Think “family vacation” and Disney parks, cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts probably spring to mind first. But if you’re after something a little more unique, extraordinary and unconventional for your next family trip, here are five destinations you might never have considered.
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#1. Patagonia
Patagonia, the vast and magnificent region spanning southern Argentina, has long drawn adventurous travellers — and it’s increasingly winning over families too. The reason is simple: breathtaking natural beauty paired with a huge range of outdoor activities.
Here you’ll find towering snowy mountains, flower-filled meadows, glaciers and wild animals that both you and the kids are bound to enjoy. Argentina’s tourism sector has also worked hard to make the region more accessible for children, so you’ll find plenty of family-friendly tours, from horse riding to boat trips, suitable for children of all ages.
You’ll find useful planning information on the Patagonia Argentina website.
#2. South Africa
Ask any child their favourite animal and lions and giraffes are bound to make the top ten. Now imagine telling them they could see them for real.
Africa as a family holiday destination can feel daunting if you’ve never been, so South Africa makes a great first step onto the continent. With beautiful beaches, great weather and safari options that bring those favourite wild animals to life, it can also be more budget-friendly than many families expect.
There’s lots of handy information on the South African Tourism website.
Recommended Reading: 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spot for Kids
#3. Hong Kong
One of the most underrated family vacation spots is Hong Kong. If you don’t mind the long-haul flight, you’ll find a fantastic, exciting city that’s genuinely child-friendly, with some brilliant attractions and sights. A helpful bonus: city and subway signs are also in English, a legacy of British rule, which makes getting around much easier.
Be sure to take the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, then head up the funicular railway for views of the city from the top of Victoria Peak. An evening ferry ride also treats you to the spectacular choreographed light show played out across the main harbourside skyscrapers. And do set aside at least one day of your trip for Hong Kong Disneyland.
We stayed in Kowloon on our visit, which was a fascinating experience — right in the heart of this busy city. It took a couple of days to find our bearings, but once we did, we really enjoyed our stay. One tip: Kowloon Park has an outdoor swimming pool that kids will love.
Recommended Reading: 10 Awesome Things to Do In Hong Kong with Kids
#4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Yes, we really did say Las Vegas! It can actually be a cracking family vacation destination. For a start, there are plenty of child-friendly activities located all over the city, and Las Vegas is easy to navigate without feeling overwhelming.
Many hotels also offer family-focused amenities, from child-proof pools to babysitting services. And kids will love spotting mini replicas of some of the world’s most famous landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to Venetian-style gondolas floating by — a trip to Las Vegas ends up feeling like a mini tour of the globe.
You can also take in the Grand Canyon, one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on Earth, as a day trip from the city.
You’ll find lots of tips on the Las Vegas Kids website.
Recommended Reading: 10 More of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
#5. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s great family destinations, blending beautiful beaches, endless activities and lush tropical forest just a few miles from the city, home to colourful, vivid birdlife and wildlife.
Brazilians are famously family-oriented, which makes travelling with children easy — you’ll be welcomed warmly at most restaurants, and high chairs are readily available. For more ideas for your Rio family trip, check out the Lonely Planet website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a destination “unexpected” for family travel?
It usually means somewhere that doesn’t top the typical family holiday list — often because it sounds more suited to adult or adventure travellers — but that turns out to offer just as much for kids once you look at the family-friendly tours, attractions and accommodation on offer.
Are these destinations suitable for younger children as well as older kids?
Each destination suits a slightly different age range and travel style, so it’s worth checking the specific activities, flight length and pace of each trip against what works for your own children before booking.
Do I need to plan differently for a long-haul family trip like this compared to a typical resort holiday?
Generally yes — long-haul destinations often benefit from a little more planning around flight times, jet lag, and building in rest days, so it’s worth researching family-specific guides for wherever you choose to go.
Where can I find more ideas like these?
Browse our travel and adventure articles for more inspiration, or sign up to our newsletter below for fresh ideas delivered to your inbox.
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- 10 More of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
Before You Go
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