family travel ideas

14 Bucket List Family Travel Ideas You’ll Love

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 new to family travel or consider yourself a seasoned digital slomad, these family vacation ideas will make your next family trip unforgettable.

hawaii
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1. 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 all ages, from 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.

Here are some things to do in Honolulu:

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

2. London, United Kingdom

The capital city of the United Kingdom, London, is many things to many people. London is home to Buckingham Palace and the royal family. It’s an ancient Roman settlement and the town of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.

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 visit the world-class British Museum. When you feel hungry, head to Chinatown for some authentic Chinese food.

Visit platform Nine and a Three-Quarters 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, including countless historic castles, beautiful parks, and the London Eye.

3. The Bahamas

The ultimate Caribbean vacation, The Bahamas has sunshine, beautiful beaches, and tons of fun activities everyone will enjoy for a family travel idea.

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

4. Rome, Italy

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, like visiting the Colosseum and the Vatican City, and eating all the pizza and gelato you can.

Read More: Rome, Italy: A Traveler’s Guide

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa is a vibrant city where African, European, and Malay cultures mix on the tip of southern Africa. Located between the seaside and the imposing Table Mountain, Cape Town is full of kid-friendly outdoor activities, which they’ll be willing to put their phone down for.

Head to Surfer’s Corner to learn to surf or visit Boulder’s Beach penguin colony. Then try your hand at tobogganing at Cool Runnings; their slide is almost a mile long! Some additional things to do in Cape Town include ziplining and visiting Table Mountain, favorites for the whole family.

Read More: Kruger National Park: South Africa’s Iconic Game Reserve

6. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is a great destination for a family beach holiday, and one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. You’ll find pristine white sand beaches there with an ocean that’s never cold. Everything is set up for international tourists here, with top-class restaurants, hotels, and resorts with all the amenities you’d expect back home.

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

The children will enjoy playing on the beach and in the water while mom and dad sip on fresh coconut water. Popular things to do on Phuket island include visiting an elephant sanctuary, ziplining, and even taking a Muay Thai class.

Read More: 15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

7. The Serengeti, Tanzania

Tanzania is a magical place, and taking a safari is certainly a bucket list trip for many travelers. Although you may not typically find it on lists of vacation destinations, the breathtaking sights of Kilamanjaro and incredible wildlife will make it the best family adventure ever.

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.

Read More: Serengeti National Park: Ultimate Travel Guide

8. Luang Prabang, Laos

You may have yet to hear of ancient Luang Prabang. But it won’t take long for the whole family to fall in love with this UNESCO-protected ancient capital city.

Laos’ colonial history 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 their original signage in French.

Traditional Laotian food sits beside French baguettes as you walk down the most colorful street market you’ll ever see. Here you can explore beautiful landscapes from the surrounding mountains and the Mekong River to countless impressive temples.

9. Scotland

Scotland may not be the first family vacation destination to cross your mind, 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, including a visit to Loch Ness, Hadrian’s Wall, and even the opportunity to take in the Highland Games.

Read More: Best Things To Do in the Scottish Highlands

10. Tokyo, Japan

Ultra-modern and uncompromisingly Japanese, Tokyo sometimes feels like a dream, perhaps even like the inside of a video game. No matter how it feels to you, it’s an experience no family will ever forget.

With more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, Japan has to be tasted to be believed. However, sushi and sashimi are just the tip 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.

11. 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!

Make sure you save time to see the Matterhorn from Zermatt, discover alpine wildlife at The Swiss National Park, and enjoy Swiss hot chocolate by the fire in an alpine cabin after a day on the slopes.

Read More: 15 Best Things To Do in Geneva, Switzerland

12. Bali, Indonesia

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.

Balinese architecture portrays 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 get massages.

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 in Bali. Take advantage of all Bali has to offer by surfing in Kuta, visiting the island’s countless palaces, and even stopping at the Sacred Monkey Forest.

13. Orlando, Florida

No family vacation list is complete without Walt Disney World. A trip to Orlando, Florida, is a dream come true for any kid. Despite your legs tiring from a ton of walking around the parks, it’s a family holiday you won’t forget.

There’s more than just Disney 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. Or, if you’re looking for things to do indoors in Orlando, take a trip to WonderWorks!

Be sure to visit the following theme parks:

  • Magical Kingdom
  • Universal Studios
  • Animal Kingdom

14. 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 show up in the food and architecture.

Head to Sichuan if you want to pet baby panda cubs. If your kids want views like in the movie Kung Fu Panda, you’ll find them all over Yunnan. Head toward Shangrila for a taste of Tibetan culture or Xishuangbanna to meet 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. Make sure to visit impressive destinations in Yunnan, such as Leaping Tiger Gorge, Lugu Lake, and even the famous Shangri La.

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. Now is the time to start organizing your bucket list. Copy and paste the places that jumped out at you to plan your dream family vacation!

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

carley rojas avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.