Adding a few days of leave to a public holiday can create a much longer trip abroad. For example, in October 2026, taking three days off between the National Foundation Day substitute holiday and Hangeul Day gave nine days off, from October 3 to 11. Here are five destinations for a 9-day trip with kids, plus a booking checklist.
A 9-day trip with kids opens up not just Japan or Taiwan but places like Singapore or Turkiye that feel rushed on a three-night trip.
The October 2026 Holiday at a Glance
In 2026, October 3 (Saturday) was National Foundation Day, the 4th was Sunday, the 5th (Monday) was a substitute holiday, the 6th–8th were three days of leave, the 9th (Friday) was Hangeul Day and the 10th–11th were the weekend: nine days off for three days of leave.
Work and school rules vary, so check leave approval and whether field-trip absence is allowed first.
1. Kyushu, Japan: A Family Road Trip
Short flights and easy travel between cities make Kyushu a good fit for a 9-day trip with kids.
Go beyond a 3-night Fukuoka trip and connect Yufuin, Beppu, Aso and Kumamoto for a natural 7-night itinerary.
Suggested Itinerary
Days 1–2 Fukuoka, day 3 Yufuin, day 4 Beppu, day 5 Aso, day 6 Kumamoto, day 7 back to Fukuoka and day 8 home.
For kids, include things they can see, like trains, aquariums and volcanic landscapes, rather than hot springs. If renting a car, pick it up after a day of city sightseeing rather than on day one.
Best for: families who prefer short flights and steady routes.
Watch out for: lodging prices during Japanese holidays and local festivals.
2. Around Taiwan: More Than Taipei
Usually Taiwan means three nights in Taipei, but nine days lets you add Taichung and Kaohsiung.
Three nights in Taipei, two in Taichung and two in Kaohsiung keeps the pace comfortable. Kids who love tall buildings like Taipei 101 will enjoy Kaohsiung’s observation deck and night views too.
Suggested Route
Start in Taipei, continue through Taichung and Kaohsiung, then fly out of Taoyuan; one north-south pass keeps luggage hauling down.
Taiwan’s trains are convenient, but too many cities turn the trip into moving bags. With kids, limit yourself to three hotels.
Best for: families who love food, city views and night markets.
Watch out for: typhoons are still possible in October, so check the weather before departure.
3. Hong Kong and Macau: Night Views and Heritage
On a 9-day trip with kids, Hong Kong and Macau let you experience two very different cities in one trip.
In Hong Kong, focus on Victoria Peak, the Tsim Sha Tsui skyline and the Star Ferry; in Macau, explore European architecture and the World Heritage area.
Four nights in Hong Kong and two in Macau isn’t too rushed. Keep the remaining day as a buffer for flight times and kids’ energy.
Best for: kids who love tall buildings, night views and city trips.
Watch out for: room size and extra bed availability.
4. Singapore: A City Trip That Beats the Heat
Singapore is hot and humid, but plenty of indoor attractions make it easy to adjust plans with kids.
Schedule just one or two of Gardens by the Bay, the Science Centre, Jewel Changi and Sentosa per day. For seven nights or more, split your stay between the city and Sentosa.
Lodging and admission are pricey, so mix in free night views and parks rather than cramming in attractions.
Best for: families who prefer clean cities and indoor activities.
Watch out for: ticket prices and hotel rates including taxes.
5. Turkiye: A History Trip That Nine Days Makes Possible
Turkiye’s long flight makes it hard to recommend for a 3–4 day break, but a 9-day trip with kids makes it worth considering.
Palaces, mosques and markets in Istanbul plus Cappadocia make a memorable history and culture trip for kids.
Excluding travel days, time on the ground is shorter than you think. Focus on Istanbul and Cappadocia rather than squeezing in Antalya or Pamukkale.
Best for: elementary-age families interested in history, architecture and landforms.
Watch out for: domestic flight baggage rules and how kids handle long flights.
Which Destination Suits Your Family?
Short flights and road trips: Kyushu. Food and city hopping: Taiwan. Observation decks and night views: Hong Kong and Macau. Indoor sights and easy transport: Singapore. History and long-haul travel: Turkiye.
For a first independent family trip, Kyushu or Taiwan is realistic. If you’ve done long flights and your child loves history and culture, consider Turkiye.
Check Before You Book
For holiday trips, departure timing matters as much as the destination. Don’t insist on a morning flight on the first day; compare the evening before or the day after too.
- Passport validity
- School field-trip absence rules
- Whether baggage is included
- Free cancellation deadlines for lodging
- Kids’ breakfast and extra bed fees
- Travel insurance coverage
- Typhoon and rainy season risk
- Entry requirements
The October 2026 holiday was a rare chance to get nine days off with three days of leave. But not every destination suits every family. Consider your child’s tolerance for flights and moving around, and stay longer in one area rather than adding sights.
FAQ
- How many days of leave did the October 2026 holiday need? Three days, October 6–8, gave nine days from October 3 to 11. Holiday layouts change each year, so check the calendar.
- Isn’t nine days too long with an elementary kid? Not if you limit it to two or three cities and add rest days.
- When should I book flights? There’s no fixed cheapest moment. Once dates are set, secure lodging with free cancellation first, then compare flights.
- Which destination is easiest? Considering flight time and convenience, Kyushu and Taiwan are the least demanding for a 9-day trip with kids.
Rules and details in this guide are as of July 2026. Check the latest official information before you travel.
More Family Trips on Yans World
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- Taiwan Package Tour From Cheongju: A 4-Day No-Shopping Taipei Itinerary Reviewed
- Galaxy Macau Hotel Top 6 Restaurants: Luxury Staycation & Gourmet Food Tour Inside the Hotel
Schedules and prices can change, so check the Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs overseas safety travel site before you go.