Think family vacation and you might picture Disney parks, cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. But if you’re after something a little more unique, extraordinary and unconventional for your next family trip, how about some places you might never have considered? Here are 5 unexpected travel destination ideas for your next family vacation, with a nod to the folks at Travel Ticker for the original inspiration.
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#1. Patagonia
Patagonia, a magnificent Argentinean region, has been popular with tourists for decades, but more recently it’s become a top spot for family trips too. The reason is simple: breathtaking natural beauty paired with a huge variety of outdoor activities.
Here you can marvel at snow-capped mountains, flower-filled meadows, glaciers and wild animals that you and the kids are bound to enjoy.
Argentina’s tourism sector has worked hard to make this region accessible for children, so you’ll find plenty of family-friendly tours, from horse riding to boat trips, suitable for children of all ages.
There’s useful planning information on the Patagonia Argentina website.
#2. South Africa
Ask any kid what their favourite animal is, and lions and giraffes are bound to be near the top of the list. Then ask them if they’d like to see them for real.
The thought of Africa as a family holiday destination might feel a bit daunting if you’ve never been, so why not make South Africa your first venture into this amazing continent?
With beautiful beaches, great weather and safari options to spot all those favourite wild animals, South Africa can also be a relatively budget-friendly choice for families.
There’s lots of handy information on the South African Tourism website.
Recommended Reading: 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
#3. Hong Kong
One of the most underrated places for a family vacation is Hong Kong. If you don’t mind the long-haul flight, you’ll find this exciting city surprisingly child-friendly, with plenty of amazing attractions and sights. A 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 the funicular railway up to Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the city. If you catch an evening ferry, you’ll also see the choreographed light show played out across the 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 as we felt 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. A tip for you: 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 did say Las Vegas! It can actually be a cracking family vacation destination. First, there are tons of child-friendly activities located all over the city, which is easy to navigate and not too sprawling to get around.
Many hotels also offer family-friendly amenities, from child-proof pools to babysitting services.
And kids will love spotting mini replicas of some of the world’s most famous sites, like the Eiffel Tower or the Venetian’s indoor gondolas, so a trip to Vegas doubles as a whistle-stop tour of the globe.
You can also take in the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s great natural wonders, 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 a vibrant, family-friendly city with plenty to love, from its beautiful beaches to its buzzing energy. Children will adore the beaches, the tons of activities on offer, and the fabulous tropical forest just a few miles from the city centre, home to colourful, vivid birds and animals.
Brazilians are also very family-oriented, which makes visiting with kids easy: you’ll be welcomed with open arms at most restaurants, and high chairs are readily available.
Find more suggestions for your Rio family trip on the Lonely Planet website.
More unexpected family destinations to explore
If any of these spots have caught your imagination, take a look at our other recommended reading links above for even more ideas on where to take the family next. Bookmark this article so you have it handy when you’re planning your next trip.
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Over to you now. Have you visited any of these destinations? Any tips? Share them with us in the comments below.
