Think “family vacation” and you probably picture theme parks, cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. But if you’re after something a little more unique, memorable and off the well-worn path, here are five destinations you might not have considered — originally suggested by Travel Ticker.
#1. Patagonia
Patagonia, the vast and dramatic region shared by Argentina and Chile, has long drawn adventurous travellers, and it’s become a genuinely rewarding choice for family trips too. The appeal is easy to see: soaring snow-capped mountains, flower-filled meadows, glaciers, and wildlife that kids will love spotting.
The tourism sector here has worked hard to make the region family-friendly, and you’ll find plenty of tours — from horse riding to boat trips — designed for children of different ages.
There’s useful information on the Patagonia Argentina website.
#2. South Africa
Ask any child their favourite animal and lions, giraffes and elephants are bound to feature. Now imagine showing them the real thing.
Africa can feel like a daunting first family destination, so South Africa is a good place to start. It offers beautiful beaches, generally great weather, and safari options where the whole family can see those favourite animals up close — often at a more accessible price point than many people expect.
There’s plenty of helpful planning information on the South African Tourism website.
Recommended Reading: 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spot for Kids
#3. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most underrated family destinations around. If you don’t mind the long-haul flight, you’ll find a vibrant, child-friendly city packed with attractions. A handy bonus: street and subway signage is in English as well as Cantonese, which makes getting around much easier.
Take the Star Ferry from Kowloon across to Hong Kong Island, then head up the funicular railway for views over the city from Victoria Peak. An evening crossing also gives you a chance to catch the choreographed light show along the harbourside skyscrapers. Set aside at least one day of your trip for Hong Kong Disneyland too.
We stayed in Kowloon on our own visit, which felt like being right in the heart of this busy city. It took a couple of days to find our bearings, but once we did, we thoroughly 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, really — Las Vegas. It’s a surprisingly solid family vacation destination. There are plenty of child-friendly attractions scattered across the city, and the Strip itself is easy to navigate and manageable on foot or by monorail.
Many hotels also cater well to families, with child-friendly pools and babysitting services on offer. Kids tend to love seeing scaled-down versions of famous landmarks — the Eiffel Tower, Venetian-style gondolas — dotted along the Strip, almost like a mini trip around the world.
The Grand Canyon is also within day-trip distance, so you can build one of the world’s great natural wonders into your Las Vegas holiday.
You’ll find more ideas 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 made global headlines when it hosted the 2016 Olympic Games, and the city has remained a compelling family travel destination ever since.
Beyond the Games, children will love the beautiful beaches and the huge variety of activities on offer, along with lush tropical rainforest just a few miles from the city centre, home to colourful birds and wildlife.
Brazilians are generally very family-oriented, which makes travelling with kids easy — expect a warm welcome at most restaurants, with high chairs readily available. You’ll find more suggestions for a Rio family trip on the Lonely Planet website.
More Family Travel Ideas
If this list has you dreaming of somewhere new, take a look at our related round-ups: 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids, 10 Awesome Things to Do in Hong Kong with Kids, and 10 More of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids — all linked above within the relevant sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these destinations good choices for a family holiday?
Each of these places combines something a little different — wildlife, culture, city energy or natural beauty — with genuine options for travelling comfortably with children, from family tours to child-friendly accommodation.
Are these destinations suitable for young children?
This depends a lot on your own children’s ages, travel experience and what you enjoy doing as a family. It’s worth researching current travel advice, flight times, and family-specific reviews for your chosen destination before booking.
How far in advance should we plan a trip like this?
Longer-haul or less typical family destinations often benefit from earlier planning, particularly around flights, accommodation and any tours you want to book. Give yourself plenty of time to research the practical details for your specific trip.
Browse More Family Adventure Ideas
Fancy exploring more unusual family travel ideas? Have a browse through our travel and adventure articles for more inspiration, and save this one for when you’re ready to start planning.
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Have you visited any of these destinations? Share your tips with us in the comments below.
