There’s something heartwarming about watching a child hold their first passport, a tiny booklet filled with big dreams. This Children’s Day, parents can turn that excitement into a lifelong memory by planning their child's very first trip abroad. With curated family-friendly holidays, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel make the experience smooth, safe, and full of wonder. Here are some delightful destinations that promise fun, learning, and adventure for young travellers.

Japan

Japan is a dream come true for kids, with its mix of futuristic wonders and cartoon magic. Little travellers can visit the Pokémon Centre in Tokyo, ride the Shinkansen, and enjoy a full day at Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Osaka. Winter brings the enchanting Sapporo Snow Festival, where giant ice sculptures and snowy play zones make the experience feel straight out of a storybook. Robot cafés, cherry blossoms, and samurai tales add even more charm to the journey.

Singapore

Compact, clean, and incredibly kid-friendly, Singapore is perfect for a first-time international holiday. Sentosa’s beaches, Universal Studios, and attractions for all ages make it a favourite. Places like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo spark curiosity and offer memorable learning moments. Easy to explore and safe for families, Singapore keeps both parents and children relaxed and excited.

Switzerland

For children who dream of snow-covered landscapes, Switzerland offers postcard-like scenery and endless fun. Families can ride the Glacier Express, enjoy the snowy world of Jungfraujoch, and visit chocolate-making spots for a sweet experience. Peaceful cities and scenic routes make the trip both calming and playful.

South Africa

South Africa turns storybooks into reality with safaris at Kruger National Park, where kids can spot elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat. In Cape Town, families can enjoy beaches, take the cable car up Table Mountain, and meet penguins at Boulders Beach. It's the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and family bonding.

Dubai

A short flight from India, Dubai is an action-packed playground for kids. From indoor skiing at Ski Dubai and marine life encounters at Dubai Aquarium to stunning views from Burj Khalifa, the city offers something exciting at every stop. Theme parks at Dubai Parks & Resorts including LEGOLAND and Motiongate, add extra joy to the trip.

Abu Dhabi

Calm, elegant, and full of enriching experiences, Abu Dhabi is ideal for families with younger children. Highlights include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo, and entertainment zones like Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World on Yas Island. With clean beaches and open spaces, the city offers a peaceful yet playful holiday.

Sri Lanka

 Visa-free and close to home, Sri Lanka is a lovely choice for a first international getaway. Kids can enjoy the scenic train ride to Ella, spot elephants in Minneriya, and spend sunny days building sandcastles on Bentota’s beaches. Warm hospitality and good value make it a stress-free pick for parents.

Australia

Australia brings wildlife and outdoor fun together for curious young travellers. Families can meet kangaroos and koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park, explore the Sydney Aquarium, and relax at the Gold Coast’s beaches. The country’s laid-back pace and family-friendly attractions make the experience comfortable and memorable.

France

France is a sweet blend of fairy tales and culture. Disneyland Paris is the highlight for most kids, while river cruises on the Seine, picnics near the Eiffel Tower, and colourful Parisian carousels add magic to the trip. It’s a charming destination for children who love stories, castles, and imagination.

South Korea

Vibrant and modern, South Korea is full of fun surprises. In Seoul, kids can enjoy Lotte World, themed streets, K-pop-inspired attractions, and hands-on workshops. A short flight to Jeju Island offers beaches, nature trails, and lava caves making the trip exciting and varied.

A child’s first overseas trip is much more than a holiday, it’s a doorway to curiosity, joy, and shared family memories. With Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel offering customised itineraries, support with visa and bookings, and stays designed for comfort, families can enjoy a smooth and magical start to their little one’s travel story. That first passport stamp often becomes the beginning of many more adventures to come.

oneworld has announced the top 10 most-searched destinations for Round the World travel in 2026, featuring a blend of iconic cities and major international gateways. The list includes London, Tokyo, Doha, Hong Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, Melbourne, and Singapore.

With the recent addition of Fiji Airways and Oman Air, and Hawaiian Airways set to join the alliance in 2026, interest in Pacific and Middle Eastern destinations has surged. Searches have notably increased for Fiji, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Hawaii, and Oman, reflecting growing traveller curiosity for diverse, long-haul experiences.

According to oneworld’s data, Japan leads as the top origin market for Round the World tickets, followed by Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Hong Kong. Interestingly, 66% of travellers are embarking on solo journeys, typically visiting an average of seven destinations over three or more months.

“Searches on oneworld.com show a strong appetite for adventure in the New Year. From the Big Apple and Hawaii's Big Island to Mount Fuji and the Atlas Mountains, oneworld's Round the World fares offer customers access to an unbeatable network of leading airlines on a single ticket,” said Roger Blackburn, oneworld’s Vice President – Commercial and Loyalty. “These fares are also increasingly popular among corporate travellers seeking flexible and cost-effective travel options for complex itineraries.”

oneworld remains the only global airline alliance to offer multiple Round the World ticket types designed to suit different travel styles and itineraries. These fares can be conveniently planned and booked online through oneworld.com, allowing customers to earn frequent flyer miles or points and access over 700 airport lounges worldwide.

Travellers can choose from three key fare options:

• oneworld Explorer – A continent-based fare, ideal for travellers looking to explore multiple regions.
  Sample itinerary: London – Muscat – Kuala Lumpur – Tokyo – Sydney – Nadi (Fiji) – Los Angeles – New York – London.
  

• Global Explorer – A distance-based fare, best suited for complex itineraries.
  Sample itinerary: Sydney – Honolulu – San Francisco – Dallas – London – Helsinki – Hong Kong – Sydney.
  

• Circle Pacific – A unique fare designed for journeys starting and ending in the Pacific region.
  Sample itinerary: Tokyo – Honolulu – Los Angeles – Nadi – Auckland – Sydney – Hong Kong – Tokyo.
  

oneworld’s Round the World fares are valid for trips lasting from 10 days up to 12 months, allowing between three and 16 flights across as many as six continents, and must include at least one trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific sector.

To learn more or begin planning an itinerary, travellers can visit oneworld.com/round-the-world or consult a travel advisor.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar, popularly known as Captain Nasa, as its new President and Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026. He will succeed Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, who retires on 31 January 2026 after an illustrious career of more than 40 years with the airline.

Datuk Captain Izham began his journey with Malaysia Airlines in 1979 as a pilot and rose through the ranks to hold key leadership positions. Appointed as Group Managing Director in December 2017, he is recognised as the airline’s longest-serving chief executive. His tenure witnessed major financial restructuring and operational reforms that restored MAG’s profitability and strengthened its financial foundation for the future.

Captain Nasa, a veteran with over three decades of experience within the Group, has held several pivotal roles across flight operations, management, and strategy. Most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines, he has been instrumental in implementing transformation programmes, including the turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and the introduction of profit-driven frameworks under the Long-Term Business Plan 2.0.

As the incoming President and Group CEO, Captain Nasa will spearhead MAG’s next strategic phase under the Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, focusing on operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability across its airline and non-airline divisions. He will oversee the Group’s three core profit centres, Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services, supported by a strong management team dedicated to driving performance and enhancing customer experience.

Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Board Member of MAG and Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, expressed his appreciation for the outgoing chief and optimism for the Group’s future leadership. He said, “On behalf of the Board and the entire MAG family, we extend our sincere gratitude to Datuk Captain Izham for his exceptional leadership and contributions. His unwavering dedication has guided MAG through pivotal transformation phases and strengthened its position for the future. We are pleased to welcome Captain Nasa as President and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the business, the Board is confident that he will continue to advance MAG’s strategic priorities and reinforce its competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.”

This leadership transition reflects MAG’s strong governance framework and long-term vision for continuity and excellence as it embarks on the next phase of growth and transformation.