Family vacations: Sardinia, Phu Quoc, Okinawa at smart prices

Taking a family vacation doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Between child-safe beaches, adapted attractions and clever booking strategies, it’s possible to enjoy memorable stays without breaking the piggy bank.

This guide compares three popular destinations , Sardinia, Phu Quoc and Okinawa , and offers practical advice on how to organize smart family holidays, drawing on recent figures and local tips.

Sardinia: family beaches and deseasonalization

Sardinia had an exceptional 2024, with almost 4.5 million arrivals and around 18.86 million overnight stays (+15.4% vs. 2023), a recovery described as « davvero eclatanti » by regional assessor Franco Cuccureddu (ANSA). These figures show that the island remains a safe bet for families looking for beautiful beaches and shallow waters.

While the high season can lead to episodes of overcrowding, particularly on the north coast (Alghero, Olbia) and in mid-August, there is a clear trend towards deseasonalization: visitor numbers are also increasing in the off-season (October-December), with marked local increases in the low season (e.g. +45% in October in some areas) (ANSA).

For families, the island remains a good value for money

For families, Sardinia offers suitable beaches such as Cala Brandinchi, La Cinta (San Teodoro), Poetto (Cagliari), Putzu Idu or Tuerredda, often with parking and regulated access in high season. In practice, opt for less exposed areas and book accommodation early to avoid the high prices of the coast.

Phu Quoc: quiet beaches and tourist infrastructure

Phu Quoc is experiencing a tourism boom in 2025: almost 980,000 foreign tourists in seven months (+74% year-on-year) and annual targets of over 7 million visitors, with revenues rising sharply (VnExpress, VOV). The development of international connections is strengthening the island’s appeal.

The island offers family-friendly assets: quiet beaches, theme and zoological parks such as VinWonders and Vinpearl Safari, as well as accessible water activities (snorkeling, kayaking). The spectrum of accommodation ranges from 5★ resorts to budget guesthouses, making it easy to adjust to family budgets.

On the access side, the international airport (PQC) multiplies connections and the exemption/EVisa policy for direct arrivals facilitates the stay of a proportion of nationalities. To save money, compare low-cost domestic flights (VietJet, Bamboo) and off-peak flight + overnight stay packages (May-October), checking the local weather.

At the same time, you’ll be able to take advantage of a wide range of domestic and international flights

Okinawa: culture, aquarium and budget options in Japan

Japan’s tourism revival benefits Okinawa: Japan recorded a record of around 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, with 2025 projections still on the rise (Nippon.com). Okinawa attracts families thanks to its natural sites and accessible attractions.

Among the must-sees, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (adult rates around ¥2,000, 2,800 depending on season) and the Kerama Islands for snorkeling are perfect for children. Combined passes and family discounts reduce the cost of visits if booked in advance.

To optimize the budget, keep an eye out for promotions on domestic Tokyo↔Naha flights (ANA/Peach/Jetstar flash sales) and rent a car on the main island for greater flexibility. Visiting in shoulder season (April/May, September-October) reduces crowds and rates.

Budget tip by destination: where to save without sacrificing comfort

In Sardinia, the main tip is to avoid the expensive coastline: opt for agriturismi, self-catering apartments or campsites on the outskirts and take the ferry (Genoa/Porto Torres) to transport business and family at lower cost. Also compare low-costs to Olbia/Alghero depending on the season (easyJet, Ryanair).

In Phu Quoc, opt for discounted domestic flights from Hô Chi Minh or Hanoi and familiar guesthouses to split the bill. Flight + hotel packages can be very competitive; also check the offer of transfers and activities included to reduce expenses on the spot.

For Okinawa, combine domestic flight promos and multi-attraction passes (e.g. aquarium + excursion bundles). Renting a car and cooking some meals can help keep catering costs down, especially for a large family.

For Okinawa, combine domestic flight promotions with multi-attraction passes (e.g. aquarium bundles + excursions)

Practical planning and indicative costs

Travelling outside peak weeks (mid-July/August, local school vacations) is rule number one for smart family holidays. Booking flights and accommodation in advance, using Airbnb/agriturismo/guesthouse and comparing packs will save you several hundred euros/dollars.

Some cost benchmarks (to be confirmed at the time of booking): budget family night in Sardinia ≈ €80 (can rise to €250 depending on location/season), VN domestic flights (HCM→Phu Quoc) promo ≈ $30, $100 one-way, Churaumi Aquarium entrance ≈ ¥2,000, 2,800/adult. These indicators help with the budget but vary according to the period.

Finally, consult official sources and the local press for the latest information (ANSA, VnExpress, VOV, Nippon.com, tourist offices). Travel conditions, visa policies and ferry/flight schedules change rapidly, so check before booking.

Finally, consult official sources and local press for the latest information (ANSA, VnExpress, VOV, Nippon.com, tourist offices)

With a little forethought and targeted choices (off the expensive coast, domestic flight promos, family passes), it’s entirely possible to enjoy Sardinia, Phu Quoc and Okinawa as a family without breaking the bank. These three destinations each offer kid-friendly experiences and concrete savings levers.

Good preparation and good discoveries: plan early, check local conditions and adapt your itinerary to children’s ages to turn smart family holidays into unforgettable memories.