The summer is approaching, and what better way to spend it than to go abroad with the entire family? In case you were out of destination ideas, here’s a list of the top 15 of the best spots to go on a family vacay:
15. Denmark
Perhaps you wouldn’t think of Denmark as the first destination to vacation to, but it’s totally built for kids. In Copenhagen, you have Tivoli, a fairy tale-style amusement park that dates to 1843. There are a ton of free music and shows, fireworks every night, and great food. Also, Legoland is located outside Billund in central Jutland, featuring a 20-million-piece Miniland of famous icons (i.e. Statue of Liberty and Star Wars).
14. Belize
Whether you’re into beaches, or more for kids over the age of six, Belize is a very affordable and unforgettable place that is a major hit for families. It’s compact, inexpensive, and almost everyone speaks English. There’s an array of wildlife to see, such as howler monkeys and crocodiles. Also, kids can learn to play the drums on the beach, if you need a change of activity.
13. New York City, USA
NYC has something special in it, something that makes you feel as though real life has completely turned into a movie. The city’s numerous zoos, museums and major landmarks make it a perfect destination for families of all ages. Go to Times Square, or take the kids to FAO Schwarz, a massive toy store. You can also take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty, or an elevator to the very top of the Empire State Building.
12. Paris, France
Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Depending on how long you’re visiting, you can do both parks, rather than rushing to try and accomplish visiting both. This is the ultimate Euro-trip for your kids, and they will be entertained constantly at these parks, and may even get a hug from Mickey Mouse!
11. Crete, Greece
Crete can be a real hit for your family, it all depends on what you’re into. If you are a fan of underwater exploring, and your children happen to be old enough, you can discover the stunning underwater world of Crete through scuba diving courses. There are many scuba diving options on the island (most of them are situated in the north), and they cater to divers of all levels.
10. Gregolimano, Greece
The beauty of planning your trip via Club Med is that it is all-inclusive! You don’t have to worry about a thing. Your kids will be entertained by the seafront view of your room, waterskiing, and playing tennis from! If they’re brave, they can enjoy the thrills of the flying trapeze, as well!
9. Black Forest, Germany
Your kids will love the Black Forest! In the Black Forest Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof, the Black Forest culture and history become animated and real. Visitors will find out how people lived and worked in Black Forest farmhouses during the last 400 years. Furthermore, the Christmas Market is framed by concerts, programs for children and lectures/readings.
8. Kaatsheuvel, Holland
The Efteling is a popular park that originally began as a sports facility for Catholic youngsters, and was transformed into a theme park in 1951. It has some very impressive roller coasters, and a good number of the original fairy tale displays, all designed by artist Anton Pieck, are still standing and as stunning as ever.
7. Hawaii
Hawaii is filled with volcanoes, snorkelling, sandy beaches, and blue seas. The only challenge you’ll probably come across while on holiday in Hawaii is choosing which island to visit and where to explore first. You have steam from lava that flows into the ocean on the Big Island, as well as the chance to frolic through the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with the entire family.
6. Iceland
Filled with smoking geysers, bubbling mud pots, and some of the region’s biggest waterfalls, the ice cap of Vatnajökull, live volcanoes, and in winter, the incredible northern lights: Iceland is a perfect and intriguing destination at any age. You’ll surely find something to excited the whole family: choose between horseback riding, whitewater rafting, glacier walks, sea kayaking, whale watching, and so much more.
5. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, located on the Mexican Caribbean, is home to white, sandy beaches, Mayan archaeological landmarks, as well as child-focused theme parks. Both kids and adults enjoy walking through Discovery Jungle Park’s authentic rope bridges, and exploring Xcaret’s mysterious underground rivers. They also have a fabulous aquarium that can be visited, as well.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona boasts culture, beaches, and an excellent climate, thereby making it Barcelona a top choice that ensures fun for the whole family. Antonio Gaudi’s astonishing architectural creations will amaze you. Some of its beaches will keep you distracted and refreshed during the day. You can also make adjustments to your trip by going to Costa Brava’s beaches nearby, or go the Tibidabo Amusement Park, or Barce soccer game!
3. San Diego, California, USA
San Diego, CA, is known for its beaches and family attractions, making it a major hit for families to vacation to. San Diego is home to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND; California’s Lego amusement park, consisting of more than 50 rides! Your kids are bound to have a blast.
2. Aruba, Caribbean
Another Caribbean paradise, Aruba’s beaches and great weather are just two of the island’s perks. A plethora of activities, from snorkeling to banana boating, will be sure to provide entertainment to families both in and out of the water, while jeep safari tours are offered inland, if you prefer that.
1. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is Mozart’s hometown, and happens to include the fortress, Hohen Salzburg, which is a phenomenal castle experience that features cannons and dungeons. The kids will love it! On the Sound of Music tour, you can follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapps, as well as pay a visit to the city’s zoo, or the dwarf gardens.
13. New York City, USA
NYC has something special in it, something that makes you feel as though real life has completely turned into a movie. The city’s numerous zoos, museums and major landmarks make it a perfect destination for families of all ages. Go to Times Square, or take the kids to FAO Schwarz, a massive toy store. You can also take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty, or an elevator to the very top of the Empire State Building.
12. Paris, France
Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Depending on how long you’re visiting, you can do both parks, rather than rushing to try and accomplish visiting both. This is the ultimate Euro-trip for your kids, and they will be entertained constantly at these parks, and may even get a hug from Mickey Mouse!
11. Crete, Greece
Crete can be a real hit for your family, it all depends on what you’re into. If you are a fan of underwater exploring, and your children happen to be old enough, you can discover the stunning underwater world of Crete through scuba diving courses. There are many scuba diving options on the island (most of them are situated in the north), and they cater to divers of all levels.
10. Gregolimano, Greece
The beauty of planning your trip via Club Med is that it is all-inclusive! You don’t have to worry about a thing. Your kids will be entertained by the seafront view of your room, waterskiing, and playing tennis from! If they’re brave, they can enjoy the thrills of the flying trapeze, as well!
9. Black Forest, Germany
Your kids will love the Black Forest! In the Black Forest Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof, the Black Forest culture and history become animated and real. Visitors will find out how people lived and worked in Black Forest farmhouses during the last 400 years. Furthermore, the Christmas Market is framed by concerts, programs for children and lectures/readings.
8. Kaatsheuvel, Holland
The Efteling is a popular park that originally began as a sports facility for Catholic youngsters, and was transformed into a theme park in 1951. It has some very impressive roller coasters, and a good number of the original fairy tale displays, all designed by artist Anton Pieck, are still standing and as stunning as ever.
7. Hawaii
Hawaii is filled with volcanoes, snorkelling, sandy beaches, and blue seas. The only challenge you’ll probably come across while on holiday in Hawaii is choosing which island to visit and where to explore first. You have steam from lava that flows into the ocean on the Big Island, as well as the chance to frolic through the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with the entire family.
6. Iceland
Filled with smoking geysers, bubbling mud pots, and some of the region’s biggest waterfalls, the ice cap of Vatnajökull, live volcanoes, and in winter, the incredible northern lights: Iceland is a perfect and intriguing destination at any age. You’ll surely find something to excited the whole family: choose between horseback riding, whitewater rafting, glacier walks, sea kayaking, whale watching, and so much more.
5. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, located on the Mexican Caribbean, is home to white, sandy beaches, Mayan archaeological landmarks, as well as child-focused theme parks. Both kids and adults enjoy walking through Discovery Jungle Park’s authentic rope bridges, and exploring Xcaret’s mysterious underground rivers. They also have a fabulous aquarium that can be visited, as well.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona boasts culture, beaches, and an excellent climate, thereby making it Barcelona a top choice that ensures fun for the whole family. Antonio Gaudi’s astonishing architectural creations will amaze you. Some of its beaches will keep you distracted and refreshed during the day. You can also make adjustments to your trip by going to Costa Brava’s beaches nearby, or go the Tibidabo Amusement Park, or Barce soccer game!
3. San Diego, California, USA
San Diego, CA, is known for its beaches and family attractions, making it a major hit for families to vacation to. San Diego is home to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND; California’s Lego amusement park, consisting of more than 50 rides! Your kids are bound to have a blast.
2. Aruba, Caribbean
Another Caribbean paradise, Aruba’s beaches and great weather are just two of the island’s perks. A plethora of activities, from snorkeling to banana boating, will be sure to provide entertainment to families both in and out of the water, while jeep safari tours are offered inland, if you prefer that.
1. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is Mozart’s hometown, and happens to include the fortress, Hohen Salzburg, which is a phenomenal castle experience that features cannons and dungeons. The kids will love it! On the Sound of Music tour, you can follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapps, as well as pay a visit to the city’s zoo, or the dwarf gardens.