• By: RIYANKA
• Oct 23, 2025
• (1) Comments

Singapore vs Dubai for Families: Exploring with Double Up Holidays

There’s something beautifully grounding about family holidays, the kind that remind you what truly matters amid all the travel plans and passport stamps. And if you’re also considering a trip with your loved ones, let me tell you what’s better between Singapore vs Dubai for families — two destinations that completely redefine what a family getaway can feel like.

This summer, we decided to pause our routines and simply be together. After much back-and-forth, we chose Singapore — a destination that promised a perfect balance of adventure, calm, and culture. By May, our bags were packed, and excitement was running high. From strolling through Gardens by the Bay to chasing down bowls of laksa in hidden corners, every day unfolded like a new story. It wasn’t about seeing everything; it was about feeling everything together on our Singapore family trip. It was slower, warmer, and just the right kind of chaotic — sharing snacks mid-flight, debating over dinner spots, laughing at wrong turns, and clicking far too many photos that no one ever deletes.

And here’s where it gets even better — because I’ve got a little secret for you (read till the end, because I’m going to tell you about a surprise campaign that made our trip smoother and our expenses nearly half!). It’s called Double Up Holidays by Alike, and I recently availed it for our family vacation.

If you’re a couple or a family planning to travel in 2025 or 2026, this is something you definitely wouldn’t want to miss! It’s a campaign that doubles your memories while making your costs delightfully lighter.

Family Trip to Singapore

Singapore welcomed us with its blend of modern skyline, tropical warmth, and the comforting rhythm of order that runs through the city. Everything seemed designed to make travel easy, from the spotless MRT stations to the friendly signs that guide you around every corner. It truly set the tone for what family holidays abroad should feel like — effortless, enjoyable, and full of shared moments.

My aunt, who adores culture and architecture, spent hours exploring Chinatown. She wandered through its colourful streets, stopping to browse the traditional shophouses and small souvenir stalls. Her favourite spot was the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. She said she felt a sense of peace there, standing beneath the red lanterns and golden statues, surrounded by the hum of quiet prayers. Later, we took a slow walk along Marina Bay Sands, and she couldn’t stop admiring the skyline reflecting on the water. That evening, we sat by the bay watching the light show — one of those moments when time seems to pause, and everyone is simply present.

My nephew, on the other hand, had his own list of favourites. Universal Studios Singapore was his ultimate highlight. Watching his excitement on every ride made the day unforgettable. The S.E.A. Aquarium came in a close second, where he stood glued to the glass, amazed as sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish glided past. For him, this Singapore family trip was pure magic, a world of wonder brought to life.

What I loved most about Singapore was how convenient it was to explore as a family. The city is clean, safe, and compact, making it easy to plan full days without feeling rushed. Every attraction felt accessible, and public transport made getting around simple. Food was another joy — from hawker centres brimming with flavours to restaurants offering every cuisine imaginable. We could go from slurping laksa in Chinatown to enjoying dessert at Clarke Quay in the same evening.

Choosing Singapore as our family destination was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. It offered the perfect balance of culture, fun, and convenience. Everyone found something to love. While my aunt with her temples and markets, my nephew with his theme parks and aquariums, and the rest of us with the city’s easy pace and warm hospitality. Singapore truly sets the standard for family holidays abroad, reminding me why shared experiences often make the best memories.

A Weekend in Dubai

And then in August, we planned a long weekend getaway to Dubai. Although it was shorter, it packed in more adventure than we expected. Dubai felt different right from the start — larger than life, shining and bold. The moment you land, the city’s energy hits you. Everything seems designed to impress, from the futuristic skyline to the endless malls and experiences.

We began our trip with a visit to the Burj Khalifa. Standing at the top, looking out across the sprawling desert city, was breathtaking. My nephew, who still couldn’t believe he was “touching the clouds,” kept asking questions about how tall it really was. After that, we spent the afternoon wandering through The Dubai Mall, which is a destination in its own right. Between the massive aquarium, the waterfall, and countless dining options, we could have easily spent a full day there.

One evening, we went on a desert safari, and that’s where the real adventure began. My cousin and I went dune bashing, while the rest of the family relaxed at the camp, sipping tea and watching the sunset turn the sands golden. Later that night, we enjoyed a traditional dinner with music and dance performances under the open desert sky. It was the kind of evening that makes you forget you’re just an hour away from skyscrapers and air-conditioned malls.

For my aunt, Dubai’s souks were a delight. She loved walking through the lanes filled with the scent of spices and the shimmer of gold. It was old-world charm tucked into a city known for modern luxury.

Dubai was an exciting contrast to Singapore. It was louder, bigger, and more theatrical — a city that celebrates ambition and style. Everything there feels super-sized, from the malls to the experiences. And yet, it has its quiet moments too, like walking by the Dubai Creek or dining at a restaurant overlooking the marina as boats glide past.

Singapore vs Dubai for Families: Which Works Better?

Both Singapore and Dubai are wonderful for family holidays, yet they offer very different experiences.

Singapore is ideal for families who prefer convenience, comfort, and gentle exploration. Everything works smoothly — transport, food, safety, and attractions. The city is easy to navigate, and most places are designed with children and older family members in mind. You can easily balance your days between sightseeing and relaxation.

Dubai, on the other hand, is for families who love variety, adventure, and a bit of glam. It’s the kind of place where you can go skiing in the morning at Ski Dubai, ride camels in the afternoon, and end your evening with a view of the dancing fountains at the Burj Khalifa. For those who enjoy luxury hotels, themed parks, and larger-than-life experiences, Dubai ticks all the boxes.

If I were to choose, I’d say Singapore suits families with younger kids or multigenerational groups because it’s so easy to manage. Dubai is perfect for families with teenagers or those who crave excitement and spectacle. Both destinations make for unforgettable holidays, just in different ways.

Alike’s Double Up Holidays

What made both trips truly seamless was travelling with Alike. From the moment we booked to the day we landed back home, it felt like everything had been thought through, and taken care of. The on-ground team was incredible — warm, responsive, and always just a message away. They even created a dedicated WhatsApp group for our trip, where every little query, from transfers to local recommendations, was handled instantly. It honestly felt like travelling with a friend who just gets you.

And now, for Indians planning their next holiday, this is truly the best time to do it. With Alike’s Double Up Holidays, your partner travels free or up to two kids under 8 go free — making your international holiday twice as joyful and twice as memorable. Whether it’s Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Bali, Alike takes care of your land packages — hotels and experiences!

It’s not just a campaign; it’s a celebration of connection, convenience, and care. So go ahead — book your Double Up Holiday with Alike, and make your next family getaway twice as special, twice as fun, and effortlessly unforgettable.

Disclaimer: This post contains a few affiliate links. If you click any of them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Just know that I truly appreciate your support if you choose to do so.