By Tan Yi Hui

It's coming to the end of August and if you have children, you may be grappling with the holiday question on every parent's mind: Where do I take my troops this December?

If you are game for something different, there are places to explore - yes, kids in tow. And no, you do not have to follow the hordes to Phuket, Langkawi or Bintan.

Neither do you have to blow your budget on a change of climate to some far- flung winter destination.

Civil servant and mother-of-two Margaret Chee, 37, says: 'Long-haul flights make children restless. Also, with younger kids, it is difficult to join tours due to restrictions in time and place.

'We like visiting beach resorts in neighbouring countries because it is relaxing, and far from the hustle and bustle of cities.'

So let's say you want to take the kids along, not follow the flock and the destination has to be somewhere nearby to avoid long flights. Oh, and you probably want to go easy on the pocket as well, something under $3,000 perhaps.

Besides your backyard, where on earth is there left to go?

Life! reveals a few of the region's best- kept secrets for a family holiday.

» Rustic resorts await

» Look no further. Head to Pulau Nikoi for an ideal three-day getaway

» Wake up to lake views

» Cosy up to animals

» Smouldering craters a must-see

tanyihui@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times on August 19, 2008.