Summer is a favourite time for family travel – workloads are lighter, and school is over. But deciding where to go can be tricky since you’ll have to consider everyone’s needs and preferences. This list should help you with this. Whether you’re looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort, discover the wildlife, hit up the beach, or explore the great outdoors, there’s a destination to match every mood. Refer to the list below for ideas on where you need to go with the family this summer.
Where you Need to Go with the Family This Summer
Croatia
Croatia is an ideal destination for families looking to kickstart their international travel experience with their kids. It’s more affordable compared to many European countries, there are vast food choices for the kids, and there are adventures to be found everywhere!
Begin your adventure by wandering the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik. But if your kids are not avid walkers, hop on the cable car, which soars high above the Old Town, giving you a bird’s eye view of the city with its iconic red rooftops. The cable car runs from the Old Town towards the summit of Mt. Srd, where you’ll find a historic Imperial Fortress.
If you’re looking to escape the city and want to venture into the great outdoors, head to the Plitvice Lakes, one of Croatia’s most stunning national parks. With scenic walking trails, crystal clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, and boardwalks suspended over turquoise waters, this is the place that your adventurous kids will love to visit! The best way to discover the entirety of the park is on a guided tour, where you’ll explore all its breathtaking sights.
Mexico
Mexico is the perfect destination to visit for families looking to hit up the beach or chill out in many of the amazing resorts or luxury villas in Mexico, as there are several excellent options throughout the country. It has hundreds of beaches across the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean. Riviera Maya is one of the great destinations for a family vacation in Mexico, as it’s home to several family-friendly resorts and attractions.
While you will spend most of your days at the beach while on holiday in the Riviera Maya, there are loads of child-friendly attractions and activities to get your kids busy with. The Xplor Park is one of these. Tucked in the jungles of Playa del Carmen, it’s an adventure park featuring zip lines, underground expeditions, and a stalactite river. The Xel-Há Park in Quintana Roo is another theme park suitable for all ages. Here, your kids can partake in various fun activities, from snorkelling to water zip lining and swimming in cenotes!
Go on a day trip to the beautiful Isla Mujeres, famous for its long miles of powdery white sand beaches. The island is also home to fun attractions like a sea turtle sanctuary and the ruins of an ancient Mayan temple.
Cambodia
For something a little different, take your kids to Cambodia. This Southeast Asian country offers families the perfect blend of awe-inspiring ruins, rich culture, remote jungles, and palm-fringed beaches. The massive Angkor Wat complex should be first on your itinerary. Discover the fascinating temple ruins with your little ones, where every step you take brings you deeper into the past. There is no better way to teach your kids the history of this vast monument than to let them explore it with you.
Cambodia is not only about ruins. It also has beautiful beaches that rival the stunning beaches of its neighbouring country of Thailand. So, if you want to relax after all the temple explorations, head to the coast of Sihanoukville, where you’ll find the paradise islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Your kids will love these islands not only for their palm-fringed beaches but also for the laid-back nature that’s waiting for them to explore.
For families who love the wildlife, check out the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park, about an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh. The park also doubles as a rescue centre for hundreds of species, including critically endangered animals.
Tanzania
If you’re seeking to experience the best of Africa’s wildlife safari in Tanzania is the place to go. It has wildlife parks home to large concentrations of wild animals, including the Big Five. Furthermore, its rich culture, including the Masai people, makes the country an exciting destination to explore.
The best place to immerse in the African wilderness is to head to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll discover many exotic animals on your game drive through the park. In Arusha National Park, take your kids on a fun canoeing adventure. Once you get to the park, you’ll embark on a walking safari to explore the park and witness giraffes in their natural habitat.
Discover the island of Zanzibar, home to beautiful beaches and where you can enjoy water sports like kitesurfing, snorkelling, and windsurfing. Stroll through Stone Town, a unique cultural market, to learn more about the local culture.
Italy
Italy is one of those countries that are particularly welcoming to kids, making it an ideal destination to take your family for a holiday. From the picturesque countryside towns to gorgeous islands and ancient cities, there’s a range of things to explore in Italy with your kids.
Lake Garda is a beautiful destination to take your kids to. As the country’s largest lake, it’s home to quaint villages and lush forests, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy water sports. Cinque Terre is another family-friendly destination in Italy that both adults and kids will love. Its relaxing atmosphere and stunning scenery make for a truly unforgettable family holiday. Meanwhile, the Amalfi Coast, with its many beautiful beaches and cliffside hotels, is another ideal spot for a relaxing vacation with the kids.
No trip to Italy will be complete without visiting the capital city. Rome has numerous historical attractions that your kids will love to explore, starting at the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, stop by the pizzerias, and treat the kids to mouth-watering gelatos.
