Table of Contents
Introduction to Family Travel Destinations
Family Travel Destinations: Load the car (or hop a flight) and head out on an adventure as a family there is something special about that last part.
The journey is not only to reach the destination, it’s those shared experiences, the spontaneous laughter and awe moments when one keeps wondering about the beauty of nature that stays in you long after you have unpacked your suitcases.
If you’re searching for your very first family vacation or if you’ve already become pros at this travel business, finding a spot that caters to everyone can have the appearance of an elusive jackpot.
But no matter, I did the hard work for you. With a nose for adventure (and maybe a few too many mum spy stories).
I have travelled myself, asked other parent wanderlusters and put together the most extensive compilation of family-friendly places that will make every face smile ok your awkward sulking teen might pout.
Disney Magic: Orlando, Florida
Family Travel Destinations: First up is the quintessential family destination: Orlando. I know you are all going to say, “Disney? Is it not congested and mayhem? Yes, it can be, but there is a reason that families from around the globe come here year after year.
That long-handled stroller glide down Main Street,USA with a slippery little hand holding your sticky one as they gaze at Mickey from ear to ear for the first time that right of passage.
Plus, it isn’t for just the little ones either. Your tweens and teens will be screaming to ride the roller coasters at Universal Studios, while parents sneak in some time poolside at one of Orlando’s many family resorts.
The weather is nice, iconic parks and the memories? Oh, they’ll last forever.
Canada: Banff National Park – The Great Outdoors
If your family bonding idea is related to the fresh air and jaw dropping landscapes, Banff might capture your heart. That quaint little town in the Canadian Rockies is postcard perfect.
Imagine this: your family hiking on paths through gigantic pine trees, the scent of dirt and exploration in the breeze.
Lake Louise is a glacially protected, turquoise piece of water higher. Whether you prefer to have a family paddle there with friends or are planning an initial lakeside picnic whilst taking the opportunity to spend outdoor time (thanks to national parks such as Banff), who knows.
You can ski or snowshoe together in the winter, and then there are literally whole problems to find things that belong to biking and exploring, in summer.
Speaking of all those adventures, be sure to relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs afterwards nature’s spa day (it is a lot more kid-friendly than it sounds).
Lessons in History: Washington D.C.
Family Travel Destinations: Washington, D.C. where Barbarians in Brooks Brothers make history and family fun collide in the best possible way.
Another one of those rarefied spaces in which you can get a wee bit o’ education past the post without even your kids noticing. The Smithsonian museums? They’re free. That’s right free.
From the dinosaurs at the National Museum of Natural History to interactive exhibits at the Air and Space Museum, there’s plenty here for kids (and parents) of all ages to be curious about.
D.C., however, has a lot more going on besides museums. Wandering through the National Mall at sunset, catching sight of the Washington Monument, or paddling about in a paddle boat in the Tidal Basin become treasured family stories that are repeated again and again.
Island Bliss: Maui, Hawaii
Maui is where you belong if your family fantasizes about a tropical getaway. Imagine golden beaches, palm trees swaying and waves lapping you into some sort of zen state.
No need to panic, this is not a sit on your ass vacation Maui has plenty of action ready for you.
Go snorkeling with the kids at Molokini Crater for sunrise, where they can swim among sea turtles and many brightly-colored fish.
Travel the winding roads to Hana filled with waterfalls and hidden pools. And for the moment that will be memorable with your whole clan, watch a sunrise in Haleakalā.
It may mean rising before the sun, but believe me: the yawns are always worth it, as light shines over the planet as if stewing in liquid gold.
European Charm: Paris, France
“Wait, Paris? With kids?” Yes, and here’s why. Known for romance, Paris is also a magical city that engages families. Imagine your children gazing in disbelief as the Eiffel Tower twinkles at night.
Or wander around the Luxembourg Gardens, where they can sail tiny boats in the fountain and you can drink a café crème.
And please, do not let me start on food. Your kids will believe they have found a food paradise with flaky croissants, creamy gelato and crepes splashed with chocolate.
To round it all out, head to Disneyland Paris for a day trip too the final touch adding that sprinkle of Disney and European romance.
Masai Mara, Kenya – Safari: Dreams
Family Travel Destinations: For families looking for the extraordinary, Kenya safari is a bucket list adventure that will leave you in awe.
Just picture your kids seeing lions, giraffes, and elephants where they should be. And that, in all its wonderous glory, is worth everything.
However, the Masai Mara is more than just game drives. Most lodges cater for kids, offering bush walks and local culture lessons.
This is an experience that allows young minds to witness and appreciate world wildlife beauty and it teaches them about conservation.
Urban Adventure: Tokyo, Japan
Although Tokyo is one of the busiest cities on earth, it is also very child-friendly. This unique combination of futuristic experiences and ancient traditions yields a truly captivating environment for children and adults alike.
11:00 am Visit the Ghibli Museum an absolute must see for anime fans, this museum lets you explore the imaginative worlds of Studio Ghibli.
This includes the kid-friendly craziness of Odaiba area, with giant robot statue, an indoor theme park, and light shows. Not to mention the food though.
From slurping up noodles at a ramen shop, to sampling rainbow-hued sweets or dropping by a themed café, food is an adventure in Tokyo.
Côte à porter: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sure, the Amalfi Coast may scream honeymoon destination, but let me tell you families are just as welcome. Children are bound to enjoy the boat rides from one town over the next (you can be sure to fact every opportunity for gelato).
Hey, parents you will die over the views: cliffside villages springing down into bright blue water.
Wander the pastel streets of Positano, take a day trip to Pompeii and travel back in time. Oh, and then there is the pasta.
Your taste buds will rejoice with everything from rich carbonara to traditional Margherita pizzas.
Costa Rica
Family Travel Destinations: Costa Rica is calling your name if you want a destination that combines adventure and relaxation.
If you can zip-line through rainforests and see monkeys on the beach, then that is a country that understands how to mix nature with fun.
Family can relax in hot springs near Arenal Volcano, walk to the waterfalls out of sight, or hit sandy beaches and do nothing.
The wildlife here comes straight from a fairytale; sloths lounging in the trees, toucans flitting about overhead, dolphins playing in the waves.
Why Family Travel Matters
Family Travel Destinations: As with most things in life, it’s not the destination that matters — but the experience you share along the way.
It’s the laughter that reverberates off canyon walls, sleepy smiles after a long day of adventure and stories recited over dinner years later.
There is something so special about traveling that brings families together to stop, look, touch and feel what the other person sees.
Whether its a weekend trip or another continent, grab the bags and make those lasting memories. World is big, the opportunities are large and the best souvenirs are those which you bring inside your heart.
