Far-Flung Adventures: 14 Amazing Family Vacations to Plan

Everyone loves great family vacations. A family getaway is something you and your kids will remember for a lifetime, so choosing from the best destinations is a must. However, if you’re unsure where to travel next, there’s inspiration below.

Whether you’re a seasoned digital slomad or this is your first trip together, these family vacation ideas will make your next family trip unforgettable.

Honolulu, Oahu / Hawaii

Trips to Hawaii are some of the best family adventures you can take. If you’re in the continental U.S., it’s the best family vacation spot to leave your troubles behind.

Surrounded by a majestic coastline, the sandy beaches are full of family fun that will delight toddlers to pensioners. Try snorkeling in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or head to Magic Island, where even little kids can paddle safely in the artificial lagoon.

• Swim with dolphins
• Waikiki Beach
• USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour

London UK

The capital city of the UK, London, is many things to many people.

Home of Buckingham Palace and the royal family, an ancient Roman settlement, or the town of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, however, you think of London, you’re right.

There’s no shortage of things to do to delight everyone in the family while in London. Visit the world’s oldest and largest toy store, Hamleys, on Regent’s Street. Or the world-class British Museum, and when you feel hungry, head to Chinatown for some authentic Chinese food.

Visit platform nine and a half while at King’s Cross station, and you might find a surprise there! There are lots more attractions you will want to take advantage of.

• Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio
• Legoland Windsor
• The London Eye

The Bahamas

The ultimate Caribbean vacation, The Bahamas has everything you could want from a family vacation destination. Sunshine, beautiful beaches, and tons of fun activities everyone will enjoy.

If you’re looking for lodging off the beaten track, visit Small Hope Bay Lodge for fishing and diving in its rustic charm. Or, if you’d prefer a world-class all-inclusive resort, head to Melia Nassau Beach Resort. Situated on the beach, they even have a kid’s club and babysitting service.

Here are three more reasons you need a laid-back dream vacation in the Caribbean.

• Aquaventure Water Park
• Pirates of Nassau Museum
• The Dig at Atlantis

Rome

Rome truly has something for everyone. What child hasn’t been fascinated by the ancient Romans, and what adult hasn’t wished they could ride a scooter through the old alleyways of Rome?

When you’ve had enough of exploring Roman ruins, Rome will satisfy even the pickiest of tweens with the best pizza you will ever eat. Beautiful Pizzarias dot the city among bakeries and other restaurants offering a taste of Italy you’ll find nowhere else.

Rome might not be as family-friendly if you have little ones, but there’s much to do, and see if your kids are a little older.

• Colosseum
• Vatican City
• Explora Children Museum

Cape Town

On the tip of the African continent, Cape town is a vibrant city where African, European, and Malay cultures mix. Located between the seaside and the ever-present Table Mountain, Cape Town is full of kid-friendly outdoor activities for which they’ll be willing to put the phone down.

Head to Surfer’s Corner and learn to surf or visit the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. Then try your hand at tobogganing at Coll Runnings down their slide that’s almost a mile long!

• Table Moutain
• Two Oceans Aquarium
• Cape Town Ziplines

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the best family beach holiday you can find. Pristine white sand beaches with an ocean that’s never cold. Everything is set up for international tourists here, with top-class restaurants, hotels, and resorts with everything you’d expect back home.

Immerse yourself in the Thai culture and enjoy the cuisine, which is priced a little higher than most places in Thailand but still well below the prices of North America or Western Europe.

The children will enjoy playing on the beaches and in the water while Mom and Dad sip on the fresh coconut, which is available everywhere.

Things to do on the peninsular:

• Elephant Sanctuary
• Flying Hanuman Ziplines
• Take a Muay Thai Class

A Serengeti Safari

Tanzania is a magical place, and although you may not typically find it on lists of vacation destinations, the breathtaking sights will make it the best family adventure you will ever take.

In the Maasai language, “Serengeti” means “endless plains,” and when you’re here, you can see why. The landscape of natural wonders stretches on forever.

The big five are what people come to see, and you won’t be disappointed. Lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, and buffalo roam freely here.

Come and see

• Kilimanjaro
• The annual migration
• The big five

Luang Prabang, Laos

You may have yet to hear of ancient Luang Prabang before, and it might not sound like the place your kids would enjoy. But it doesn’t take long in Luang Prabang for the whole family to fall in love with this UNESCO-protected ancient capital city.

Laos’ colonial history has left a bohemian vibe in this ancient Asian city. You’ll find Palaces and temple buildings down every street, colonial-era post offices, and western bakeries. Many still have the original signage in French.

Traditional Laotian food sits beside French baguettes as you walk down the most colorful street market you’ll ever see.

Explore:

• The surrounding mountains
• The Temples
• The Mekong River

Scotland

Scotland probably doesn’t seem like a great family vacation idea, but the Scottish highlands has a charm you won’t find anywhere else.

While the kids taste their first deep-fried Mars Bar, you can sample some Scotch Whiskey or Brewdog beer. And although haggis might not appeal to you and your family, there’s still plenty to look forward to in Scotland.

• Highland Games
• Loch Ness
• Hadrian’s Wall

Tokyo

Ultra-modern and uncompromisingly Japanese, Tokyo sometimes feels like a dream and at others like the inside of a video game. But, no matter how it feels, it’s an experience no family will ever forget.

With more Michelin stars than any other city, Japan has to be tasted to be believed. However, sushi and sashimi are just the tips of the iceberg. Noodle bars, okonomiyaki pancakes, and Kushiage restaurants are all over Tokyo.

Home of Nintendo and Sega, Sony, and Nikon, Tokyo is a tech lover’s dream.

• Disneyland Tokyo
• Pokemon Centre Mega Tokyo
• Harajuku

Skiing in the Alps

Skiing is a great family hobby; your kids will remember the moment they first stepped onto the pure white snow for the rest of their lives. Even if they’ve skied before (you should learn the basics before arriving), there’s nothing like skiing in the Alps.

You don’t need to spend your entire holiday on the slopes. However, the surrounding area offers lots to do and see. You’ll want your fill of Swiss chocolate, cheese, and fondue!

• See the Matterhorn from Zermatt village
• Discover alpine wildlife at The Swiss National Park
• Swiss hot chocolate – cozy up to a log fire in an alpine cabin after a day on the slopes

Bali

Bali offers so much to a family looking for a fantastic vacation. This Indonesian island has everything you’d expect of a tropical island paradise.

The Balinese architecture gives an exotic vibe as you travel around the Island. You will spot shrines and offerings dotting the pavement. Your first time in Ubud is like stepping back in time. Walk the old markets, take in traditional dance, and massage.

Of course, there’s the other side of the island, too. With the beachfront and focus on water sports, you can easily have two vacations in one here in Bali.

• Surfing in Kuta
• Palace
• Sacred Monkey Forest

Orlando Florida

No family vacation list can be complete without Disney World. A trip to Orlando, Florida, is a dream come true for any kid, and despite your tired legs, it’s a family holiday you won’t forget.

There’s more than just Disney to do here in Orlando. There are airboat tours to explore the Everglades, Seaworld, and Kennedy Space Center. And when you need a couple of days off from all the theme parks and water slides, head to Clearwater for cruises and relaxation.

• Magical Kingdom
• Universal Studios
• Animal Kingdom

Yunnan, China

While you probably want to avoid the large cities in China when traveling with children, Yunnan in the west of China is an idyllic family trip. Home to most of China’s ethnic minorities, many different cultures are represented here, which shows up in the food and architecture.

Head to Sichuan if you want to pet baby panda cubs, but if your kids want views like in Kung Fu Panda, you’ll find them all over Yunnan. Head toward Shangrila for a taste of Tibetan culture or Xishuangbanna to meet the Dai people, who are closely related to Thai people

Getting around China can be tricky if you don’t speak the language. Luckily, though, English-speaking tour guides and translators are inexpensive.

• Leaping Tiger Gorge
• Lugu Lake
• Shangrila

Create Your Dream Vacation List

If you’ve made it this far, it’s time to add some destinations to your list of places to visit. Obsidian is excellent for organizing notes and lists, like a vacation bucket list. Copy and paste the places that jumped out at you.