite shopping destination, Hong Kong is also great for the kids. You can cruise the harbour, take a cable car ride to the Big Buddha or take a tour through 600-year-old villages.

Check out Cafe Deco on the peak overlooking Hong Kong, which offers the perfect view for the nightly light show at 8pm, then visit the Temple Street Market in Kowloon for gifts. Another must is Hong Kong Disneyland, 30 minutes from the city.

What's new: Novotel Nathan Road in Kowloon is the first Novotel hotel to be created under the brand's 'natural living' design perspective.

Insider tip: Hong Kong is hosting the equestrian events for the 2008 Olympics.

To go: To book at Novotel Nathan Road, call 1300 656 565 or visit www.novotel.com/asia. Fly to Hong Kong with Virgin Atlantic - call 1300 727 340 or visit www.virginatlantic.com.au

For more on Hong Kong Disneyland, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com

5. Malaysia

The renovated Club Med Cherating is unsurpassed for families who want a luxurious place in the sun without having to shell out big bucks.

This sleek, sophisticated tropical escape is set on Cherating Beach where wildlife flourishes among picturesque alamedas. And being an all-inclusive resort, Club Med takes care of everything. Mum and Dad can indulge in the Spa Village - while the kids are well looked after in the Mini Club Med and teens can hang out in the Passworld. Right now kids stay and eat for free here, too.

On the way home, go shopping in Kuala Lumpur, which has everything from markets to megamalls.

What's new: Club Med Cherating is holding a family festival between July 10 to 28.

Insider tip: Watch out for monkeys at Cherating - keep your balcony door locked at all times!

To go: Call Club Med on 1800 258 263 or visit www.clubmed.com.au

Check out our top 5 family escapes under $500