Family Travel Destinations for Luxury and Adventure
Planning a fun family getaway with kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing adventure or luxury-style travel in favor of theme parks and all-inclusive resorts. Some of our favorite destinations rank high in terms of safety and tick the right boxes for family travel - optimal weather during school break times, palatable food for picky eaters, sleeping arrangements that are comfortable and convertible, and where you can see a lot in a week or so. What lies beyond those basics is even more of a draw - a bonding opportunity for the whole family through experiences that will thrill travelers of all ages. Through a face to face encounter with an endangered species, or exposure to a wildly different culture, experiencing the sights and natural wonders that feel a world away from home, or taking the opportunity to give back through conservation initiatives, both parents and children will go home with a feeling of significance and a broader understanding of the world beyond the familiar.
Africa has so much to offer families of all kinds. In fact, we’ve dedicated a whole page to ideas for African family safaris. In particular, Botswana is a sparsely populated country with a peaceful energy and vast open spaces for exploration. A beautiful green season coincides with spring break times and brings about lush vegetation and lots of animal babies. In this atmospheric land reminiscent of the Lion King family members of all ages will find themselves enchanted. Canoe through the Selinda Spillway filled with zebra, hippos and elephants, embark on a meerkat walking safari, or go a step further and take part in a solar light distribution to a village where children can interact with others their own age, taking with them life lessons and memories they will cherish their whole lives.
Iceland has been named the most peaceful country in the world for several years in a row now and its location just a few hours from New York and London makes it a prime choice for families looking for a shorter excursion, as highlights can be seen and done in less than a week. Reykjavik has all the conveniences of a big city and easy day trips to waterfalls and thermal pools will keep everyone occupied and also offer some of the most incredible frame-worthy photo opportunities. More adventurous families with slightly older children can also opt to sleep out in a luxury camp on an ice blue glacier giving them more exposure to incredible nighttime spectacles in the sky, depending on the time of year: the never ending day under the midnight sun, or the mind-blowing northern lights.
New Zealand is also considered one of the safest countries in the world, a utopian paradise where airport security is practically non-existent because it doesn’t have to be. Plentiful outdoors activities including swimming with wild dolphins, exploring coastal waters via catamaran or kayak, fly fishing, hiking, exploring mermaid pools, and much more. Parents will love wine tasting in Marlborough where plenty of the wineries are kid-friendly. There are even cultural immersion opportunities with indigenous Maori groups in their villages that are organized and well-equipped to handle visits from tourists. Finally, visions of the spectacular Aurora Australis (the south pole’s version of the Northern Lights) from New Zealand’s south island will leave everyone spellbound.
In Japan, a culture of respect, rich history and ancient traditions that are strikingly different from most everywhere else will result in a sensory-filled learning experience for the whole family. In Tokyo, older kids and teenagers will delight in a trip to the famous Tsujiki Fish Market or a stroll to experience neon overload in Harajuku. Art, music, and all types of media make this capital city a mecca for pop culture lovers. For more traditional learning experiences, there are dozens more temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sights than one can experience in one trip, as well as plenty of natural wonders in more rural areas. Accommodations range from traditional to modern all over the country, and japan is known for being one of the safest and cleanest places on the planet.
At Epic Road we create custom itineraries for families to ensure all needs and interests are met. Check out our pages with expansive info dedicated to family safaris, Iceland, New Zealand, and Japan.
