To many of us, the thought of travelling abroad with children can be daunting! Flying long distances with restless little ones, making sure they get enough proper meals, being able to rest comfortably, the logistical complications can become overwhelming in themselves.
And then, of course, there’s the matter of finding activities that will keep both children and adults involved, and it’s little wonder some families hesitate to take the plunge. However, many places in the world have recognized this deficit and made their niches fantastically receptive paradises for parents and children.
Many of these family-friendly destinations offer a great blend of learning, entertainment, and facilities in such a way that travel with children is not only surviving but actually pleasurable.
From countries with great public transportation systems to cities with interactive museums, restaurants that are friendly for kids, and parks throughout, these destinations understand that happy children equate to happy parents.
With all of that in mind, here are 5 family-friendly holiday ideas to consider for your next trip…
Family-friendly Holiday Ideas #1. Costa Rica – Adventure in the Rainforest
As well as being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Costa Rica is one of the best places to take your family on vacation. Miles of rainforests, beaches of golden sand, and loads of outdoor adventure opportunities make Costa Rica ideal for active families.
Some suitable suggestions for adventure include:
Ziplining through the jungle canopy
Guided nature walks where you can spot the wildlife; monkeys, sloths, and colourful birds
Lolling on the golden sand beaches along the Pacific or Caribbean coasts
Hiking to breathtaking waterfalls and volcanic hot springs
Taking a drift boat tour down a jungle river
Costa Rica is also very family-friendly, as many all-inclusive resorts, adventure tour companies, and restaurants warmly welcome kids. Its compact size means that visitors can easily show multiple regions, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Family-friendly Holiday Ideas #2. Italy – History, Culture, and Gelato
Italy is one of those places that’s always in demand when it comes to family holidays, and for good reason. It effortlessly pushes the needle on history, culture, mouth-watering food, and natural beauty. Yes, Rome, Florence, and Venice are bursting with iconic sights, yet these cities can also be overwhelming for young travellers. Consider anchoring your Italy vacation around smaller, more digestible cities or towns that still offer a full immersion into culture.
Some suitable suggestions include::
Marvelling at quaint canals and brightly painted houses on the small islands of Burano and Murano, just off the Venetian coast
Looking at ancient ruins, mediaeval structures, and lively piazzas in Verona.
Heading to the absolutely stunning seaside towns along the Amalfi Coast-Positano and Amalfi.
Taking a break in the Tuscan countryside, staying in charming hill towns and visiting vineyards.
Riding the super-easy, family-friendly bike tracks around Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, and Lake Como, which are all very doable for families with even very young kids, you could even ship your own bikes ahead of you arriving
And of course, during your trip, also be sure not to miss kid-friendly Italian specialties like pizza, pasta, and gelato. In addition, many restaurants have special children’s menus. Italy’s walkable city centres and heavy use of public transportation also make it easy to explore with the whole family.
Family-friendly Holiday Ideas #3. Thailand – Beaches, Elephants, and Buddhism
Try Thailand for a truly exotic family holiday. This Southeast Asian gem has a heady cocktail of stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and incredible wildlife encounters.
Family-friendly attractions not to be missed are:
Picturesque beaches with towering limestone cliffs in Krabi and at Railay Beach
Elephant sanctuaries where interacting with and feeding these gentle giants is possible
Vibrant Chiang Mai night markets full of handicrafts, street food, and energetic performances
Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, plus other iconic Buddhist temples give significant weight to tourism in Thailand.
It is also extremely reasonably priced, which enables families to visit, plus most hotels and resorts have amenities geared toward families: kids’ clubs, pools, and interconnected room options. The Thai people are also renowned for their amiability and hospitality, as well as being eager to welcome visitors-especially families.
Family-friendly Holiday Ideas #4. New Zealand – Outdoor Adventures Down Under
If your family is in need of some seriously epic natural scenery and adrenaline-fueled fun, New Zealand is the place to go. From snow-capped mountain peaks to pristine fjords, thundering waterfalls, and mainlands of lush rainforest, this island nation truly has it all.
Some popular family-friendly experiences in New Zealand include:
The Hobbit movie set tour from The Lord of the Rings films
Walk through the emerald and crimson-coloured volcanic landscapes on display at Tongariro National Park
The Milford Sound dolphin, whale and seal cruise; life on a wildlife cruise.
Riding the world’s steepest paved road to the top of Aoraki / Mount Cook
Go bungee jumping, zorbing and jet boating.
Boasting a welcoming climate, great infrastructure, and emphasis on sustainability, New Zealand has just about everything going for it as far as the perfect, active, nature-filled family vacation goes. And the Kiwis are almost rudely friendly, making sure your clan will feel right at home.
Family-friendly Holiday Ideas #5. Greece – Mythology, Beaches, and Island Hopping
Greece may be a cradle of Western civilization, but there is much more that may attract both children and adults. Starting from the ruins of Athens and finishing with the ideal Greek Islands, you will find something that may surprise every family member.
Some of the greatest attractions for families in Greece include:
Visiting the Acropolis of Athens and listening to various stories about Greek mythology
Being at ease on one of the pretty beaches of Crete, Santorini, or Mykonos
Day trips to the monasteries perched atop towering rock formations in Meteora
Exploring lively markets and historic sites in Thessaloniki and Corinth
Island-hopping by ferry to experience diversity in landscapes and local traditions
Greek cuisine is also famous for its delicious and nutritious Mediterranean dishes that are enjoyed by people of every age group. Large hotels, resorts, and tour operators also have facilities available, catering to the family needs such as kids’ clubs, babysitting, and family activities.
Whatever destination you choose, a family holiday is one sure way to create memories that will last, broaden horizons, and gain new experiences in varied cultures together. With a little planning and preparation, you are guaranteed that your next family holiday will be safe, enjoyable, and full of adventure.
